2023 Audi RS 3

The 2023 RS3 comes in a singular trim lineup, namely, the RS 3 Quattro S Tronic which is a performance-oriented trim with a base MSRP of $ 58,900. It has 8 different metallic color schemes with high gloss black exterior elements and 19-inch 5-Y spoke design wheels giving it a unique look and feel. Its unusual five-cylinder engine is capable of pushing astounding power and the smooth transmission provides a seamless driving experience for everybody. Audi’s signature technology and design packages are also present as they give the RS3 some much-needed customization and variation. All these features make the RS 3 Quattro S Tronic a good choice for people in the market for a compact sedan that craves speed and agility but also dazzles with its design and builds. 

For the one trim available, Audi has made it jam-packed with features, cutting edge technology and refined design elements. It has advanced driver assistance features, various optional packages, and an array of connectivity options just to sweeten the deal. The various convenience features also give the 2023 RS3 a futuristic design element. The RS technology package and the RS design package is what interests us the most as they bring in a wide array of useful upgrades in the tech and cosmetic front. Some of the packages on offer by Audi for the 2023 Audi RS3 Sedan are:- 

RS technology package

• Head-up display
• Audi connect PLUS 6 mo. Trial
• Audi MMI Navigation plus
• Traffic sign recognition
• Bang & Olufsen sound system with 3D sound

RS design package

• Seat shoulders in Micrommata green Dinamica
• Green edging on seat belts
• Floor mats with RS logo and green stitching on piping
• Center console trim in high-gloss black
• Carbon atlas matte inlay (deletes illumination strip)
• Center bar of air vents in Micrommata green

Black optic plus package

• 19-inch 5-Y-spoke wheels with matte black finish
• Black Audi rings and badges
• Black roof

Dynamic plus package

• Ceramic front brakes with red calipers
• 180 mph speed limiter
• Carbon trimmed engine cover

We Recommend 

As we only have one trim for the 2023 RS3 we would recommend going all out with the RS 3 Quattro S Tronic. The RS Technology package and the RS Design packages will go a long way in improving the whole dynamic of the Sedan and the carbon package will give it a sleek dual-tone feel which would really suit its metallic paint. Other than all this, users may also consider the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R motorsport tires for added traction and control in warm climates but must also bear in mind that they have reduced efficiency in colder climates. The packages are reasonably priced except for the Dynamic plus package and have great value within them. 

Release Date 

The 2023 Audi RS3 Sedan is available to build and purchase at the Audi USA website.

One of the best parts of owning an Audi RS3 is its unmatched performance and power output. The RS3 has a 2.5L turbocharged inline-5 engine with a Quattro AWD drivetrain. This configuration helps it achieve a maximum horsepower output of 401 hp and a maximum torque output of 369 lb-ft. This setup also gives the RS3 a rapid acceleration wheein it can go from 0 to 60 in a mere 3.6 seconds and run a quarter mile in just 12 seconds. The 7-speed Auto-Shift Manual with overdrive transmission makes gear switching smooth and the balance between each gear is expertly maintained. The transmission deliberately downshifts with slight throttle inputs and gives the sedan the extra edge it needs to beat its competitors. 

The 2023 RS3 has the quickest acceleration among all of its competition but a lower top speed that could somewhat hinder its performance. Furthermore, it has the highest horsepower output among all of its competitors which gives it its signature quick acceleration. The AMG CLA 45 takes second place just behind the RS3 with a marginally slower acceleration but a much higher top speed. The M2 Competition takes third place with a quick acceleration nearly the same as the AMG CLA 45 but a top speed tied with the RS3. The Kia Stinger GT2 has a respectable acceleration and the second highest top speed but it's much slower than all of its competitors and thus comes in last. 

2023 Audi RS3 Sedan Ride and Handling 

As good as the performance of the 2023 RS3 is, we must also keep in mind that driving it is not a very exciting experience. The myriad of driving assistance features almost make the driver’s input unnecessary when reaching for high speeds and the whole experience lacks the visceral nature we would come to expect from other cars that don't string the driver along. Other than that, the handling is perfect, taking corners at high speeds is no challenge for the RS3. The 19-inch wheels with performance tyres makes the RS3 have excellent traction to the point where drifting can be harder to pull off in some instances. The ride is what you would expect from the RS lineup, it's a perfect balance between performance and seating. With power adjustable comfortable seats, a quiet cabin and shock absorbing performance suspensions, the RS3 has a comfortable ride, as comfortable as can be for a performance oriented sedan. 

2023 Audi RS3 Sedan Braking performance 

With the break neck acceleration that is so often attributed to the RS3, comes the necessity to have a high braking power. The Audi RS3 does so effortlessly with its 14.6 inch front brake rotors and 12.2 rear brake rotors. The curb weight of 3,649 lbs is slightly on the higher side which makes it harder to come to a halt but the RS3 still manages to have a 60 to 0 braking distance of 109 feet. The brakes have 4-wheel ABS and have front and rear ventilated discs to help the braking action. The brakes are further assisted by features like Emergency braking assist and stability and traction control. 

The biggest brake rotors and the best stopping distance comes with the M2 Competition, it has a curb weight on the higher side but its bigger circumvent that issues flawlessly. The RS3 and the AMG CLA 45 both have a similar braking distance but the RS3 has bigger front rotors and the CLA 45 has bigger rear rotors. The RS3 is also slightly lighter than the AMG CLA 45 which makes it slightly better and comes in at the second spot. The Stinger GT2 once again comes in last as it is the heaviest Sedan among the competition and has the longest stopping distance among them. 

Keeping in mind its performance oriented design, the RS3 does a good job of keeping the fuel efficiency competitive. The RS3 has a fuel efficiency estimate upwards of 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway for a combined fuel efficiency of 23 mpg. Combined with a massive 14.5 gallon fuel tank, the RS3 has a high driving range of 290 miles in the city and 420.50 miles on the highway, ensuring minimal stops when going over long distances. The epa estimates can’t be matched driving over the speed limit though, and the RS3 can quickly become a fuel muncher if kept at higher speeds. 

The RS3 maintains the second best fuel efficiency among its competition and the second biggest fuel tank but the best driving range. The AMG CLA 45 comes in first with the best fuel efficiency but a smaller tank holding back its range. The Kia Stinger GT2 has a bigger tank than the CLA 45 but has a much worse fuel efficiency but gets to enjoy a longer range due to the bigger gas tank. The M2 Competition comes in last with a fuel efficiency similar to the Stinger GT2 but a much smaller tank which holds back its driving range significantly. 

The interior of the RS3 is inspired by the A3 and S3 but as a performance variant it has much more aggressive front seats, better visibility, and a futuristic digital instrument cluster. The dashboard is sleek with high-mounted air vents with aluminum interior elements going through it. It also has RS logos stitched onto the seats, illuminated aluminum front door sills with RS badging, and imprinted RS badging on the steering wheel. It has a 3-zone climate control system ensuring comfort and a pleasurable experience for everybody. The Folding front center armrest is of leatherette giving it a premium feel and the Fine Nappa leather seats with honeycomb stitching and RS embossing has a similar texture and the same premium feel. The front seats are also heated and ventilated for added comfort when driving. 

The Kia Stinger GT2 is the most spacious among all of its competitors and also has the biggest trunk space which is leagues above the rest of the sedans. Where the AMG CLA 45 has the second best front row space followed by the M2 Competition, the Audi RS3 has the second best rear row space. The M2 Competition also has the second best trunk space followed by the CLA 45, the RS3 has the smallest trunk compared to its competitors. Overall, the interior space of the RS3 is on the smaller side and if interior space is a priority, the Stinger has a lot of it.

Some of the standout interior features of the 2023 Audi RS3 are:- 

• 8-way power driver and passenger seat with power adjustable lumbar support
• Multi-level heating in driver and front passenger seat 
• Automatic air conditioning with 3-zone climate control system
• Fine Nappa leather seats with honeycomb stitching
• Folding pass through center armrest
• LED interior lighting package
• Audi virtual cockpit with 12.3-inch-high resolution color display

2023 Audi RS3 Infotainment system 

Much in the vein of the A3 and the S3, the RS3 comes with a 10.1-inch touchscreen smack dab in the middle of the dashboard. The UI isn’t flashy like other luxury car manufacturers but has an easier accessibility and a lucid design that makes it easy to grasp and use. The smartphone integration coming with Audi Smartphone Interface is a massive plus as it is a handy tool to stay updated with your phone while charging it with the integrated wireless charging system. The optional 680 watt Bang and Olufsen 15 speaker and 16 channel amplifier sound system turns the RS3 into the perfect multimedia consumption outlet for longer distances. The connectivity is strong as the RS3 comes with four USB ports for easier accessibility. Standard features like Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also present. The Audi virtual cockpit is a highly beneficent digital cluster that provides all the necessary information in a clear and concise format in an appealing 12.3 inch display.

Some of the standout features present in the 2023 Audi RS3’s infotainment system are:- 

• 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system 
• Configurable 12.3-inch-high resolution digital cluster 
• 7-inch high-resolution color display with navigation.
• Aux-in, 2 SDXC card readers, and 10 GB flash memory.
• Integrated Voice control.
• Audi connects with Wi-Fi hotspot and Google support
• Optional 680 watt Bang and Olufsen 15 speaker system 
• Smartphone Interface with Apple and Android compatibility
• Wireless charging.

The exterior of the RS3 makes it look subtle and unassuming, unlike its more sporty looking counterparts from BMW or Mercedes Benz which is also a part of its appeal. The Audi RS3 has a wide front grille with the signature Matrix LED lights which feature distinct daytime running lights with a checkered flag design. The addition of welcoming and leaving animations specific for the RS3 make the front fascia incredibly appealing. The rear of the sedan features wrap-around LED tail lights that seamlessly integrate with the trunk and oval exhaust tips which make its subtle yet powerful look have more variation. The red brake calipers running along its stunning 19 inch 5-Y-spoke wheels also gives a major boost to the Audi RS3’s design. 

In terms of exterior dimensions, again the 2023 Stinger GT2 is the biggest, widest, has the highest ground clearance and the longest wheelbase while also being the heaviest among the competitors. It is followed by the AMG CLA 45 which is the second longest in the competition with the lowest ground clearance as well. The BMW M2 Competition and the Audi RS3 both hover around each other in terms of dimensions but the Audi RS3 has a lower ground clearance and a marginally longer body while the M2 Competition has a longer wheelbase and is wider and taller. Overall, the RS3 is one of the shortest sedans in its class with the lightest build.

Some of the standout exterior features of the 2023 Audi RS3 are:- 

• 19-inch 5-arm blade alloy wheels
• Matrix LED headlights
• Panoramic sunroof
• Matt Black roof rails
• Red Brake Calipers
• Heated, electrically adjustable, and folding exterior mirrors

The 2023 RS3 comes with a ton of safety and driver assist features which make it an excellent choice for more feature driven or safety minded people. It is based on the Volkswagen MQB platform which is why the frame mainly comprises aluminum and steel. The frame is also reinforced with side impact beams and pillars which make it sturdier. For safety it also has Adaptive cruise control with lane guidance assist, Lane departure warning assist, Dual front and dual rear side-mounted airbags, Emergency braking assist, A blind spot monitoring system with rear cross traffic alert, stability and traction control, Front and rear ventilated disc brakes and the Audi's Pre Sense collision protection technology. The RS3 had been ranking consistently in the IIHS top safety pick rankings but the 2023 model has not been tested yet. Furthermore, the NHTSA has no data on it either as of now.

Some of the standout safety features of the 2023 Audi RS3 are:- 

• Lane departure warning assist 
• Blind-spot Monitoring System with rear cross-traffic alert
• Adaptive cruise control
• Front and rear parking sensors with a rearview camera.
• Emergency braking assist.
• Audi Pre Sense collision protection technology
• Automatic High-beams with DRLs

2023 Audi RS3 VS 2023 BMW M2 Competition

Audi and BMW have had a historic rivalry ever since they started manufacturing automobiles. That rivalry is largely still continuing in their 2023 interactions of the RS3 and M2 Competition. The Audi RS3 is cheaper, has a quicker acceleration due to a higher horsepower output and a lighter body, a better fuel economy, a bigger tank and longer range. The BMW M2 Competition has a more spacious interior cabin and much higher cargo capacity, a longer wheelbase, bigger brake rotors and a quicker braking action. Overall, the 2023 Audi RS3 makes a better case with its more practical features and a higher power output along with better fuel efficiency. 

2023 Audi RS3 VS 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 45

Like BMW and Audi, Mercedes has been getting more into the performance variations of its iconic cars for quite some time now and it's been consistently beating its rivals. Whereas the 2023 Audi RS3 has higher acceleration due to a higher horsepower output and a lighter build, bigger front brake rotors, a higher fuel capacity and a longer range, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 45 has a much higher top speed, bigger rear brake rotors, a better fuel efficiency, a higher cargo capacity, a longer wheelbase and a lower ground clearance. Despite tough competition we must admit the AMG CLA 45 comes out on top against the RS3. 

2023 Audi RS3 VS 2023 Kia Stinger GT2

Kia has crept up to challenge the big shot luxury manufacturers over the years and has been making consistent effort at making a case for itself. The 2023 Kia Stinger GT2, however, does not have what it takes to beat the Audi RS3, despite its higher top speed, bigger rear brake rotors, a higher fuel capacity, higher cargo capacity, more spacious cabin and a longer wheelbase. The Audi RS3 beats it by its higher acceleration, more horsepower output, bigger front brake rotors and a quicker braking action, a better fuel efficiency and range, and a longer ground clearance. 

We would wholeheartedly recommend the 2023 Audi RS3 sedan. This one’s for the more performance minded as the 2023 Audi RS3 has immense power, a simple yet refined exterior design, a smaller but attractive interior and a fuel economy that could work out for daily driving without breaking the bank. It has a multitude of driver assistance features that make driving it a breeze along with a plethora of safety features to make sure of its inhabitants’ safety. Its big screen and quality speaker system make it perfect for longer rides where music becomes necessary and of course it has a tremendous amount of acceleration where you could see this unassuming sedan overtake much more sporty looking cars on the highway with ease. Ever since its rocky beginnings since its first launch, the RS3 has made a name for itself as one of the best performance sedans on the market and stands steadfastly as more and more Americans switch to crossovers or SUVs.