Audi RS3 2025 Sets Itself Apart with Competitive Pricing
Audi is ramping up its lineup with a slew of new models this year, alongside enhancements to its compact sedan, the A3. On Thursday, the automaker unveiled the U.S. pricing for the 2025 RS3, set at $64,695, which includes a $1,295 destination charge. This marks a modest $1,300 rise from the 2024 version, yet it still remains a few thousand dollars cheaper than its closest competitors.
Pricing Comparison
Here’s how the 2025 models stack up:
- Audi RS3: $64,695
- BMW M2: $66,675
- Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S: $68,200
The RS3 delivers 394 horsepower, trailing behind the BMW M2’s 473 hp and the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S’s 416 hp. However, the RS3 boasts the last of the five-cylinder engines in production, adding a unique character to its performance.
Enhancements for 2025
The 2025 RS3 features exterior and interior updates similar to those seen in the A3 and S3 models. Additionally, Audi has refined the vehicle’s chassis, including a retuned rear differential that allows full power distribution to each rear wheel. Adaptive dampers have also been adjusted to enhance both ride comfort and handling stability.
In testing, the updated RS3 achieved a Nürburgring Nordschleife lap time of 7:33.123, shaving over seven seconds off its predecessor’s time. This improvement is notable given that the RS3’s power output remains unchanged.
Pricing Compared to the S3
The RS3 is priced significantly higher than the S3, which starts at $49,995 and produces 328 horsepower from its turbocharged four-cylinder engine. However, when options are added to the S3, the price can easily surpass $60,000, positioning the RS3 as the natural progression from where the S3 ends. The additional cylinder not only boosts performance but also infuses the RS3 with enhanced personality.
