“Once you test drive this vehicle, you'll want to take it home immediately. It's just a luxurious, fun and safe car to drive everyday.”
Audi S3: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Audi S3 is a compact luxury sport sedan known for quick turbocharged performance, standard all-wheel drive, and everyday comfort. It sits between the regular A3 and the more aggressive RS 3.
Since reaching the U.S. as a sedan for 2015, the S3 has followed the same basic idea: make the small A3 quicker and sharper without turning it into a demanding track-focused car. Its turbo four-cylinder engine, quick-shifting automatic, and standard all-wheel drive have remained central to that formula. Over time, Audi has added more cabin technology, safety features, and performance hardware while keeping the styling relatively understated.
Strengths
- Standard all-wheel drive gives every S3 added confidence when roads are wet or slippery.
- The S3 delivers serious speed from a small turbocharged engine, rated at 328 horsepower for 2026.
- Its compact size and everyday comfort make it easier to live with than a more extreme performance car.
- The styling stays relatively understated for a sport sedan, so it does not call attention to itself.
- Recent versions pair their performance with a modern touchscreen system and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Who it's for
The S3 fits someone who wants a small, upscale sedan that makes a commute or back-road drive more engaging. It is especially appealing to drivers who value year-round traction and strong acceleration but do not want the harder-edged character of an RS 3. Buyers who regularly carry adults in back or need generous cargo room may find its compact dimensions less practical.
Audi S3 lineup
For much of its history, the S3 used Audi’s Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trim ladder. Premium served as the value-focused entry point when offered, Premium Plus added more comfort and technology, and Prestige bundled the lineup’s major lighting, audio, and driver-assistance upgrades. For 2026, Audi replaced that ladder with one well-equipped Base trim that includes items such as navigation, a Sonos audio system, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument display.
Audi S3 generations
From 2015 to 2026, the S3 spans two generations. The current 4th Generation — 8Y arrived for 2022, following the 3rd Generation — 8V (2015–2020).
4th Generation — 8Y (2022–Present)
The 8Y redesign brought sharper styling, a more digital cabin, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and a stronger turbo four-cylinder engine. The 2025 refresh added more power, revised styling, larger front brakes, and a rear system that can split power between the rear wheels for sharper handling.
2 In Stock
2026Trim changes
The U.S. lineup shrinks to one well-equipped trim. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, navigation, Sonos audio, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror become standard.
2025Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front and rear styling joins a 328-hp engine, revised steering and transmission tuning, larger front brakes, and a torque-splitting rear differential.
2024
Carbon Atlas interior trim becomes standard across the lineup.
2023
Small equipment updates affect certain trims, with no broad styling, technology, or mechanical changes.
2022New generation
The fully redesigned S3 arrives with 306 horsepower, sharper styling, a more digital cabin, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and more standard driver-assistance features.
3rd Generation — 8V (2015–2020)
The 8V was the first S3 sedan sold in the U.S. It paired a 292-hp turbo four-cylinder engine with standard all-wheel drive, sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes, and a quick-shifting automatic transmission.
7 In Stock
2020Trim changes
A new entry-level Premium trim joins the lineup, while Prestige is discontinued. This is the final model year before the S3 skips 2021 and returns redesigned for 2022.
2019
Both trims gain full LED lighting, wireless phone-charging hardware, and illuminated aluminum interior trim. Prestige also gains parking steering assistance.
2018
The S3 carries over after the 2017 refresh, with only package-level updates.
2017Mid-cycle update
Refreshed exterior styling, updated lighting, more standard safety features, and standard smartphone integration arrive across the lineup.
2016
A rearview camera and front and rear parking sensors become standard. Prestige gains more safety features, and a new appearance package is added.
2015New generation
The first U.S.-market S3 sedan arrives with a 292-hp turbo four-cylinder engine, standard all-wheel drive, sport-tuned suspension, and upgraded brakes.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Audi S3.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of car is the Audi S3?
The Audi S3 is a compact luxury sport sedan. It combines a quick turbocharged engine, standard all-wheel drive, an upscale cabin, and a more understated look than many sporty compact cars.
How does the Audi S3 fit between the A3 and RS 3?
The S3 is the middle step. It is quicker and more sport-focused than the regular A3, but less hard-edged than the RS 3. That balance makes it easier to live with as an everyday car.
Is the Audi S3 a sedan or hatchback?
U.S. Audi S3 models are four-door sedans. The latest version seats five and has a separate 8.3-cubic-foot trunk rather than a hatchback cargo area.
Does the Audi S3 come as a hybrid?
No. U.S. Audi S3 models use turbocharged gasoline four-cylinder engines rather than a hybrid system.
Is every Audi S3 all-wheel drive?
Yes. The U.S. Audi S3 comes with Audi's quattro all-wheel drive, which sends power to all four wheels for strong traction. Newer refreshed cars also use a rear differential that can shift power between the rear wheels.
Who is the Audi S3 a good fit for?
The S3 suits someone who wants a small, quick sedan that still feels comfortable and polished on a commute. Its compact cabin and trunk make it less suited to shoppers who regularly carry adults in back or bulky cargo.
What are the main Audi S3 generations in the U.S.?
U.S. used-car shoppers will mainly see the 2015-2020 8V generation and the redesigned 2022-on 8Y generation. There was no U.S. S3 for 2021. The newer generation received a major refresh for 2025 rather than a full redesign.
What does the Audi S3 do well as a daily driver?
The S3 mixes brisk performance with useful everyday comfort. Standard all-wheel drive adds confidence in poor weather, while its compact size, automatic transmission, cabin technology, and restrained styling help it fit normal commuting.
Audi S3 Reviews
What owners are saying about the Audi S3.
4.4
Audi S3
(391 reviews)
“The S3 is a very well balance vehicle with very good performance ability while still being a very comfortable daily use vehicle. Engine and transmission are exceptionally smooth.”
“I would say you get what you pay for and that they would be very happy with the comfort & performance of the car”
“The S3 is provides a fun driving experience while also being very comfortable to drive everyday. The size of the car is perfect for city driving and dealing with tight parking spaces. The ride can be a little harsh at times, but expected with a more performance oriented car.”
“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.”
“It is gorgeous, it runs smoothly, it has most of the features I'd like, and it might have been too much car for me. I don't want to get tickets but this car will make that happen one day.”