2025 Audi S3 Initial Driving Impression: Subtle Yet Swift

      Sophistication goes beyond just looks; it's about the overall experience. Audi aimed to demonstrate this with the refreshed 2025 S3, a vehicle crafted to merge luxury comfort with performance. And what better place to test it than Temecula’s wine country, where refinement is evaluated through both exquisite wines and winding roads?

      Just like a well-aged Cabernet harmonizes boldness with grace, the S3 promised an engaging drive that was both dynamic and refined. The pivotal question was: Could it measure up to the locale?

      The Essentials

      For 2025, the Audi S3 offers more than just aesthetic improvements—it receives a significant performance upgrade. The spotlight feature is a standard torque splitter derived from the award-winning RS3, the same technology that enabled the RS3 to achieve a compact car lap record at the Nürburgring.

      Cyril Soliman

      Under the hood, the S3 is equipped with a 328-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine—an admirable increase of 22 hp over the 2024 version and a considerable enhancement from the standard A3’s 201 hp. It delivers a total of 295 lb-ft of torque through a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission to Audi’s renowned Quattro all-wheel drive system. Audi claims that shifts are approximately 50% quicker under full load. Coupled with a retuned suspension for improved handling, the revised S3 is starting to appear as a true performance vehicle.

      In terms of design, the car receives a sleek exterior makeover. The front features a new grille with L-shaped patterns, larger side air intakes, and redesigned LED headlights. Together, these elements create an attractive front profile. At the rear, there are updated vertical reflectors and a more defined rear diffuser. While it may not represent a drastic change from the 2024 model, this new design certainly appears to be an enhancement.

      Audi

      Inside, the vehicle is far from basic. It hosts a tech-laden, luxurious cabin where every surface conveys quality. Similar to the exterior, elements such as door panels and shifter surrounds are sharply designed, contributing to a sporty essence without resorting to conventional red stitching. However, for those who prefer red accents, the standard customizable ambient lighting has that covered.

      Driving Experience

      With a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds, the S3 is impressively quick in straight-line performance, but it truly excels when navigating curves. Recall the torque splitter from the RS3? It can allocate 100% of the available torque to the rear wheel that is on the outside of a corner. Picture a clutch at each rear axle that adjusts based on steering angle, yaw, and grip level. In practice, the handling is extraordinary; the S3 eagerly tackles corners, taking large strides around bends—once it finishes a turn, it seems ready for another.

      With quick throttle response and swift gear shifts, the vehicle eagerly accelerates toward the next curve. Through tight turns, the all-wheel drive system grips the pavement, propelling the car out of each exit.

      Audi

      However, the S3’s demeanor isn’t always aggressive. Shifting from Dynamic mode to Comfort eases everything, allowing me to take in the scenery and appreciate the S3’s excellent visibility. My only significant complaint pertains to the mode selection process.

      To switch modes, you must press the ‘Drive Select’ button on the center stack, which pulls up the options on the 10.1-inch touchscreen. From there, you select your desired mode with a tap. It's a minor annoyance, yet I would prefer the ‘Drive Select’ button functioned as a simple toggle switch rather than invoking an on-screen menu. Otherwise, the S3 is a very comfortable cruiser, particularly with its expansive panoramic sunroof.

      Audi S3 Features, Options, and Competition

      The S3 has traditionally occupied a space between the A3 and RS3 in Audi’s lineup. However, this iteration leans more towards the RS3 thanks to its impressive torque splitter. Priced starting at $49,995 including destination, it competes against the BMW M235 Gran Coupe, the Mercedes-AMG CLA 35, and the Acura Integra Type S. On paper, the S3 offers a lower price while providing more horsepower and a faster 0-60 time.

      Cyril Soliman

      Premium: Starting at $49,995 including destination, the 2025 S3’s standard amenities encompass a 10.1-inch touchscreen, headlight washers, heated front seats, leatherette, a large sunroof, park assist, and three-zone climate control.

      Premium Plus: The $52,395 Premium Plus trim adds features like adaptive cruise control with lane keep assist, Sonos audio, auto-dimming mirrors, wireless charging, and driver’s seat memory.

      Prestige: Opt for the top-tier $56,195 Prestige, and the S3 gains