“Consider hard the lack of anti-dazzle size-view mirrors and lack of integrated garage-door opener. For a car this expensive, it's actually pretty annoying to not have them. I didn't pay enough attention to features I assumed would be standard. Otherwise, the car is an awesome blast to drive, and ultimately I am happy with the purchase.”
2018 Audi S3: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The main change for the 2018 Audi S3 is that Premium Plus makes blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert standard. Otherwise, this is a quiet carryover after the 2017 refresh, with the same styling, powertrain, and two-trim lineup.
About the 2018 Audi S3
3rd gen Audi S3 sedan for the U.S. market (8V, 2015-2020); 2018 is the second year after the 2017 refresh.
Audi positions the S3 as a compact luxury sport sedan that blends everyday comfort with real performance. It sits between the regular A3 and the more intense RS 3, giving buyers quick turbo power, standard quattro all-wheel drive, and an upscale cabin in a smaller, easier-to-live-with package. Its main draw is that it feels polished and premium in daily use, but still delivers the sharper acceleration and handling expected from an Audi S model.
The 2018 S3 is a compact performance sedan with a 292-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, and standard quattro all-wheel drive. Premium Plus covers the everyday luxury essentials, including heated sport seats, smartphone integration, and a panoramic sunroof. Prestige adds the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, navigation, Bang & Olufsen audio, adaptive cruise control, and active lane assistance.
What changed, by category
Safety
Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert becomes standard equipment on the Premium Plus trim rather than optional.
2018 Audi S3 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0L | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0L |
| Transmission | Automatic, 7-Spd w/S tronic | Automatic, 7-Spd w/S tronic |
| Drivetrain | Quattro AWD | Quattro AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 28 mpg | 28 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 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||
| Alarm System | ||
| Automatic High Beams | ||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||
| Cruise Control | ||
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||
| Fog Lights | ||
| LED Headlights | ||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||
| Rear Spoiler | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| Satellite Radio | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| 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
What changed on the 2018 Audi S3 compared with the 2017 model?
The main change is that blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert becomes standard on the Premium Plus trim. The engine, all-wheel-drive system, styling, and Premium Plus and Prestige trim lineup otherwise carry over.
Was the 2018 Audi S3 redesigned?
No, the 2018 Audi S3 was not redesigned. It is the second model year after the 2017 refresh and carries over without major styling, structural, or technology changes.
Does the 2018 Audi S3 have the same engine as the 2017 model?
Yes, the 2018 S3 keeps the 292-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and standard quattro all-wheel drive used for 2017.
What is the difference between the 2018 Audi S3 Premium Plus and Prestige trims?
Premium Plus combines the S3’s turbo engine and all-wheel drive with heated sport seats, a panoramic sunroof, and smartphone integration. Prestige adds richer technology and driver assistance, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, navigation, Bang & Olufsen audio, adaptive cruise control, and active lane assistance.
Is the 2018 Audi S3 a major update over the 2017 model?
No, the 2018 S3 is not a major update over the 2017 model. Its meaningful improvement is standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert on Premium Plus; most of the car carries over unchanged.
2018 Audi S3 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Audi S3.
4.3
2018 Audi S3
(26 reviews)
“The car has the best interior interactivity in the market. The Virtual Cockpit is best in class and the S3 is very fun to drive.”
“One minute you're driving a comfortable executive sedan and the next you are driving a race car. Play around with Audi drive select and you'll have endless fun.”