The S3 Sedan is slightly less expensive than its main rivals.
Audi’s new S3 compact performance model was unveiled on August 11, 2020 in sedan and hatchback versions. Ten months later, the US division is finally releasing pricing information on the BMW M235i Gran Coupe as well as the Mercedes-AMG CLA35 Coupe. North America will not be able to get the five-door Sportback model, as it’s only getting the sedan.
The base Premium trim S3 starts at $44,900, plus $1,045 for destination charges. The midrange Premium Plus will set you back $47,700. While the Prestige will cost you $51,500, you can upgrade to the top-of-the-line Prestige. The starting price of the S3 Sedan is lower than its main rivals. The M235i is priced at $45,500, while the AMG CLA35 is priced at $47,850.
The S3 Sedan is the most accessible of the German trio. However, it packs a bit more punch. The turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline engine has 306 horsepower, four more than the AMG and five more than the BMW. The Audi model’s 295 pound-feet torque is comparable to the AMG’s, but the Bavarian model has 331 lb-ft.
The 2022 Audi S3 Sedan is equipped with Quattro all wheel drive and a seven speed, dual-clutch auto transmission. It takes just four and a quarter seconds to reach 60 mph. The new model is 0.8 inches wider than the predecessor and 1.6 inches longer. It also packs an additional 18 horsepower and 15 lb-ft. Optional S-sport suspension adds damper control that allows the suspension to react automatically to road conditions and driving habits in just a few thousandths.
The starting price for the A3 Sedan is $33,900 for the Premium trim ($37,000.00 for Premium Plus, and $41,200 to Prestige). The 2.0-liter turbo-mild-hybrid turbo-turbo engine produces 201 horsepower and 236 lb.ft. The A3 and S3 come standard with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster as well as a 10.1 inch touchscreen. However, the former can be upgraded to the 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit.
The A3/S3 is nice, but we’re eager to see the RS3. The AMG A45/CLA45 rival was teased yesterday in both four and five-door versions. It will likely debut in the coming weeks. It will again feature Audi’s legendary 2.5-liter inline-five 2.5-liter engine, which is capable of producing around 400 horsepower. We don’t expect to see a US plate on the RS3 Sportback.