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Iconic five-cylinder with 400 hp

Under the hood of the updated Audi RS 3 is still the iconic 2.5 TFSI turbocharged five-cylinder engine, good for 294 kW (400 hp) and 500 Nm of torque. This engine is not only powerful, but also an important part of the RS 3’s identity. The unmistakable sound of the five-cylinder becomes even more intense with the optional RS sports exhaust system. Thanks to Quattro all-wheel drive and the smooth-shifting S-Tronic automatic transmission, the RS 3 sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds. Note: these are times normally seen on supercars. Top speed is standard at 250 km/h, but with the RS Dynamic package it can be increased to 290 km/h.

Suspension and driving experience

Audi Sport has equipped the RS 3 with a sharpened chassis, with the torque splitter playing an important role. Thanks to that torque splitter, the RS 3 recipe is better than ever. This system distributes power completely variably to the rear wheels, giving the RS 3 plenty of grip and agility when cornering. The outer wheel receives more power when cornering. This technology keeps understeer to a minimum and even allows for controlled oversteer in RS Torque Rear mode. On the ice track, this proved a guarantee for playful but perfectly controllable drifts. According to Audi, the RS Performance mode was developed specifically for the track and allows for even later braking and earlier acceleration. But whether owners of an Audi RS 3 are so well behaved that they don’t use this mode on the street…?

Two control units

Thanks to an improved algorithm, the chassis control systems now communicate with each other even more precisely, resulting in tighter handling. The two control units of the torque splitter work closely together with the electronic stability control, brake torque vectoring and adaptive dampers of the RS sports suspension. This ensures that the car reacts more sensitively to different driving situations, always matched to the chosen Audi drive select mode. Moreover, this cooperation contributes to additional stability, for example on wet or snowy roads.

Nürburgring Nordschleife

Audi has set an impressive record with the updated RS 3 on the Nürburgring Nordschleife: a lap time of 7:33.123 minutes, making it the fastest compact car on this legendary circuit. For track use, the RS 3 features different driving modes via Audi drive select:

• RS Performance mode: optimized for track use, with modified throttle response and damping.
• RS Torque Rear mode: enables controlled drifts by maximizing torque distribution to the rear wheel.
• Dynamic mode: sharpens steering, gearbox reactions and exhaust noise.

In addition, ESC stability control can be completely disabled, giving the driver complete control over handling. This is especially fun with 400 hp, as that’s enough power to induce drifts.

Adaptive dampers

The Audi RS 3’s adaptive dampers provide a wide spread between comfort and sportiness. In fact, you are buying a car with two faces. In the most dynamic mode, you feel every millimeter of the road, while comfort mode makes the RS 3 suitable for everyday use. Taking the kids to school? No problem! Grocery shopping? Also no problemo. Then, when you have some space – like on an ice track – the RS 3 activates its hooligan mode and goes all out. Audi offers optional Pirelli P Zero semi-slick tires, with which the RS 3 sharpens its track performance even further.

Design Audi RS 3

The updated RS 3 has an even more aggressive design. What stands out? Anyway, the wider Singleframe grille with diamond pattern and the full-width splitter on the front bumper. The front vertical air intakes reference the iconic 1987 Audi Sport Quattro S1 Pikes Peak.

The rear is dominated by a sporty diffuser with a high-gloss finish and the distinctive oval RS exhaust pipes. The standard 19-inch alloy wheels in 5-Y-spoke design enhance the sporty character, while an optional cross-spoke motorsport design is available. Kyala green and Kemora gray metallic colors make the RS 3 stand out, although the majority of buyers will probably go for dark gray or black again. Still a shame, because an RS 3 could use some color as far as we are concerned.

Interior Audi RS 3 2025

Inside the RS 3 is all about sportiness and technology. The RS sport seats offer excellent lateral support and are upholstered in perforated leather. Optional bucket seats are available for extra support on the track. These offer even better light-arm support. The alcantara-clad RS sports steering wheel has a flattened underside and is optionally available with a 12-hour indicator in contrast color. Always do it!

The Virtual Cockpit Plus offers several views, including Sport, Performance and Runway. In the central view, the tachometer is prominently displayed, with shift indicators showing when to get the most out of the engine. In addition, the display shows real-time data such as power, torque, g-forces and lap times. Engine oil and coolant temperatures can also be read directly, which is a useful addition, especially on the track.

Brief history

The first Audi RS 3 appeared in 2011 as a five-door Sportback. The second generation followed in 2015, with a Limousine also becoming available. The third generation appeared in 2021 and introduced the torque splitter. Since then, 80,000 units of the RS 3 have been sold worldwide, making the model a fixture in Audi Sport’s lineup. Only the price: 111,489 euros. That, in turn, hurts. Especially if you tick off some options.

• RS dynamics package: 9,050 euros
• RS design package red plus: 1,090 euros
• Matrix LED headlights: 535 euros
• RS bucket seats: 2,415 euros
• Dinamica microfiber and leather with honeycomb pattern stitching and RS logos: €790
• Electric tailgate: 504 euros
• RS sports exhaust system: 1,210 euros

Before you know it, an Audi RS 3 Sportback with a recommended retail price including VAT and bpm of a hefty 130,410 euros will be in front of your door.

Conclusion Audi RS 3 2025 review: a complete package for the car enthusiast

The updated Audi RS 3 is a car that impresses both on public roads and on the race track. Its iconic five-cylinder engine, razor-sharp handling and sporty design make this one of the most exciting compact sports cars of the moment. Thanks to the torque splitter, it offers playful but controllable handling. Especially on an ice track, you can take full advantage of Quattro all-wheel drive, although we also sign off when Audi makes an RS 3 available to drive a beautiful mountain pass. In that respect, this Audi is more all-round than ever and without question a fantastic fun package.