2025 Audi RS3 Sedan & RS3 Sportback Revealed Globally with Slight New Updates. The RS3 facelift retains the same 400hp, 2.5-liter, 5-cylinder turbo-petrol engine as its predecessor.
Audi has unveiled a mid-life refresh for the RS3, available in both hatchback and sedan models. The new RS3 features a revitalized exterior and interior design, along with an updated brake torque vectoring system.The RS3 facelift features minor styling updates. It retains the 2.5-liter, 5-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, making it the last Audi model to do so.
Audi RS3 – Exterior Design
The refreshed RS3 boasts a more aggressive look, thanks to its wider and flatter grille and enlarged front air intakes. Its design is further accentuated by a full-width front splitter and vertical elements at the front bumper’s ends, reminiscent of Audi’s larger RS models. The RS3’s design is further enhanced by a new set of Matrix LED headlights featuring dynamic DRLs, with the checkered motif adding a touch of eye-catching design. Additionally, the headlights offer three other selectable graphics, and the car even comes equipped with animated lighting sequences that can simulate greeting or bidding farewell.
The lighting renovation has also been extended to the rear, where the updated taillights now boast an arrow-like design. The RS3’s revamped rear bumper features vertical elements that mirror those on the front. Additionally, the large diffuser, with its bazooka-like exhaust outlets, now incorporates a red reflector. Alongside the standard 19-inch wheels, there’s a new selection of rollers, featuring a more intricate multispoke design. The RS3 also receives an enhanced set of standard tires, Audi claims to be more grippy without compromising on ride quality; however, a set of race-compound tires remains an optional upgrade. The sedan’s metallic paint options have been expanded to include Ascari Blue, Progressive Red, and matte Daytona Gray.
Audi RS3 – Interior Design
The 2025 RS3 features a new “squircle” steering wheel that is flat at both the top and bottom. It is available in either leather or microsuede, and is adorned with two new red buttons attached to the wheel’s spokes. One button, marked with a checkered flag, is likely designed to activate the sportiest driving mode, while the other “RS” button offers quick access to the customizable Individual settings.
The electronic shifter on the center console has evolved from a compact toggle to a sleek, flat switch that’s now a common feature across Audi’s range. Perhaps the most exciting upgrade to the RS3’s interior is the introduction of RS bucket seats, which boast a unique blend of leather and microsuede on the front and exposed carbon fiber on the back. Although the dashboard’s appearance remains unchanged, the 12.3-inch gauge cluster now features an innovative tachometer design, and the 10.1-inch touchscreen has been enhanced to include an app store.
Audi RS3 – Powertrain
The RS3 boasts a powerful 401-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that delivers power to all four wheels. For the latest model year, Audi has fine-tuned the algorithm that governs various aspects of the car, including its adaptive dampers and torque-vectoring rear differential. These adjustments are designed to enhance the RS3’s stability and control during high-performance driving. Additionally, Audi has made it easier for drivers to drift, suggesting that initiating drift is now more intuitive with the steering angle.
With Audi’s professional driver, Frank Stippler, at the helm, the company has achieved a new lap record for its class at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, clocking in at 7:33.123 minutes.
Audi RS3 – Pricing
The 2025 Audi RS3 has yet to make its way to U.S. dealerships, and we’re currently awaiting pricing details. Meanwhile, our European counterparts are enjoying the wagon-like RS3 Sportback, which is not available in the U.S. Once the refreshed RS3 is launched in America, we anticipate that its base price will be slightly higher than last year, when it first went on sale for $63,395.