Audi RS 3 High Performance & Special Editions

Last updated August 4, 2026

Audi RS 3

The Audi RS 3 lineup centers on the base RS 3, grouped here under High Performance. It is the regular-production compact sport sedan, known for its turbocharged five-cylinder engine, all-wheel-drive grip, and everyday usability. The 2020 Nardo Edition is the Special Editions branch. It keeps the same basic five-cylinder formula but has a more aggressive factory setup, including fixed sport suspension, a sport exhaust, and a 174-mph top-speed calibration.

What each trim is known for

Audi RS 3 High Performance

High Performance

base

The High Performance trim level, represented by the base RS 3, is the core compact sport sedan with five-cylinder character, strong all-wheel-drive grip, and a driver-focused cabin.

Best for: Drivers who want serious performance in a small four-door that still works for ordinary trips.

Highlights

  • Turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine
  • quattro all-wheel drive; newer versions add an RS torque splitter and specialized driving modes
  • Adaptive suspension with damper control
  • Driver-focused digital displays; newer examples add features such as a head-up display and RS-specific performance views
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Audi RS 3 Special Editions

Special Editions

Nardo Edition

The Special Editions trim level, represented by the 2020 Nardo Edition, is a small-batch RS 3 with a sharper factory setup rather than extra engine power.

Best for: Shoppers who want a more distinctive, track-minded RS 3 with focused suspension and exhaust hardware.

Highlights

  • Fixed sport suspension
  • Sport exhaust system
  • 174-mph top-speed calibration
  • 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and navigation-enabled infotainment

Compared with the base RS 3, the Nardo Edition substitutes fixed sport suspension for the adaptive setup and adds a sport exhaust, a higher top-speed calibration, and more cockpit technology as standard.

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Trim comparison

FeatureHigh PerformanceSpecial Editions
Includes
base4 in stock
Nardo Edition0 in stock
Lineup roleCore base RS 3Small-batch 2020 Nardo Edition
SuspensionAdaptive dampersFixed sport suspension
Performance focusEveryday performance and gripSharper, more track-minded setup
Defining drivetrain hardwarequattro AWD; newer versions use an RS torque splitterquattro AWD with 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
Cabin emphasisDriver-focused digital displays; equipment varies by year12.3-inch digital cluster and navigation-enabled infotainment

Frequently asked questions

How many Audi RS 3 trims are there?

The recent U.S. RS 3 usually follows a one-trim format, with the regular car labeled Base. The main exception in this history is the limited-run Nardo Edition from 2020.

What does Base mean on an Audi RS 3?

Base is the regular RS 3, not a stripped-down economy model. In the latest lineup it is the only trim and includes the five-cylinder engine, torque-splitting all-wheel drive, adaptive suspension, digital gauges, and Matrix-design LED headlights.

Does the RS 3 use Premium Plus or Prestige trim names?

No in the recent U.S. lineup. Unlike many other Audis, the RS 3 is sold as one highly equipped Base trim rather than a Premium Plus or Prestige ladder.

What is the Audi RS 3 Nardo Edition?

The Nardo Edition is a limited-run 2020 special edition with the regular RS 3’s five-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive. It adds a fixed sport suspension, sport exhaust, higher top-speed calibration, and extra standard cabin tech.

What is the difference between the regular RS 3 and the Nardo Edition?

The Nardo Edition is more focused, not a different model underneath. Compared with the regular 2020 RS 3, it bundles a fixed sport suspension, sport exhaust, 174-mph top-speed calibration, digital gauges, and navigation-enabled infotainment.

Is the Nardo Edition more powerful than the regular RS 3?

No. The Nardo Edition keeps the regular car’s turbocharged five-cylinder engine. Its distinction comes from a sharper factory setup, louder exhaust, higher top-speed calibration, and added equipment rather than extra engine output.

Which RS 3 version makes more sense for everyday driving?

The regular RS 3 is the simpler fit for most daily drivers. Newer Base models use adaptive dampers that adjust the suspension response, while the 2020 Nardo Edition has a fixed sport setup aimed more squarely at focused driving.

Which RS 3 version is the more track-focused choice?

The Nardo Edition is the more focused factory version among the trims covered here. Its fixed sport suspension, sport exhaust, and higher top-speed calibration give it a more aggressive setup than the regular 2020 car.

What is the difference between adaptive and fixed suspension on RS 3 trims?

Adaptive suspension changes how firmly the car controls bumps and body movement, giving newer Base models more flexibility. The Nardo Edition’s fixed sport suspension keeps one firmer, more focused setup without adjustable damper settings.

Do all RS 3 trims have the RS torque splitter?

No. The torque splitter arrived with the redesigned 8Y generation for 2022 and is standard on newer Base models. Earlier 8V cars, including the Nardo Edition, use an older version of Audi’s all-wheel-drive system.

Is a head-up display standard on every RS 3?

No. Equipment varies by era. The head-up display became standard on the latest 2026 Base model and shows RS-specific performance information, but it should not be assumed on older used examples.

What equipment comes on the latest Base RS 3?

The latest Base trim includes a 394-hp five-cylinder engine, torque-splitting all-wheel drive, adaptive suspension, Matrix-design LED headlights, a head-up display, a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, and a 15-speaker Sonos audio system.

What cabin tech comes with the Nardo Edition?

The 2020 Nardo Edition includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and navigation-enabled infotainment with handwriting input, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

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