The fourth generation Audi S3 came out in 2020, and it was an improvement over the previous model in every way. However, its competition also became much tougher, so Audi has decided to give the S3 a thorough refresh for the 2025 model year. Changes are made to the exterior and interior to make the S3 look more premium and expensive, which has been one of the major customer complaints. As a result, the Audi S3 gets higher quality materials inside and some new design solutions, while the exterior benefits from the latest Audi grille and matrix headlights, among other things. However, the new revised drivetrain puts the S3 a step ahead. Besides getting noticeably more power, extensive changes were made to the front suspension for more camber, a rear differential from an RS3, and new software was developed to make it faster. But before we go into more detail, have a quick look at the ones looking for a new owner here at Exotic Car Trader.
The Audi A3 was always a smart-looking thing, but it was obviously a small hatchback. However, with the fourth generation, which came out in 2020, the A3 adopted the front-end design found only on the flagship Q8 up until that time. While that did noticeably upscale the model, the new Audi A3 didn’t match the sales figures of the previous model, selling just under 40,000 examples until 2024 compared to the previous generation, which sold nearly 100,000 units in the first five years. That could be because the SUV trend is taking over even more market share from small hatchbacks, but it doesn’t make the Audi A3 a bad car and the S3 even less so. The Audi S3 includes all the space and practicality of a normal A3 but with enough performance to shame much more expensive sports sedans. Moreover, the 2025 model year should revive sales as it includes a mid-cycle refresh, improving it in every way while keeping the prices the same. Also, the A3 and S3 will stick around for a fifth generation in the same shape and form as the current model, which isn’t the case for a lot of current Audi models.
Audi has done a great deal to make the S3 look more attractive and more expensive inside. After all, that was the main complaint from journalists when it first came out in 2020. The driver will first notice the new sports steering wheel, which now features a flat bottom and a round airbag, as found in the outgoing R8. A bigger infotainment screen has also found its way inside, and we have to say, it looks much more at home in an S3 than in bigger models. The old toggle shifter had been replaced with buttons, while the high-mounted vents got chrome trim. Alcantara and leather are combined throughout the cabin, including the door panels, dashboard, and quilted seats with contrasting stitching. The virtual cockpit is now standard for all trim levels, and Audi has added some nice new ambient lighting. Most notably, the optional door panel lighting with 300 backlit openings adds to the visual depth and complexity at night. With that, the Audi S3 became a worthy contender to its competitors, BMW and Mercedes, and it even looks better and more expensive in some regards.
All new Audi models get the latest grille with L-shaped aluminum inlays, and the S3 gets it for the 2025 model year. The new grille doesn’t look as aggressive or sporty as the old one with a honeycomb mesh, but it does make it look like a much more expensive car. The same L-pattern grille is now, for the first time, found on the rear bumper, and it adds much more visual complexity to the rear end. But that’s not to say the S3 looks benign and tame. With huge front intakes and a decently sized rear diffuser housing quad exhausts, the S3 looks ready to take on any car you come across. Even the side profile adds to the sporty character with pronounced fenders, which look like they were inspired by Group B rally cars. The S3 also gets new matrix headlights, which can project different patterns, while the daytime running lights can be reconfigured through the infotainment system. OLED tail lights were also redesigned to feature vertical lighting elements while the lip spoiler became even bigger. With these changes, the Audi S3 combines the elegant design of a CLA and the sporty, track-oriented look of an M240i, although the fundamental design remains the same.
The previous Audi S3 was already impressive, with 300 horsepower extracted from its turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder engine. However, the new S3 boasts 328 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque thanks to a higher-pressure fuel system and revised software. Audi also tweaked the turbocharger software, allowing them to spin constantly when cruising for improved throttle response. As a result, the Audi S3 now gets to 60 in an advertised 4.5 seconds, although it’s been proven to manage much faster times in the real world. Top speed is still limited to 155 mph. And while the weight remains the same at 3,538 lbs, the S3 handles much better. That’s down to twice as much negative camber on the front wheels to help reduce understeer and a rear wheel torque vectoring system, courtesy of an RS3 differential with twin clutches. Also, the brakes grew to 14” and gained twin-piston calipers. All these changes make the Audi S3 much closer to the M240i when it comes to lap times.
Given that the 2025 Audi S3 will be released next year, the pricing hasn’t been made public yet. However, some estimates say the prices will increase by about $1,500 on average across all three trims. That means the entry-level Premium should start at $50,000, the Premium Plus at $53,000, and the top-of-the-line Prestige at $57,000. Considering all the improvements and the prices of its competitors, we have to say that the S3 has become a better deal than before despite being more expensive.
Ultimately, the Audi S3 isn’t as enticing for track days as the M240i or as luxurious as the Mercedes CLA. But in the real world, the S3 is often even faster than the BMW. With much more standard equipment than a CLA, not to mention a more advanced and sportier-looking interior, the S3 is a worthy contender to both. And once we consider that it has much more space than both and lower prices, the Audi S3 becomes a much smarter choice for most customers. Lastly, if you are looking to buy a used Audi S3 or any other hot hatch, sports sedan, supercar, or SUV, it’s a good idea to buy it through Exotic Car Trader. With escrow protection, delivery, and first inspection, Exotic Car Trader makes the buying process as safe and convenient as it gets. The same goes for those looking to sell their current vehicle with Exotic Car Trader.
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