The Audi S3 is a step up from the entry-level A3 sedan in terms of power and sportiness. It goes up against rivals such as the Acura Integra Type S, BMW M240i, and Mercedes-Benz CLA 35 AMG.
2026 Audi S3 Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2026 Audi S3
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2026 Audi S3
For 2026, Audi makes very few changes to the S3. The company reduces the lineup from three trim levels (Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige) to a single trim level known as S3 TFSI Quattro S Tronic. The former step-up Sonos audio system is now standard, as is the equipment from the former Technology package.
Design
The S3 cuts a tidy, sporty shape, with a 103.6-inch wheelbase and a 177.4-inch overall length. It has a traditional sedan profile with a pronounced trunk and extra front overhang because the engine sits partly ahead of the front axle. The nose features a large version of the Audi trapezoidal single-frame grille, flanked by squinting LED headlights and large air intakes. The sculpted flanks are mostly rounded except for a character line that rises slightly between the wheels. The rear end features a lip spoiler, pointed LED taillights, and quad exhaust. It all sits on 18-inch wheels with optional 19s. The standard trim has an aluminum look, and the Black Optic package makes much of that black.
Powertrain
The S3 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that spins up 328 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It’s mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that routes the power to all four wheels via Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. The S3 also has a sport-tuned suspension and a ground clearance that sits 0.6 inches lower than the A3’s.
EPA-rated fuel economy is 23 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined — 2 mpg less than the standard A3.
Interior
Audi upholsters the S3’s sport seats with diamond-pattern synthetic leather and suede. The front seats are heated, and Nappa leather upholstery with red or gray stitching is optional. Three-zone automatic climate control and a panoramic sunroof come standard. The rear seat folds in a 60/40 split to create more space in the small trunk, which has just 8.3 cubic feet of cargo space.
Technology
Audi outfits the S3 with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, which it calls the Virtual Cockpit, and a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen. Also standard are navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless smartphone charging. A six-month trial of Amazon Alexa compatibility, online radio, traffic light information, and satellite imagery for the navigation system is included, as is a three-month trial of satellite radio. The lone audio system is by Sonos, and it includes 15 speakers that put out 680 watts of power.
