Body Styles

The Audi RS3 is available in two body styles: the 5-door Sportback hatchback, primarily sold in Europe and select global markets, and the 4-door Sedan, more widely available including North America. Both versions feature widened front and rear tracks, flared fenders, an aggressive honeycomb grille, and signature RS oval exhaust tips. The RS3 stands out within the A3 lineup thanks to unique front and rear bumpers, larger air intakes, and a lower stance, all engineered for performance without compromising daily usability.

Model Name Meaning (Manufacturer)

“RS” stands for RennSport (Racing Sport), Audi Sport GmbH’s highest performance designation. The number “3” ties it to the A3 platform, but the RS3 shares little mechanically with its base-model siblings. The inclusion of the iconic inline-5 turbo engine, unique drivetrain tuning, and motorsport-inspired design places the RS3 as the spiritual successor to the Group B rally cars and the modern halo hot hatch for the Audi brand.

Model Name Meaning (Languages)

The “RS” moniker is understood globally as a symbol of high-performance Audi engineering. The number “3” clearly positions it in the compact segment, and together “RS3” has become synonymous with quattro-fueled, five-cylinder power in every major market. It is particularly admired in Europe and Australia, where Sportback variants dominate, while the U.S. market has embraced the Sedan body style for its aggressive yet understated design.

Body & Interior Colors and Rims

The RS3 is offered in a range of bold and motorsport-inspired finishes. Signature colors include Kyalami Green, Kemora Grey, Turbo Blue, Python Yellow Metallic, Glacier White, Mythos Black, and Daytona Grey Pearl. The Sportback and Sedan can be ordered with contrast gloss black or aluminum trim packages, while the Edition Performance adds exclusive matte or satin finishes like Dew Silver or Nogaro Blue with blacked-out badges and dark optics. Certain markets also offer Audi Exclusive custom paints like Misano Red or Merlin Purple.

The interior is purpose-built yet upscale, featuring standard Nappa leather RS sport seats with honeycomb stitching, contrast piping (Green, Red, or Copper depending on package), and embossed RS logos. Upholstery options include Black with Rock Grey stitching, Black with Red, or Black with Green contrast. The dashboard features carbon fiber or matte aluminum trim, and the 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus displays RS-specific graphics including shift indicators, g-force meters, and lap timers. Optional ambient lighting packages and a flat-bottom Alcantara steering wheel further enhance the experience.

Wheels for the RS3 range from 19-inch 5-Y-spoke designs in platinum or black, up to 19-inch forged aluminum wheels with semi-slick Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires on the RS3 Performance Edition. Finishes include Anthracite Black Gloss, Titanium Matte, and Bicolor diamond-cut alloys. Red-painted brake calipers are standard, while ceramic front brakes with grey or blue calipers are available in higher trims. The wide fender flares allow for a square tire setup, and the staggered camber setup improves turn-in and mid-corner stability — both inspired by Audi’s racing programs.

Top Expensive Options

• RS Dynamic Package Plus (ceramic brakes + 290 km/h limiter): $6,000
• RS Sports Exhaust System with Black Tips: $1,200
• Matrix LED Headlights with Digital Daytime DRL Signatures: $1,000
• RS Design Interior Package (Green/Red/Copper): $800
• MMI Navigation Plus with Touch Response: $1,500
• Bang & Olufsen Premium 3D Sound System: $950
• Adaptive Suspension with RS Mode Tuning: $1,200
• Carbon Engine Cover and Door Mirror Caps: $1,300
• Heated RS Carbon Bucket Seats (Europe): $2,000
• Panoramic Roof (Sedan): $1,000

vs Competitors

The Audi RS3 competes with the Mercedes-AMG A45 S, BMW M2 G87, and Honda Civic Type R FL5 in the compact performance space. While the A45 S has more horsepower and AWD as standard, the RS3 counters with more emotional drivetrain character, better ride comfort, and a more usable daily layout, especially in Sedan form. The BMW M2 is RWD-only and manual-capable, but lacks the all-weather confidence and five-cylinder heritage of the RS3. The Type R is more raw and FWD-limited, but undercuts in price. Where the RS3 truly dominates is in character: the warbling turbocharged inline-5, paired with variable drift-capable quattro torque split and Audi’s clean cockpit layout, creates a unique combination of practicality and motorsport soul.

Fun Fact

The RS3 is the only car in its segment with a turbocharged five-cylinder engine, a layout that harks back to Audi’s legendary Quattro S1 rally cars. It also features a rear torque splitter capable of fully overdriving the outside rear wheel — enabling true torque vectoring drift modes, a first for any Audi. In the Nürburgring Nordschleife, the RS3 Sedan lapped in 7:40.8, making it the fastest compact car ever on the ’Ring at launch.