Audi has given its RS3 Sportback and Sedan models a nip and tuck for the 2025MY. Aside from the olfactory upgrades (more about that below), the RS3 gets a sharper look, a tweaked chassis, and a slightly louder exhaust. It’s faster in corners, and it’s still got that bonkers five-cylinder engine, which will bow out after nearly five decades in Audi’s stable (in one form or the other) when production ends for the two compact models and the RS Q3 SUV.
More: 2025 Audi RS3 Corners Harder, Oversteers Easier, And Smells Better
RS3 HATCH & SEDAN
Weirdly, it also gets nose job, but not the one you’re thinking about. The German automaker has obsessed over the smell of its hot compact model, as it deployed a crack team of fragrance experts to ensure the RS3 smells as premium as its price tag. Nearly 200 interior components were dissected and analyzed in a quest to ensure it has an aroma that customers will appreciate…
RS3 SEDAN
The RS3 Sedan, the only version heading to North America, recently obliterated the BMW M2’s Nürburgring lap record with a time of 7:33.123 minutes, setting a new benchmark for compact cars at the Green Hell. The pre-production prototype clocked in over 7 seconds faster than the 2021 RS3 and more than 5 seconds ahead of the previous compact segment record set by the BMW M2 Coupe.
RS3 SPORTBACK
Both the RS3 Sedan and Sportback variants are powered by Audi’s 2.5-liter five-cylinder connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, still delivering 400 PS (394 hp) and 500Nm (369 lb-ft) of peak torque in European spec, still hitting 62 mph in 3.8 seconds with quattro, and still—on the top-tier Carbon Vorsprung trim—reaching a 180 mph (290 km/h) top speed.
RS3 DETAILS
Audi’s refreshed RS3 Sedan and Sportback will hit European dealerships in October, but don’t hold your breath, America—yours (and by that, we mean the Sedan only) won’t arrive until late 2024 or early 2025. We should know more specific details in the coming weeks.