A month after the Audi A3 was facelifted for the 2025 model year, both the sporty S3 Sedan and the more practical S3 Sportback that won’t be offered in North America have been upgraded with more grunt and improved driving dynamics. In updating the S3 for 2025, Audi’s engineers have worked their magic on the 2.0-liter TFSI four-cylinder. It now pumps out 328 hp and 420 Nm of torque, solid increases of 22 hp and 20 Nm over the outgoing model. The new model can sprint to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and power through to a limited top speed of 250 km/h.

Audi says that when the new S3 is driven at a steady speed with low to medium acceleration, the turbocharger remains at a constant rpm to improve performance. Modifications have also been made to the seven-speed S tronic transmission, cutting shift times under full load by half. The new model now rocks the same torque splitter as the RS 3, allowing for fully variable torque distribution between the rear wheels.

 

It’s not just the engine and transmission changes that promise to make the 2025 S3 better. The new model has six driving modes, including a Dynamic Plus mode that forces the torque splitter to send as much torque as possible to the rear axle and to the rear wheel on the outside of a curve, providing the car with a tendency to oversteer. The throttle response is also improved in this mode. There’s plenty more to like about the refreshed S3. Stiffer wishbone bearings and pivot bearings have been installed, the progressive steering has been optimized, and S sports suspension comes standard, lowering the ride height by 15 mm compared to the standard A3. Wheel-selective torque control to brake the wheels on the inside of a turn has also been optimized for 2025. There are also beefed-up brakes with 357 mm (14-inch) front discs and new two-piston calipers.

Then we get to the design. There is a new singleframe grille, revised LED and LED Matrix headlights, and configurable daytime running lights. The cabin gets a new shifter, air vents, an ambient lighting system, and backlit fabric panels on the front doors. Other distinctive features found in the S3 include a black roof lining, stainless steel pedals, aluminum accents, sports seats, and some pieces of carbon fiber. The 2025 Audi S3 will hit dealerships across Europe this quarter with prices in Germany starting at € 55,600 (US$ 60,400). Details and pricing on the North American specification 2025 S3 Sedan will be released later this year.