Overview
The 2024 Audi S3 isn’t a track hero like its mightier sibling—the 401-hp RS3—but it’s still a lot of fun. What makes the S3 more entertaining than the regular 201-hp A3 sedan that it’s based on? How about a 306-hp turbo four that shoved it to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds—almost 2 ticks quicker than the A3. The all-wheel-drive-only S3 isn’t just quicker, its specially tuned chassis provides better handling too, with a ride that straddles the line between livable and lively. That duality extends to the interior where a tech-centric interface mixes with attractive materials and desirable features. Too bad the stubby shifter and laggy engine response in some drive modes diminish the experience. We also wish the steering provided better feedback, but it doesn’t ruin the car’s otherwise terrific driving traits. The 2024 S3 mostly gives Audi fans a little sedan that’s sportier than the regular A3 yet less extreme—and less expensive—than the racy RS3.
Where This Vehicle Ranks
What’s New for 2024?
For 2024, the S3 line doesn’t receive any significant changes. The most notable things involve the newly standard interior trim, with matte carbon-look pieces replacing the previous aluminum bits. Customers can also now choose nappa leather seats as an individual option on all but the entry-level Premium model.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The Premium Plus trim will satisfy the widest swath of buyers. This mid-range model adds driver-assistance features such as lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control, but also includes features such as memory settings for the driver’s seat and wireless smartphone charging.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
All S3 models come with a 306-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, a seven-speed automatic transmission, and Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system. During our initial test drive, we praised the S3’s lithe handling and found its powertrain to be perky, eager, and sonorous. We did note that the heavy steering in the S3 lacks feedback and that there’s considerable turbo lag when driving in the less frenzied Comfort driving mode. At our test track, the S3 bolted to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds and covered the quarter-mile in 12.9-seconds at 108 mph.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA estimates that the S3 is good for 23 mpg city and 32 mpg highway, which makes it more efficient than the CLA35 and right on track with the M235i Gran Coupe. When we get a chance to test the S3’s highway fuel economy on our 75-mph test route, we’ll update this story with results. For more information about the S3’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The S3’s cabin is nearly identical to the new A3’s but adds some racier styling elements such as sport seats with quilted leather inserts and a flat-bottom steering wheel. The S3 uses the same toggle-switch gear selector as the A3 as well. Audi offers the S3 with a more comprehensive set of standard features, though, including a panoramic sunroof, three-zone automatic climate control, and illuminated door jamb scuff plates. Passenger space is slightly more generous than in the previous-gen S3, but the new car’s trunk is smaller.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The S3 comes with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 10.3-inch digital gauge display. The screens run Audi’s latest MMI software interface and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included as standard. Buyers of the mid-range Premium Plus trim can opt for the Technology package, which adds a larger 12.3-inch digital gauge display, in-dash navigation, and a Bang & Olufsen stereo system. The top-of-the-line Prestige model gets all those same features as standard equipment.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Like most Audis, the S3 comes standard with several driver-assistance features; more advanced technology is optional. For more information about the S3’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Available lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The new S3 comes with the same standard warranty as the rest of the Audi lineup, which includes coverage on the vehicle’s powertrain and a bumper-to-bumper policy that spans four years or 50,000 miles.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Specifications
Specifications
2022 Audi S3
Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $46,895/$56,840
Options: Premium Plus package, $2800; Technology package (12.3-in digital instrument cluster, Bang & Olufsen sound system, traffic sign recognition), $2250; Black Optic package (black exhaust tips, mirror housings, exterior trim and roof, summer tires), $1950; Fine nappa leather package, $1250; Daytona Grey Pearl paint, $595
ENGINE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, iron block and aluminum head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 121 in3, 1984 cm3
Power: 306 hp @ 5450 rpm
Torque: 295 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
TRANSMISSION
7-speed dual-clutch automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 14.1-in vented disc/12.2-in vented disc
Tires: Bridgestone Potenza S005
235/35R-19 91Y AO
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 103.6 in
Length: 177.3 in
Width: 71.5 in
Height: 55.7 in
Passenger Volume: 88 ft3
Trunk Volume: 8 ft3
Curb Weight: 3573 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 4.3 sec
100 mph: 11.0 sec
1/4-Mile: 12.9 sec @ 108 mph
130 mph: 20.1 sec
150 mph: 31.8 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 5.2 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.7 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.6 sec
Top Speed (mfr’s claim): 155 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 151 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 309 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.96 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 25 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 32 mpg
Highway Range: 460 mi
