“The Audi S3 is solidly built with many innovations. The build quality is excellent and the performance is top notch.”
2016 Audi S3: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important change for the 2016 Audi S3 is that a rearview camera and front and rear parking sensors became standard across the lineup. This is otherwise a light feature update rather than a redesign.
About the 2016 Audi S3
3rd generation S3 (8V sedan), second U.S. model year, pre-facelift.
Audi positioned the S3 as the sharper, faster version of the A3 sedan: small enough to feel nimble, but with the power, traction, and upscale cabin feel buyers expected from a larger Audi. Its main appeal was blending near-300-hp performance, standard quattro all-wheel drive, and a driver-focused interior into a compact sedan that could still work as a daily driver. Compared with rivals, Audi leaned on understated styling, strong traction, and a premium cabin rather than a loud personality.
The Premium Plus delivers the core S3 experience with a 292-hp turbo four-cylinder engine, quattro all-wheel drive, a quick-shifting dual-clutch transmission, heated power sport seats, and keyless access. Prestige keeps the same performance hardware but adds full LED lighting, navigation, upgraded Bang & Olufsen audio, and a broader set of driver-assistance features.
What changed, by category
Safety
A rearview camera and front and rear parking sensors became standard across the lineup. Prestige also made lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning with automatic braking, and adaptive cruise control standard instead of grouping them in an extra package.
Styling
Audi introduced the Black Optic Performance package, which paired a darker exterior look with magnetic ride suspension.
2016 Audi S3 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0L | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0L |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd S Tronic | Auto, 6-Spd S Tronic |
| Drivetrain | Quattro AWD | Quattro AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 23 mpg | 23 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 31 mpg | 31 mpg |
| Horsepower | 292 hp | 292 hp |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 10 cu-ft | 10 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.1 in | 35.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||
| Fog Lights | ||
| HID Headlights | ||
| LED Headlights | ||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||
| Rear Spoiler | ||
| Bluetooth | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| Satellite Radio | ||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||
| Remote Start | ||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2016 Audi S3 redesigned?
No. The 2016 S3 kept the pre-facelift third-generation body and the same core performance setup as 2015. Its updates focused on standard equipment, driver-assistance features, and a new appearance package.
What became standard on every 2016 Audi S3?
A rearview camera and front and rear parking sensors became standard on every 2016 Audi S3. These were the main lineup-wide changes for the year.
What changed on the 2016 Audi S3 Prestige?
The 2016 S3 Prestige made lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning with automatic braking, and adaptive cruise control standard. Those features had previously been grouped in an extra safety package.
What is the 2016 Audi S3 Black Optic Performance package?
The Black Optic Performance package was new for 2016. It combined a darker exterior appearance with magnetic ride suspension.
Is the 2016 Audi S3 meaningfully different from the 2015 model?
The differences are modest. The 2016 model is most appealing if standard parking aids matter to you, while Prestige models also gained more standard driver-assistance technology; the 292-hp turbo engine, all-wheel drive, and dual-clutch transmission carried over.
2016 Audi S3 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Audi S3.
4.5
2016 Audi S3
(93 reviews)
“Audi build well crafted and engineered vehicles that are deigned to to very last detail. It is this thoughtfulness that keeps me coming back to the brand. Along with their desire to build innovative vehicles for the future.”
“very fun car to drive. excellent overall quality. however, the ride is definitely rough; and the gas mileage is far worse than expected.\nbeautiful car, phenomenal driving characteristics, great tech”