2025 Audi S3: Coolest Performance Features From New Model Update

The Audi S3 Received More Than a Facelift

The Audi S3 slots between the more civilized A3 and the race-ready, 401-horsepower RS3. The compact performance sedan is an ideal candidate for driving enthusiasts who need a practical means of transportation but want it with an added dose of speed. Buyers will definitely get that now, as the Audi S3 was updated for the 2025 model year, which included some performance and exterior enhancements.

Those changes included more horsepower and torque, a reinforced driveline, and a few chassis tweaks for more traction under high-performance driving, making the Audi S3 an excellent choice for those who love to push the pedal to the floor when the road opens up. Here are some of the coolest performance upgrades that came with the Audi S3’s facelift.

The Audi S3 boasts more power for 2025

The Audi S3 has always been powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, but it has steadily made more power as the years have gone on. For 2025, Audi extracted more ponies out of the little powerhouse, and it now produces 328 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. That’s an increase of 22 horsepower and 15 lb-ft of torque over the last model.

That may not sound like much, but it’s enough to feel it in the seat of your pants. The power is sent through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and out to all four wheels via the brand’s Quattro drive system.

With More Power Comes More Traction

Speaking of Audi’s Quattro system, the new S3 uses a new torque-split system from the RS3 as well as a new front differential for more traction. There’s also a new Dynamic Plus mode, which turns the S3 up to 11 when it’s engaged by adjusting the traction control and livening up the engine’s throttle response. To help with acceleration, Audi also included a launch control feature for quicker sprints up to 60 mph and beyond. According to Audi, the S3 can get up to 60 mph from a standstill in only 4.4 seconds.

The Audi S3 has the looks to match

Audi updated the S3’s looks for 2025, which match the car’s upgraded performance. Some of the changes include new front and rear LED lighting designs, a frameless front grille that’s wider and flatter, and a revised rear bumper with a glossy black apron above the diffuser. Compared to the last iteration of the S3, the changes look minimal, but they add to the car’s overall sporty look and give it a distinctive design over other cars in its class.

More power equals more money

The 2025 Audi S3 is currently on sale and has a starting price of $49,995, which is a $1,500 increase over the last model. Considering the updates, the bump in cost could be considered worth it, but some may consider it too steep.

It’s also no secret that the Audi S3 is a small car. After all, it does reside in the luxury compact car class. On that note, it’s important to take into consideration that although the car can fit up to four adults somewhat comfortably, the rear seat space will be a tight fit for most. And while the S3 could be good for shorter commutes, longer road trips could prove uncomfortable for tall passengers and drivers.

Final thoughts

The 2025 Audi S3’s updates for the new model year were well-executed, and it looks like it’s a great compromise for those wanting more than what the A3 can offer but don’t want to spend $63,400 on the high-performance RS3. The S3’s styling and performance updates can be well worth the price of entry, but the higher price may be out of reach for some. However, considering the Audi S3’s power upgrades bring it up to near-RS3 levels of performance, we think the price increase is worth every penny.