Introduction to the 2025 Audi RS3
The 2025 Audi RS3 receives a series of thrilling updates that precision-tune its performance and enhance its aesthetic appeal. This raucous little sports sedan continues to impress whether racing around a track or flaunting its distinctive five-cylinder soundtrack. The latest model is more visually aggressive, with several tweaks aimed at enhancing its fun-to-drive factor and improving lap times.
Exterior Enhancements
The refreshed RS3 boasts a meaner look, featuring a wider and flatter grille with enlarged front air intakes. A full-width front splitter accompanied by vertical elements on the bumper recalls larger RS models and adds to its dynamic presence. The car now features new matrix LED headlights with dynamic DRLs, including an eye-catching checkered motif. These lights support three other selectable graphics and perform animated greeting or goodbye sequences. At the rear, updated taillights incorporate an arrow-like design, complementing the revised bumper and large diffuser with bazooka-like exhaust outlets and a red reflector. Additionally, the RS3 comes with 19-inch wheels as standard, with new intricate multispoke design wheels available. The improved standard tires promise better grip without compromising ride quality, while race-compound tires remain optional. New metallic paint choices include ascari blue, progressive red, and matte daytona gray.
Interior Upgrades
Inside, the 2025 RS3 features a redesigned “squircle” steering wheel, flat on top and bottom, wrapped in leather or microsuede. Two new red buttons on the wheel’s spokes—one for the sportiest drive mode and the other for customizable individual settings—enhance the driving experience. A flatter switch replaces the stubby toggle for the electronic shifter on the center console. The interior also showcases available RS bucket seats, combining leather and microsuede on the front and exposed carbon fiber on the back. The dashboard maintains its familiar look, but the 12.3-inch gauge cluster now has a new tachometer design, and the 10.1-inch touchscreen includes an app store.
Performance Highlights
The 2025 RS3 still packs a 401-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic that powers all four wheels. Audi has refined the algorithm controlling adaptive dampers and the torque-vectoring rear differential, enhancing stability and controllability during high-performance driving. Notably, it’s now easier to initiate drifts by adjusting the steering angle, rather than just using the gas pedal. Impressively, the updated RS3 set a new lap record for its class at the Nürburgring Nordschleife with a time of 7:33.123 minutes, driven by Audi’s professional driver, Frank Stippler.
Availability and Pricing
Although the 2025 Audi RS3 has yet to reach U.S. dealerships and pricing remains unannounced, it is expected that the base price will slightly exceed last year’s $63,395 benchmark. Meanwhile, European customers can enjoy the RS3 Sportback variant, which is not available in the U.S.
