2025 Audi RS 3

One of the 2025 Audi RS 3’s strengths is its modest size, which keeps weight in check and contributes to the car’s overall agility.

In ascending levels of sportiness, Audi has A cars (the RS 3 is based on the A3), S cars (yes, there’s an S3, too), and then RS cars. This is the most affordable new Audi RS model, another perk of being a subcompact. It’s a niche product, but we’re glad Audi remains willing to provide for this corner of the automotive market, that the company’s enthusiast streak still runs deep.

To illustrate this, the latest RS 3 established a new lap record for its class on the famous and frankly scary North Loop of Germany’s Nürburgring, stopping the clock at  7.33.123. Anything under eight minutes is awesomely quick. Yet the RS 3 can also be perfectly tolerable on public roads.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of subcompact luxury cars, including the Audi RS 3.

The standard adaptive sport suspension in the 2025 RS 3 has been improved for greater precision. In the cosmetics department, new colors and wheel designs accompany minor styling tweaks. And the headlights sport a “checkered flag” design in the LEDs.

Anyone interested in this kind of car should also check out the BMW M2 (which comes solely as a coupe) and the Mercedes-AMG CLA, both starting higher than their Audi rival.

Before buying a new RS 3 subcompact high-performance luxury sport sedan, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying.

In the triumvirate of small yet powerful luxury German cars, the 2025 RS 3 is the most affordable. Yet also the least muscular, with 394 horsepower. To compare, the BMW M2 packs 473 hp, and the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S develops 416 hp.

That said, 394 horses in a subcompact car remains a recipe for a thrilling drive capable of propelling the RS 3 from a standstill to 60 mph in a mere 3.6 seconds. That time is about half a second quicker than the competition, reminding us that there’s more to performance than plain engine output numbers.

That speed is contained and applied to the road by an adaptive suspension that can be firm enough for the track, yet sufficiently forgiving for the commute. This has been improved upon for 2025. Another asset for driving dynamics is the RS Torque Splitter, which makes the outside wheels go faster through a corner than their inside counterparts. It also allows the driver to get the tail out in drift mode, even though this car has all-wheel drive as standard.

Fuel Economy

The 2025 RS 3 achieves 23 mpg in combined city/highway driving. For reference, the BMW M2 returns 19 mpg combined, and the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 (also with standard all-wheel drive) matches the RS 3’s fuel economy.

Audi interiors are typically neat, elegant, high-quality and refined. Into this mix, add extra bolstering for the seats to hold their occupants snug through fast corners, and extended ambient LED lighting. This year, the RS 3 also gains a new flat-bottomed/flat-topped steering wheel wrapped in perforated leather, with the option of Alcantara (simulated suede) wrapping. The air vents and gear shifter have also been redesigned. And previous silver accents are replaced this year by dark grey metal.

On a more practical note, 35.2 inches of rear legroom is pretty good for a subcompact sedan and better than rival cars from BMW and Mercedes-Benz. However, the RS 3’s trunk space of 8.3 cubic feet loses out to the competition.

For a subcompact sedan, the 2025 RS 3 has an undeniable presence, while still retaining that usual Audi gift for understatement. This year brings tweaks to the grille, along with larger air intakes. New colors for 2025 are Arkona White, Progressive Red Metallic, and Ascari Blue Metallic. The RS 3 offers new wheel designs as well.

10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen
Granted, newer cars have bigger displays, but hear us out. Sometimes it’s good to have a less distracting system, especially when you’re busy driving with bit of gusto — which will be a common occurrence in an RS 3.

Sonos audio
Not a widely known name in automotive entertainment, but the 15-speaker surround-sound system that comes standard in the RS 3 sounds pretty good to our ears.

Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Every new RS 3 comes standard with the ability to integrate smartphones without a cable. This is a great convenience and helps keep the cabin tidy.

Virtual Cockpit
Audi blazed the trail for digital instrument clusters and we think this one is still great. It even has a special RS look.

Top-view camera
Even though the RS 3 is a subcompact sedan with excellent outward vision, it’s still good to see all around the car when maneuvering.

Dynamic Plus package
We would probably choose this option, mainly for the hard-wearing ceramic front brakes. Super-grippy ultra-high-performance summer tires are also included.

The RS 3 enjoys a meaty 394 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque generated by a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with five cylinders in a line. It’s an unusual configuration, but has its charms and distinctive sound. This connects to a 7-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive is standard.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

Audi’s new-vehicle and powertrain warranties last four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. This coverage is typical among European luxury car manufacturers. Roadside assistance is also included.

Safety Ratings

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has named the A3 (on which this RS 3 is based) a Top Safety Pick+. Standard safety equipment includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.