2025 Audi S3 Advantages and Disadvantages Review: A Fun-to-Drive Car That’s Convenient for Everyday Use

      Andrew P. Collins

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      The 2025 Audi S3 occupies the middle ground in Audi's lineup, positioned between the standard A3 and the performance-oriented RS3. It serves as Audi's high-performance entry-level sedan, and it certainly lives up to that designation. The S3 feels quick and responsive in both urban and rural driving conditions, but what truly stands out are the exceptionally comfortable seats. The visibility is also commendable, making this car a fantastic option for daily commutes and leisurely drives through the countryside.

      While reading comments under our First Drive review, I noticed a few critiques regarding the styling. One reader remarked that the exterior design appears more like it's from 2010 than 2025. I found that amusing; from my perspective, vehicles today often look less appealing than those from previous years. If I mention that in one of my reviews, it’s intended as a compliment.

      The black plastic cladding is somewhat abundant. However, overall, the new S3 presents a sharp, if somewhat subdued, appearance. The real exhaust tips add a touch of flair to the rear. The interior design exudes class, though I was slightly disappointed with the average quality of some of the plastics.

      With 328 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque, a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and a sophisticated user-selectable torque splitter, the S3 is undoubtedly quick. However, it doesn’t encourage reckless driving the way some sporty cars do, nor does it particularly reward aggressive driving behavior.

      I found the car most enjoyable when navigating through larger towns and country roads at a brisk yet socially acceptable speed. Its drawbacks are not major concerns, but there were a few aspects that I found lacking.

      Pros

      One of the most notable aspects for me was the ride quality. The new S3 offers a remarkably smooth and stable ride, even on rough roads, ensuring you don’t feel disconnected from the road. It just feels great. Similarly, I appreciated its handling characteristics—predictable, reliable, and precise. This context is within the realm of typical driving speeds, like cruising at 65 mph in a 55 mph zone, rather than extreme driving on a track. However, the S3’s new rear torque splitter is notably advanced, leading me to believe it could maintain stability even at more aggressive speeds.

      Upon closer inspection, the S3 features attractive crease lines, excellent lighting, and an impressively small spoiler.

      You can check out the quick briefing below for some cool visuals and an idea of what the S3 can offer. It can adjust power between the left and right rear wheels to enhance control in rapidly shifting conditions, and from what I noticed, it operates exceptionally well. The transmission is impressive—quick and responsive. Just shift into “S” mode and let it perform.

      The seats are visually appealing, offer solid support, and remain comfortable for long drives. They come with extendable thigh supports, which I greatly appreciate. The steering wheel feels great, and the overall interior design is cool, simple, and angular, with a hint of retro vibe.

      The S3 allows for some customization; you can alter the car’s handling traits and torque-splitter performance in the settings menu. Nonetheless, I felt the vehicle thrived best in its “automatic” mode.

      The shifter uses a unique slider mechanism that you nudge forward or backward, which quickly becomes intuitive.

      Finally, I appreciated the sunroof featuring a slideable mesh screen independent of the glass opening. This allows you to open the sunroof while keeping the mesh closed for a bit of fresh air without getting too much sunlight on your head.

      Cons

      I’m not inherently opposed to paddle shifters—many I’ve used I enjoy. Unfortunately, the S3’s paddle shifters are disappointing, feeling cheap and unsatisfactory to use.

      While the steering and suspension display some character by modern standards, and there’s a sense of thrust during spirited driving, the engine itself feels rather muted. With music playing or windows down, you hardly hear or feel the engine as the revs rise, meaning that if you plan to shift manually, you must closely monitor the tachometer, which is rather impractical. It makes shifting feel more like timing a mini-game than a driving experience.

      This contributes to why I never felt the urge to unleash the car's full potential. It’s sporty and quick, yet not aggressive. Realistically, this isn’t a drawback—most driving will occur at moderate speeds anyway.

      Another disappointment I noticed was the quality of the broader surface and button plastics in the interior. Many surfaces remind you that you’re inside a good Volkswagen. Additionally, the drive mode interface is quite cumbersome. Modifying the modes requires pressing a “drive select” button below the infotainment display, which then briefly takes over the entire