2025 Audi RS3: First Drive – Embracing the Hype of the Performance Sedan

The phrase “become one with the car” often feels like an overused cliché in automotive journalism. It’s a romantic notion, yes, but also a somewhat lazy shorthand for a complex mix of driving sensations and emotional connection. I’ve always been wary of using it myself, preferring more concrete descriptions. Yet, here I am, about to use it to describe the 2025 Audi RS3, a car I approached with a healthy dose of skepticism, until now. This performance sedan isn’t just fun; it’s so impeccably engineered that you genuinely feel… at one with the machine.

Before you dismiss this as hyperbole and navigate away, I urge you to delve into the driving dynamics section of this review. You might just find that there’s a genuine truth to that seemingly cheesy phrase—a truth that could very well lead you straight to your local Audi dealership, ready to discuss purchasing your own 2025 Rs3.

2025 Audi RS3 front view on track, showcasing its aggressive styling and performance intent

What’s Radically Refreshed in the 2025 RS3?

This 2025 RS3 marks a significant mid-cycle refresh for the third generation, bringing a wealth of enhancements to this already impressive model. Audi has truly elevated the RS3, starting with a striking visual overhaul. The front and rear bumpers are completely redesigned, exuding a more aggressive and assertive stance. A sportier hexagonal grille further emphasizes its performance pedigree. The integration of digital OLED taillights and customizable digital daytime running lights adds a modern, high-tech edge, allowing drivers to personalize their car’s light signature.

Performance enhancements are equally compelling. Newly developed, ultra-high-grip Pirelli P Zero R tires, sized 245/35 R19, are mounted on 19-inch, 10-spoke aluminum cast wheels, ensuring maximum traction and handling prowess. At the rear, the massive exhaust pipes, reminiscent of those found on the now-discontinued R8 supercar, make a bold statement about the RS3’s potent performance capabilities.

However, Audi wisely retained the core elements that have made the RS3 so beloved. The legendary 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine, paired with the lightning-fast seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, remains the heart of the beast. The sophisticated torque-splitting rear differential, adaptive dampers, and Quattro all-wheel-drive system are also carried over, guaranteeing exceptional handling and control in all conditions. Inside, the RS3’s dynamic character is amplified by new mood lighting and a distinctive RS-specific red design theme. The cabin’s centerpiece is a brand-new, motorsport-inspired steering wheel, flattened both at the top and bottom, evoking the spirit of Pikes Peak rally cars. This wheel is not only visually stunning but also offers superb tactile feedback. While the carbon-backed bucket seats are undeniably attractive, Audi has confirmed these will initially be exclusive to the European market.

2025 Audi RS3 interior showcasing new steering wheel and sporty design elements

Close up of the 2025 Audi RS3 digital OLED taillights showcasing advanced lighting technology

Detailed view of the aggressive front grille and bumper design of the 2025 Audi RS3

Audi RS3's powerful 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine, a hallmark of its performance

Rear view of the 2025 Audi RS3 highlighting the new bumper and large exhaust pipes

While final specifications for the US-bound 2025 RS3 are still pending, the 2024 model available in the States delivered an impressive 401 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The European specification car tested here produced a slightly lower, but still potent, 396 hp. Enthusiasts can expect similar, if not identical, power figures for the 2025 RS3 in North America.

Behind the Wheel: Experiencing the 2025 RS3 Driving Dynamics

During the technical presentation, Audi engineers highlighted the advancements in the 2025 RS3’s handling. A slide presentation compared the cornering trajectory of the previous RS3 model with the new 2025 version. It visually demonstrated how the torque-splitter differential and Quattro system work in unison throughout corner entry, apex, and exit to maintain optimal composure and trajectory. Overlaying the 2025 RS3’s path revealed a significant improvement: the new model could attack the same corner at a considerably higher velocity without compromising stability or succumbing to understeer. Essentially, the 2025 RS3 is engineered to corner faster and more precisely.

Comparison of cornering performance between the 2021 Audi RS 3 and the 2024 RS 3 facelift, illustrating enhanced agility

The engineers emphasized that these were not minor tweaks, asserting that the enhanced software calibrations would be demonstrably felt on the track. While these claims were intriguing, their full impact was somewhat lost on someone who hadn’t driven the previous generation RS3. However, any reservations were quickly dispelled once behind the wheel.

Fast forward to carving through corners at 90 mph and navigating chicanes at over 60 mph. “Oh shit,” became a recurring exclamation during the initial laps around the Castellolí circuit. Those presentation slides from the previous evening flashed back to mind. Having already spent a couple of hours experiencing the RS3 on public roads, the track environment truly unlocked its inherent magic. And “magical” is no exaggeration.

Audi RS3 cornering aggressively on the race track, showcasing its dynamic handling

Audi RS3 in motion on the track, highlighting its speed and agility

Driver's perspective from inside the 2025 Audi RS3 on the track, emphasizing the immersive driving experience

Audi deliberately chose a track layout that emphasized the RS3’s agility. The slowest corner was a banked hairpin negotiated at around 50 mph, which then opened into a sequence of rapid sweepers. Throughout these transitions, the RS3 felt remarkably composed, effortlessly carrying immense speed while smoothly transferring weight from side to side, the adaptive dampers working in perfect harmony. Minimal steering input was needed to guide the car through these bends. True to the presentation’s claims, cornering became more about throttle modulation, precisely controlling the power distribution to the axles, than wrestling with the steering wheel. The synergy of the exceptional steering, the incredibly sticky Pirelli tires, and the advanced differentials delivered precisely what the technical presentation had promised.

Entering corners, the 2025 RS3 felt light and responsive, almost telepathic in its reactions. The initial laps were spent recalibrating turn-in points, realizing braking could be delayed and corner entry could be far more aggressive than initially anticipated. The car inspired confidence to carry significantly higher speeds through corners than would feel comfortable in most comparable vehicles. Having recently lapped the same track in the larger and heavier RSQ8 provided a clear benchmark, which the RS3 unequivocally shattered.

Audi RS3 navigating a sharp turn on the track, demonstrating its precise handling capabilities

By the second lap, apexes were being consistently hit with precision. “Point and shoot,” became the mantra. “It’s remarkably easy to drive fast and genuinely feel like a racing driver.” Echoing the wisdom of Patches O’Houlihan from Dodgeball, “If you can see the apex, you can nail it.” (Okay, he actually said, “If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball,” but the principle holds). Of course, reckless speed or poor cornering lines will still result in missed apexes. However, the RS3 is so communicative and forgiving that it often allows you to recover from minor errors.

Certain sections of the track demanded rapid car rotation to align for subsequent corners, often while still carrying considerable speed from the preceding turn. Depending on the smoothness of these transitions, the RS3 would feel planted and stable, or occasionally exhibit a slight rear-end twitch, a gentle reminder to refine technique. This occurred a couple of times until entry points and braking zones were precisely dialed in. Applying full throttle upon corner exit provides a fascinating insight into the car’s real-time decision-making regarding power distribution, torque vectoring, and traction management – and it’s incredibly engaging. Aggressive throttle application on corner exit will induce a subtle rear-end slide, enough to feel heroic without being alarming, although that’s subjective to individual driver sensitivity.

Audi RS3 braking hard into a corner, highlighting the performance of carbon ceramic brakes

Close up of the Audi RS3's carbon ceramic brakes, emphasizing stopping power and technology

Audi’s carbon ceramic brakes performed flawlessly, exhibiting no fade throughout the track sessions. Castellolí featured two particularly demanding braking zones: Turn 1, requiring deceleration from approximately 120 mph to around 70 mph, and a temporary chicane installed on the back straight, demanding an even more intense deceleration from roughly 120 mph to 60 mph. In these braking zones, the laws of physics were palpable, with the car’s weight becoming more noticeable than anywhere else on the track. It took a few laps to acclimate to the sensation of slight seat levitation during these heavy braking moments, and the seatbelts proved their effectiveness.

Away from the track, on the tight and winding roads surrounding Montserrat, the RS3 felt equally at home, effortlessly navigating hairpins, dancing through switchbacks, and amplifying its distinctive five-cylinder engine note through tunnels. The most prominent characteristic on public roads was the adaptive suspension. Finding an ideal setting proved slightly challenging; Comfort mode sometimes felt a touch too bouncy, while Dynamic or RS modes could be overly firm for extended street driving.

Audi RS3 static shot in Kemora grey, showcasing its stylish design

Audi RS3 static shot in Kemora grey, side profile emphasizing its sedan shape

Audi RS3 dynamic shot in Kemora grey, capturing its sporty essence

Audi RS3 dynamic shot in Kemora grey, front angle showcasing its aggressive headlights

On the highway, the 2025 RS3 exhibited a relaxed demeanor, completely belying its track-ready capabilities. The cabin remained quiet, and the steering, while precise and responsive, was neither heavy nor nervous. It’s important to reiterate that the test vehicles were European specification models, so certain features and trim details, such as the seats, may differ in the final US-market versions.

Early Verdict: The 2025 Audi RS3 Exceeds Expectations

The 2025 RS3 has rapidly ascended to the top of my personal list of favorite cars. More significantly, it’s now firmly on the list of cars I would genuinely consider purchasing with my own money. My all-time favorite car is a hatchback that shares numerous attributes with the RS3 in terms of heritage, driving character, attitude, and, crucially, value for money.

The 2025 Audi RS3 presented very few shortcomings, excelling in almost every test. Further extended road driving would be beneficial to fully evaluate its everyday on-street character. However, disregarding the specifications sheet, and perhaps even this review, the 2025 RS3, much like the Honda Civic Type R, is a car that demands to be driven – and driven hard – to be truly understood and appreciated. It’s a car that earns affection through experience.

On paper, the RS3’s price point might seem substantial for a high-performance version of a compact Audi sedan. But it transcends mere specifications. It’s genuinely something special. Take my word for it.

Audi RS3 dynamic shot on track, emphasizing its speed and handling

Audi RS3 front 3/4 view in Kemora grey, showcasing its sporty and aggressive design