It feels like the latest Audi RS3 was just unveiled yesterday, and now, for 2025, Audi is already updating this car. These updates are precisely what I hoped to see when I first reviewed the vehicle. However, there’s a minor issue that I’m not entirely sure how to address yet. We’ll need to experiment with that.
A Look Back and Forward
Back in 2022, many of these changes were anticipated, and it’s fantastic to see them come to fruition. The 2025 Audi RS3 is shaping up to be a fantastic evolution of an already impressive vehicle. Audi has made updates to the front end, side, rear, and interior of the car, refining the design while retaining the features that made the previous model so popular. However, there’s one interior change that I’m not a fan of, and interestingly, it has nothing to do with the screens.
Before diving into the specifics of these changes, let’s first explore what this new RS3 is all about, starting with some insights from a recent article by Car and Driver.
What’s New for 2025?
Unfortunately for U.S. buyers, the 2025 RS3 will only be available as a sedan. I’ve always had a soft spot for hatchbacks, especially performance-oriented ones, but the RS3 hatchback will remain exclusive to Europe. That said, the updates to the sedan are impressive and certainly worth the attention.
The 2025 Audi RS3 comes with performance tweaks, carbon fiber-backed seats, refreshed exterior and interior styling, and improvements to the chassis and drivetrain for better handling. Naturally, these enhancements come with a slight price increase, potentially raising the base price to around $65,000.
Front-End Design: Sharp and Aggressive
One of the most noticeable changes is to the front end. The 2025 RS3 now features a wider and flatter grille, enlarged front air intakes, a full-width front spoiler, and vertical elements at the ends of the front bumper that evoke the design of larger RS models.
These are precisely the updates I wanted to see, especially the integration of the grille into the lower splitter, which has been completely redesigned.
Audi has also introduced new Matrix LED headlights with dynamic DRLs. These lights greet you with a light show when you lock and unlock the car—classic Audi.
The updated taillights now sport an arrow-like design, and the rear bumper has been revised with vertical elements that mirror the front, complemented by a large diffuser and the signature bazooka-like exhaust pipes that are a hallmark of the RS model.
Side View and Color Options: Stylish and Bold
The RS3’s side profile remains largely unchanged, which is a good thing. The car retains its sharp shoulder line, giving it a muscular and planted stance. The standard wheel size is still 19 inches, which I believe is perfect for this model. I wouldn’t go for 20-inch wheels as I prefer a bit more rubber for a comfortable ride.
The 2025 RS3 also introduces new metallic paint options, including Ascari Blue, Progressive Red, and Matte Daytona Gray. These colors add an exciting dimension to the car’s visual appeal.
Interior Enhancements: Modern Comfort with a Nod to Tradition
Inside, the 2025 RS3 sees some significant updates. The new steering wheel, which is flat on both the top and bottom, has a more squared-off design. However, the coolest addition is undoubtedly the carbon fiber bucket seats. These seats feature a mix of leather and microsuede on the front, with exposed carbon fiber on the back—a perfect blend of comfort and sportiness.
The 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster remains, but it now features a new tachometer design and software tweaks. The 10.1-inch touchscreen, which includes an app store, is also a new addition. However, the powertrain stays the same, with a 401-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and Audi’s renowned Quattro all-wheel-drive system.
Rear-End Refinements: Cleaner and More Aggressive
The rear end of the RS3 has undergone some significant changes, particularly for a facelifted model. When I first saw the 2022 version, I wasn’t a fan of the large black piece stretching across the rear.
Thankfully, for 2025, Audi has removed this, resulting in a solid bumper line with body color extending all the way across. The diffuser has been redesigned to protrude more, giving it a more aggressive look.
The rear end now features a new reflector light in the middle, and the taillights, while maintaining the same outline, have updated internal elements. The changes are subtle but effective, enhancing the overall aesthetic without drastically altering the car’s character.
Personal Preferences: The Steering Wheel Dilemma
While the new interior looks great overall, I still prefer the old steering wheel design. The 2022 model’s flat-bottom steering wheel with a round centerpiece felt more comfortable and sportier. I’m also not a fan of the new touch buttons on the sides; I prefer the traditional buttons from the previous version.
Audi has also replaced the traditional shifter with a new push-forward mechanism for reverse and push-back for drive, which takes some getting used to.
One feature I’m glad they retained is the climate control settings, which remain beautifully integrated into a small control panel. The vents, which stick out from the gauge cluster, add a touch of industrial design to the interior, a nod to Audi’s attention to detail.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the 2025 Audi RS3 is a well-executed refresh that incorporates most of the changes I wanted to see. The design updates enhance the car’s aggressive and sporty character while retaining the features that made the previous model so popular. The only minor disappointment is the new steering wheel, but perhaps it can be swapped out for the old one. Audi’s design team has done a fantastic job, and I can’t wait to see this car out on the streets.
