2023 Audi S3

The 2023 Audi S3 comes in the same three trim layouts which include the Premium, the Premium Plus, and the Prestige. The base trim costs $45,900 and for that price it has a lot of handy features and tech features along with a panoramic sunroof to sweeten the deal. Comfort has always been prioritized and Three-zone automatic climate control, Leather upholstery, and Heated front seats come standard with the base trim. With higher trims we see additions like Adaptive cruise control, Lane keeping assist, Head-up display, and Matrix LED headlights. The trims are balanced but we feel that the Prestige trim could have been given more attention and driver assist features should have been standard throughout the trims. 

The base trim comes with all the comfort features one could want along with a few handy technology options, whereas the pricier trims provide a much more balanced feature list with cutting edge technology that makes the sedan much safer and easier to drive. The trims have a reasonable price difference and the packages offered for each trim offer more customization according to the buyer’s needs. The convenience packages are a nice addition and the famed S Sport package for the pricier trims is a nicer addition for more performance minded people. Some of the packages on offer by Audi for the 2023 S3 are:- 

Convenience Package ( Premium) 

• Keyless entry
• Blind-spot monitor 
• Auto-dimming mirrors
• Driver's seat memory settings

Technology package ( Premium Plus) 

• Upgraded digital gauge cluster
• Built in Navigation 
• Bang & Olufsen premium audio system

S Sport package ( Premium Plus and Prestige) 

• Sport suspension with adaptive dampers
• Red Break Calipers 

Black Optic package

• 19" 5-double-spoke-edge design wheels, bi-color finish
• Non-run flat summer tires
• Black exhaust tips
• Black exterior mirror housings
• Black exterior trim
• Black roof

Fine Nappa leather package

• Fine Nappa leather interior with diamond stitching
• Carbon atlas structure inlay

We Recommend 

Audi heavily incentivizes the pricier trims with better driver assistance features and more customization packages and upgrades to the interior. Keeping that in mind, we would like to recommend the Premium Plus trim as it has a healthy balance between comfort and technology. The options to have the Technology package and the S Sport package is also a big plus and we would recommend adding the Technology package for convenience and the Fine Nappa leather package for a much more luxurious finish. For people who like to prioritize performance the S Sport Package and the 18" all-season tires package for better traction and handling at the cost of a slightly lower top speed. 

Release Date 

The 2023 Audi S3 is available right now on the Audi USA website and can be built and ordered right now. 

Coming with a 2.0L, Turbocharged Inline-4 which is optimized to produce 306 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, the Audi S3 is a powerful sedan that dominates its competition by sheer horsepower output. The engine is paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission which provides a smooth gear shift along with a standard Quattro all-wheel drive drivetrain. This configuration gives the S3 a quick 0 to 60 acceleration in just 4.8 seconds and a quarter mile time of 13.6 seconds which is further exemplified by its hunkered down stance and low curb weight. This makes the S3 quick and nimble on the road and capable of overtaking cars easily on the highway. Thus, the 2023 S3 is a capable sedan with added reliability due to its AWD drivetrain and tried and tested engine. 

The Mercedes Benz AMG CLA 35 4MATIC Coupe comes first with a 0 to 60 speed of just 4.6 seconds and a high top speed. The A3 and the M235i Gran Coupe go toe to toe when it comes to performance, the unrestricted M235i Gran Coupe has the second quickest acceleration and top speed among its competitors while the A3 comes third in terms of acceleration and has a similar top speed to the M235i Gran Coupe and AMG CLA 35. The Alfa Romeo Giulia comes last with a decent but ultimately slower acceleration when compared to the others. Overall, the A3 is one of the best performers when it comes to power and agility but its not enough to beat the M235i Gran Coupe and the AMG CLA 35, its quick acceleration matched by its high top speed is overall one of the best among the segment.

2023 Audi S3 Sedan Ride and Handling

Another point in the S3’s favor is its incredible ride and swift and easy handling. Much like the RS3, the S3 is quick and nimble and takes corners with ease even at high speeds. The lower stance and better performance from the engine make the 2023 S3 much more agile than its previous generation counterparts and a solid contender for a performance oriented sedan. Its smaller body and All wheel drive drivetrain make it easy to handle and take tight turns without exerting too much mass on one side while maintaining high speeds. The McPherson strut Sport suspension in the front and the Four-link independent Sport suspension in the rear make the ride comfortable and stable in any conditions. Along with that, when not revving the engine, the 7-speed automatic transmission ensures a pleasant speed and calm demeanor along with easy and smooth gear shifts. Daily driving also becomes a breeze with the new S3 as its fuel efficiency is at par with its incredible power and easy handling. 

2023 Audi S3 Sedan Braking performance

The breakneck acceleration of the Audi S3 is matched with a quick braking action inspiring confidence as the sedan goes from 60 to 0 in just 107 feet. This is all thanks to the Audi brake control system that powers the 14.1 inch brake rotors which result in an almost instantaneous braking action on its part. The S3 has a curb weight of 3527 lbs but its barely felt when engaging the brakes. Instead the 2023 S3 is stable and easy when braking and its smaller build helps it stop quickly and efficiently. The 4-Wheel Disc brakes also have 4-Wheel Anti-Lock-Braking System which gives the S3 further braking power during emergencies. 

The Audi S3 has the best braking performance among its competitors and the lowest braking distance all the while having the highest curb weight. The 2023 BMW M235i Gran Coupe has the lowest curb weight that makes it stop quicker and more efficiently. The AMG CLA 35 follows the M235i with a higher curb weight but proportionately bigger brake rotors and is the second lightest sedan among its competitors. The Giulia is the worst when it comes to braking performance with a relatively high curb weight and small rotors giving it a long stopping distance. 

The 2023 S3 is much more fuel efficient than its predecessors with a more efficient drivetrain that allows it to have a fuel efficiency upwards of 23 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway making the combined fuel efficiency around 26 mpg. Combined with a fairly large 14.5 gallon gas tank, the S3 has a driving range of 333.50 miles in the city and 464 miles on the highway ensuring minimal stops when going long distances. The S3’s fuel efficiency is on par with its competition as long as driven in a disciplined manner and the range is bolstered by a large fuel tank which many of its competitors lack. 

The S3 and the M235i Gran Coupe have the best fuel efficiency among the competitors but the M235i Gran Coupe is held back by its smaller 13.2 gallon gas tank. The Giulia comes third with a slightly lower fuel efficiency but a much bigger tank resulting in the best range among the competitors. The AMG CLA 35 has the lowest fuel efficiency but only marginally, its also held back by a smaller tank which results in the smallest range among the competition. Overall, the S3 beats its competition by having a fairly big gas tank and an unmatched fuel efficiency to go along with it. 

The interior of the 2023 Audi S3 is filled to the brim with luxurious leather upholstery and cutting edge technology, all the while seamlessly blending in the two and keeping them balanced. The Leather seating surfaces with S embossed logo on the front seats is an eye catching addition to the front seats which are also heated. Along with that, we see a Folding front center armrest and Leatherette door armrests for added visual pleasure and a premium feel. The LED Interior lighting makes the cabin vibrant and the 3-zone climate control makes it comfortable for everybody inside it. Smaller additions like a wide array of storage options, a Panoramic sunroof, Aluminum door sills with an illuminated S logo, and Aluminum Spectrum dark inlays make the interior more coherent and aesthetically pleasing while ensuring being inside it will be a memorable experience. 

Even though the cabin has ample seating space, the Audi S3 is the smallest out of all the sedans it competes with, it also has the lowest trunk space among them. The biggest interiors are of the Alfa Romeo Giulia along with the biggest trunk space at 13 cubic feet. The BMW M235i Gran Coupe attains the second place with its only drawback being a slightly smaller head room which is addressed by the Mercedes Benz AMG CLA 35 but ultimately it comes third with a small rear row and a smaller trunk space than the M235i Gran Coupe.

Some of the standout interior features of the 2023 Audi S3 are:- 

• Front Sport Heated Seats
• Leather seating surfaces with S embossed logo
• Three-spoke, multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles
• 3 Zone Front Automatic Air Conditioning
• Audi's Virtual Cockpit digital gauge display
• Head-up Display in Prestige trim 

2023 Audi S3 Sedan Infotainment system 

The 2023 Audi S3 comes with a cutting edge MMI 10.1 inch touchscreen display paired with a 10.3-inch digital gauge display with Audi Virtual cockpit. The infotainment system has a simple UI and isn’t as flashy as other luxury manufacturers but the simplicity also entails a lower learning curve and a higher ease of use. The Audi drive select and Park assist are also integrated into the infotainment system along with Audi smartphone interface that provides easier accessibility to your phone when charging it through the -built in Wireless phone charging pad. All of this is paired with a 10 speaker audio system that makes the S3 a good multimedia consumption device. The S3 also has an option to upgrade the sound system to a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system that has incredibly crisp audio with immersive sound and noise cancellation.

Some of the standout features of the 2023 Audi S3 Sedan’s infotainment system include:- 

• 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• 10-speaker audio system
• Wireless charging pads
• Audi smartphone interface
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• In-dash navigation system
• SiriusXM satellite radio subscription 

The 2022 makeover gave the Audi S3 a more sporty and aerodynamic look along with a hunkered down stance, proportionate dimensions, and sleek sides. The latest iteration of the S3 features the same design principles along with the finer details as well. The S3 has a Body-color spoiler, Full LED headlights with Matrix LED headlights on the Prestige trim, LED taillights with dynamic turn signals, Alu-optic exterior window surrounds, and Quad exhaust tips. All of that sits on two pairs of Audi’s signature 18 inch 5-arm flag design wheels which give the sedan a sporty yet refined look. The exterior accents are sleek and the front fascia looks menacing with its honey comb grille and seamlessly integrated LED lighting. The S3’s exterior design finds a perfect balance between the A3 and the RS3 and fulfills the niche of sporty sedans that don’t break the bank. 

Unsurprisingly, the 2023 Audi S3 is the smallest sedan among all its competitors with a length of only 177.3 inches but has the heaviest curb weight among them all. The AMG CLA 35 is the largest followed by the Alfa Romeo Giulia which is the widest, tallest and has the lowest ground clearance along with having the longest wheelbase. The M235i Gran Coupe is marginally bigger than the Audi S3 but has a significantly lower curb weight and highest ground clearance among its competitors.

Some of the standout exterior features of the 2023 Audi S3 sedan are:- 

• Full LED headlights 
• LED taillights with dynamic turn signals
• Quad exhaust tips
• 18 inch 5-arm flag design platinum wheels
• Body-color spoiler
• Alu-optic exterior window surrounds

Audi has always been implementing brand new technology into their cars’ safety measures and the S3 has the latest in terms of safety technology and driver assistance features. There have been no NHTSA ratings on the new generation models and IIHS has not tested the sedan yet. However, judging by Audi’s track record and the safety features of the S3 we would assume a high safety rating. The S3 comes with Audi adaptive cruise assist, Progressive steering, Audi adaptive cruise assist, Lane departure warning accident avoidance system, Stability and traction control, Low Tire Pressure Warning and a Back-up Camera for parking convenience. Other more advanced features come with the higher trims that give the S3 an easier driving experience.

Some of the standard safety features in the 2023 Audi S3 are:- 

• Traffic sign recognition 
• Automated Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
• Lane-Departure Warning and Lane-Keeping Assist
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Back-up Camera
• Low Tire Pressure Warning

2023 Audi S3 Sedan vs 2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia

Alfa Romeo have stepped up their game with the Giulia as it gives incredibly tough competition to the Audi S3. Whereas the 2023 Audi S3 has a higher horsepower output, a quicker acceleration, bigger brake rotors, a quicker braking action, and a better fuel efficiency, the 2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia has a much higher top speed, a lighter frame, higher fuel capacity and a longer driving range, a more spacious cabin, a bigger cargo capacity and a longer wheelbase. Overall, the S3 is good but it has a few shortcomings that the Giulia readily exploits and comes incredibly close to beating it at all times. 

2023 Audi S3 Sedan vs 2023 BMW M235i Gran Coupe

The historic rivalry among these german car manufacturers has been ranging on for decades and the S3 competes with the 2-Series fiercely. The 2023 Audi S3 has a higher horsepower output, a better fuel capacity and a longer driving range whereas the 2023 BMW M235i Gran Coupe has a quicker acceleration, a lighter build, a more spacious cabin and higher cargo capacity, and a longer wheelbase. In most instances these sedans either tie or beat each other marginally but the S3 has more practical advantages, however, the BMW M235i Gran Coupe also has a better looking exterior design. 

2023 Audi S3 Sedan vs 2023 Mercedes Benz AMG CLA 35 4MATIC Coupe

A similar rivalry is shared by Audi and Mercedes Benz as both have competed in the luxury segment and now compete in the performance segment. The S3 has a higher horsepower output, a better fuel efficiency, a higher fuel capacity and a longer range. Whereas the Mercedes Benz AMG CLA 35 has a quicker acceleration, a lighter build, a more spacious interior and better cargo capacity, and a longer wheelbase. Overall, the Mercedes Benz AMG CLA 35 makes a better case with more practical advantages over the 2023 Audi S3. The S3 looses its edge over the competition because of its niche in this segment.

We would recommend the latest iteration of the S3 but its shortcomings must also be addressed as it is not for everyone. The 2023 S3 slots itself neatly between its conventional counterpart, the A3 and its more powerful counterpart, the RS3. It has immense potential with enough power to overtake most cars on the freeway and a fuel efficient drivetrain that permits daily driving without braking the bank. Its smaller build makes it easy to park and drive and the handling is accentuated by its performance suspensions and AWD drivetrain. Its quick braking action inspires confidence and the myriad of driver assistance features makes it an easy and fun to drive sedan which is zippy on roads and confident on the highway. It has a sophisticated but sporty design that exudes casual elegance all around it and the metallic color schemes inspire an unconventional style that defines the Audi S3. The pricing is competitive and gives other luxury car manufacturers a run for their money. However, it does have some glaring downsides like a smaller trunk and cabin, a heavier curb weight, and a smaller wheelbase. With all that in mind, the niche that the S3 previously stood on is a dying one as more and more americans switch to crossovers or SUVs.