A month after Audi unveiled the facelifted A3, the sportier S3 Sedan and S3 Sportback have also been updated with a more powerful power output. When it came time to update the 2025 S3, Audi engineers worked their magic on the 2.0-liter four-cylinder TFSI engine. It now produces 328 hp and 42.8 kgm of torque, 22 hp and 2 kgm more than the pre-facelift model. The facelifted model accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).
Audi says the turbocharger maintains a constant rev to improve performance when the new S3 is driven steadily at low to medium acceleration. The seven-speed S tronic gearbox has also been modified, cutting shift times under acceleration in half. The new model is also equipped with the same torque divider as the RS 3, which allows for a fully variable torque distribution between the rear wheels.
It's not just the engine and transmission changes that make the 2025 S3 even better. There are also six driving modes, including Dynamic Plus, which forces the torque divider to send as much torque as possible to the rear wheels and to the rear wheels on the outside of the corner, giving the car a tendency to oversteer. Throttle response is also improved in this mode.
The new S3 has a lot more to offer fans. It fits more robust wishbone and steering bearings, optimises the progressive steering system, fits S Sport suspension as standard, and reduces the vehicle height by 15 mm compared to the standard A3. Wheel-selective torque control for braking the wheels on the inside of a turn is also optimised for the 2025 model. There is also a 357 mm front brake rotor and an enhanced braking system with new two-piston calipers.
Then let's talk about design. The new S3 for 2025 has a new grille, tweaked LED and LED matrix headlights, and configurable daytime running lights. The interior also features a new gear lever, air conditioning vents, ambient lighting system and backlit fabric panels inside the front doors. Other unique touches found in the S3 include a black roof trim, stainless steel pedal sets, aluminum trim, sports seats, and some carbon fibre components.
The 2025 Audi S3 will be sold at European dealerships this season, starting at 55,600 euros (436,000 yuan)