Here’s How The New 2022 Audi RS3 Sportback Compares To The Mercedes-AMG A45 S

In recent years, hot hatches have evolved into absurdly fast vehicles with immense power figures that are packed with performance-oriented technology, while retaining the practicality and friendly character of their humble variants. At the top of the segment, the absolute king of hyper hatches is the Mercedes-AMG A45 S but there is now a new kid on the block trying to steal its crown – the new Audi RS3 Sportback.

With BMW out of the game – the BMW M135i xDrive is an Audi S3 Sportback and Mercedes-AMG A35 4MATIC rival – the battle is raging between Audi and AMG both in terms of performance but also in terms of luxury and technology. Both models are five-door hatchbacks but their capabilities – and pricing – are closer to grand tourers and sportscars. But which one will prevail? Let’s start with the specifications:

To sum up, the Mercedes-AMG is still the most powerful hot hatch ever made with +14 hp (11 kW / 14 PS) more than the US-spec Audi, with both cars producing 500 Nm (368 lb-ft) of torque. Furthermore, both have dual-clutch transmissions and AWD systems with sophisticated torque-vectoring, launch control, and drift modes.

While down on power, in terms of performance the Audi is quicker by 0.1 seconds in the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) sprint, and also has a higher top speed of +13 mph (+20 km/h) when specified with the optional RS Dynamic package. We don’t have a track time to compare, but we believe it will be a very close battle between the two.

Exterior Design

While power and performance figures are an objective way of measuring up cars, the design is always subjective. Our team at Carscoops is mixed between the two hyper hatches. Both of them try hard to look aggressive with wide fenders and large grille/intakes.

Mercedes-AMG’s A45S may have four decorative exhaust tips, but there’s only one exhaust pipe behind them on each corner, while Audi’s RS3 is the exact opposite, with four exhaust pipes behind two oval tips at the back.

The Audi probably looks meaner but the Mercedes-AMG has the most prominent aero components including an impressive roof spoiler which is included in the optional Aerodynamic Package. It also has four exhaust tips but only two exhaust pipes sitting behind them, one on each side, while the Audi has four exhaust pipes leading to a pair of oval pipes. As for the wheels, the BBS-style design of the Mercedes is probably the coolest of the two.

Interior Design

Inside, both models look high-tech with fully digital cockpits and plenty of sportiness in the form of Alcantara and bright colored accents. The A3 is incorporating Audi’s latest design language as the youngest model here, with separate blocks connected in the dashboard. In contrast, Mercedes-Benz has moved on from the horizontal dual-screen setup of the A-Class in a vertical layout, however, that doesn’t mean that the A45 S doesn’t look futuristic still.

Which one gets your vote?

So after our quick comparison, which one would you happily drive home? Is it the fastest hot hatch by Audi Sport or the most powerful one from Mercedes-AMG? We are looking forward to reading your comments.