2025 AUDI S3 | WAUJ5DGY7SA058173

Body Styles

The Audi S3 is offered in two body styles depending on market: a 4-door compact performance sedan and a 5-door hot hatch Sportback. Both share sharp proportions, an aggressive stance, flared wheel arches, and a distinctive honeycomb grille design. The Sedan offers a more traditional premium look, while the Sportback leans toward practical dynamism with a slightly shorter overall length and a sportier roofline. Despite compact dimensions, interior space is highly efficient, with a focus on driving ergonomics and usability.

Model Name Meaning (Manufacturer)

The “S” prefix in Audi nomenclature designates performance-oriented models, developed as sportier, more powerful versions of the standard A-line vehicles. "3" places it within the compact luxury class, alongside the A3 and below larger S4 and S5 siblings. The S3 has always symbolized the entry point into Audi’s high-performance quattro world, combining daily usability with impressive all-weather speed and composure.

Model Name Meaning (Languages)

The "S3" designation is universally consistent across global markets. In English, German, French, and Spanish, the “S” universally stands for “Sport”, while "3" clearly places the car within Audi’s compact segment. This simple and consistent alphanumeric naming ensures instant recognition and aspirational value in every major market.

Body & Interior Colors and Rims

The Audi S3 offers a vibrant and diverse color palette that underlines its dual luxury-sport identity. Standard colors include Ibis White, Brilliant Black, and Navarra Blue Metallic, which showcase clean lines and reflect light elegantly. Sportier finishes include Tango Red Metallic and Turbo Blue, both highly dynamic and popular among younger buyers. More premium shades like Python Yellow and Glacier White Metallic are offered especially in S line and S3 Performance trims, adding visual drama. Certain markets also introduce District Green Metallic and Manhattan Grey Metallic for buyers preferring a more subdued, stealthy performance aesthetic.

Inside, the S3 continues Audi’s minimalist but tech-forward cabin philosophy. Standard interior trims include fine Nappa leather in Black, Rotor Grey, or Arras Red, often with contrasting diamond stitching. Sport seats with integrated headrests come standard, while optional RS Design Packages add expressiveness through color-contrasted seat belts, Alcantara dashboard inlays, and illuminated aluminum or carbon fiber trim elements. Finely textured brushed aluminum and piano black accents are prevalent across dashboard and door inserts, while ambient lighting packages allow buyers to tailor interior color moods with up to 30 different tones.

Wheel options for the S3 range from standard 18-inch 5-Y-spoke designs in Platinum Gray to more aggressive 19-inch 5-arm trapezoid or twin-spoke alloys finished in Gloss Anthracite Black or Machined Bicolor. Performance models and packages allow optional lightweight forged wheels, red brake calipers, and summer performance tire fitments. In Europe, buyers can select from Audi Sport-specific designs, including unique twin-arm flow-formed options that reduce unsprung mass and enhance dynamic precision.

Top Expensive Options

• RS Design Interior Package (Red or Blue accents): $1,500
• Matrix LED Headlights with Dynamic Turn Signals: $1,200
• Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Audio System: $950
• Adaptive Suspension with Drive Select: $1,000
• 19-inch Audi Sport Performance Wheels: $1,400
• S Sport Seats with Fine Nappa Leather: $900
• Dynamic Plus Package (raised top speed, aluminum brakes): $1,900
• Panoramic Glass Sunroof (Sedan only): $1,200
• Virtual Cockpit Plus (12.3-inch display upgrade): $750
• Heated Steering Wheel and Extended Climate Package: $650

vs Competitors

The Audi S3 competes in the highly contested compact luxury performance segment, going against the BMW M235i Gran Coupe and Mercedes-AMG A35 Sedan. Compared to the M235i, the S3 offers more composed AWD dynamics and a superior cabin layout, albeit with slightly less aggressive chassis tuning. Against the AMG A35, the S3 counters with better material quality, a quieter ride, and a more polished everyday character, while offering almost identical straight-line performance. Against the Volkswagen Golf R (with which it shares its MQB Evo architecture), the S3 trades slight rawness for a more luxurious and mature premium feel.

Fun Fact

The S3 was the first-ever compact car to introduce quattro AWD paired with a turbocharged engine when it debuted back in 1999. In the 8Y generation, the S3 retains this DNA but adds new predictive AWD torque vectoring, which constantly preloads the rear axle even before wheel slip occurs — resulting in significantly sharper handling without sacrificing comfort or daily usability.