2022 Audi S3 Sedan

The Audi S3 invented the entry-level luxury performance segment here in the United States. Before the S3 nameplate arrived stateside, Americans only received a taste of Europe's compact sedan options like the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. But after the S3 arrived, it was the one to own for compact thrills. The Audi S3 enters its third generation for the 2022 model year alongside an all-new A3 sedan. But the S3 no longer has the segment all to itself; the competition now includes the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe and the Mercedes-AMG A 35 and CLA 35 twins. With a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine now producing 306 horsepower, Audi's latest S3 holds an incremental on-paper advantage over its rivals. But more power does not a better car make, and to find out if the S3's on-paper advantage translates to real-world supremacy, Audi flew us out to Denver, Colorado to sample it on some snowy mountain roads.

The previous S3 was too subtle in its appearance but Audi has come up with an altogether more confident design for the 2022 sedan. It's a little larger than its predecessor, not overwhelmingly so, but it's the styling details that make all the difference. The sharp new headlights and new grille work well, and there's an added edginess to the whole car. There are sleek taillight clusters, a strong character line along the sides, and doors that curve inwards lower down. On the S3, 18-inch alloy wheels with a platinum finish are standard, as are quad-exit tailpipes. LED headlights and a panoramic roof are also standard. The top-spec Prestige has Matrix-design LED headlights. On all trims, buyers can specify larger 19-inch wheels and a Black optic package. The top two trims are compatible with the S sport package which adds red brake calipers.

The new Audi S3 has a 103.6-inch wheelbase, which is the same as that of its predecessor. However, the length has increased by 1.5 inches and is now 177.3 inches. The new S3 measures 55.7 inches in height and is 78.1 inches wide including the mirrors, about 0.8 inches wider than the old S3. In terms of curb weight, the 2022 model is 3,538 pounds.

Audi's color palette for the S3 consists of eight standard shades but only Ibis White and Turbo Blue won't cost anything extra. Go for Turbo Blue, it's fun and free! After that, there are several metallics that all retail for $595. These are Glacier White, Mythos Black, Navarra Blue, Python Yellow, and Tango Red. The final color choice is Daytona Gray pearl which also costs $595. Audi offers an exclusive special paint color for $3,900, providing the most discerning customers with a more individual choice. If you ask us, the combination of Turbo Blue and the Black optic package works a charm, as does Tango Red, the color of our test vehicle.

Although it's more powerful than before, the new S3 Sedan is also heavier. As a result, the performance isn't dramatically different from the previous model but this does leave sufficient room for an RS3 higher up in the range. The S3's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 306 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Linked to the quattro-branded all-wheel-drive system, the power plant will propel the small sedan from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds. That makes it a little quicker than both the BMW M235i xDrive Gran Coupe and the Mercedes-AMG A35. Audi typically underestimates its 0-60 times, so an even quicker sprint could be possible. As before, the top speed is limited to 155 mph. The S3 is a smooth operator and achieves its performance effortlessly. It's less visceral than its AMG competitors, but more exciting than the M235i.

Audi has stuck with the same powertrain formula, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with turbocharging. This year, the TFSI engine produces 306 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, improvements of 18 hp and 15 lb-ft over its predecessor. The little four-banger is quiet and unobtrusive in normal driving, but sounds buzzy with a pleasing growl when driven in anger.

The engine is paired with a slick seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission that's the best in the segment. In normal driving scenarios, the responsive transmission and torquey engine deliver the goods, and the DCT rips off rapid shifts with the throttle mashed. It's refined but the S3 will wake up quickly when you want to sneak into gaps in traffic. When you're driving at pace, it's certainly fast, but it's also clear that this isn't an RS model. For some, it'll be too subtle. For others, the S3's balance between snappy performance and refinement will strike just the right note.

We hopped out of the softer, more economy-tuned A3 into a sporty S3 finished with a spicy Tango Red paint job. Immediately, we could tell these two machines were built for different purposes. Audi's traditionally overlight steering feels sharper in the S3, especially with the car placed into its Dynamic setting. The wheel feels more connected on-center than Audi's larger performance models, giving the S3 an enthusiastic edge that we adore.

Though the A 35 and CLA 35 are more rowdy on a back road, they are far less comfortable and balanced. Where the AMG cars punish your spine with stiff suspension, the S3's optional available sport suspension with damper control rides beautifully over rough pavement, making this the most livable car in its segment. Placing the suspension into Dynamic mode makes the S3 a bit firm for everyday driving, but still more bearable than the AMGs. Larger 14.1-inch front brake discs help bring the S3 down to a quick halt, and for the first time on this model, all four discs are internally ventilated to keep them cool.

The Audi S3 feels like the most well-balanced vehicle in its competitive class; more thrilling than the BMW M235i but easier to live with than the AMG A35 and CLA 35. It's tiny dimensions let it squirt through tight bends with ease, more gracefully than its larger S4 sibling. And while the S4 now rolls with a conventional eight-speed automatic, the S3 keeps its quick-shifting DCT that feels better catered for enthusiastic driving. There's noticeable turbo lag if you mash the throttle unexpectedly in a higher gear, but the DCT can quickly figure out the correct gear. In its Dynamic setting, the transmission holds gears longer, giving quicker access to the available power. This car is remarkably quick when driven correctly, but it lacks the always-available punch of a larger engine. Place the S3 into Comfort or Auto mode, and it quiets down into a comfortable cruiser.

At the time of writing, the EPA had not yet published official gas mileage figures for the new S3. However, Audi's own information indicates that the sedan will achieve 23/32/27 mpg city/highway/combined. That's nearly identical to the BMW M235i Gran Coupe's 23/32/26 mpg. With its 14.5-gallon gas tank, the Audi should be able to cover about 391 miles between visits to the pumps.

As a piece of design, Audi has come up with a sporty and sophisticated interior for its new S3. The placement of the driver ventilation outlets high up and alongside the instrument cluster, as well as the gentle angling of the center console towards the driver, create a pleasingly sporty feel. There is a responsive touchscreen but physical controls have been retained for the ventilation system, and that's a good thing. Although obviously not as spacious as an A4, four adults can be accommodated in reasonable comfort. As standard, the S3 comes with items like power-adjustable front seats, Audi's smartphone interface, lane departure warning, and three-zone automatic climate control.The Audi S3 is a four-door sedan with seating for five people, though the interior dimensions make that occupancy level dependent on your passengers' size. Front leg- and headroom are perfectly acceptable at 41.2 and 36.8 inches, respectively. Whether or not someone can fit in the rear seats depends on how tall the two front passengers are. With only 35.2 inches of legroom in the back seat, it's tough to squeeze anyone behind a six-foot-tall driver. Fortunately, rear headroom is decent with 36.6 inches. Ingress and egress are easy, and all the ergonomics of the brilliant previous generation have been retained. Moreso, based on the MQB platform, getting into the S3 from any other related product - from VW Golf to Atlas to Audi TT - the position feels familiar and natural.

The Audi S3 is a four-door sedan with seating for five people, though the interior dimensions make that occupancy level dependent on your passengers' size. Front leg- and headroom are perfectly acceptable at 41.2 and 36.8 inches, respectively. Whether or not someone can fit in the rear seats depends on how tall the two front passengers are. With only 35.2 inches of legroom in the back seat, it's tough to squeeze anyone behind a six-foot-tall driver. Fortunately, rear headroom is decent with 36.6 inches. Ingress and egress are easy, and all the ergonomics of the brilliant previous generation have been retained. Moreso, based on the MQB platform, getting into the S3 from any other related product - from VW Golf to Atlas to Audi TT - the position feels familiar and natural.

The first impression is instantly one of quality although some harder plastics have been used on areas like the rear door panels. This is a reminder that you aren't in an A6 sedan. Still, the overall quality is top notch for the segment. A leather-wrapped steering wheel is standard, as are leather seats in black with Rock Gray stitching or in Steel Gray-Anthracite. The armrests are finished in leatherette. The mid-range Premium Plus and top-spec Prestige can be upgraded with the $1,250 Fine Nappa leather package. This adds Nappa leather with diamond stitching and carbon atlas structure inlays. This will replace the standard silver inlays. With this package, the same colors apply along with an additional choice that blends black seats with Express Red stitching.

Other welcome touches include stainless steel pedals and aluminum door sills with an illuminated S logo.

At a mere 8.3 cubic feet, the S3's trunk isn't what you'd call spacious. It will be sufficient for weekly trips to the grocery store but luggage for four will be a squeeze. When you aren't carrying any passengers at the back, you can fold down the 40/20/40-split folding rear seats to carry larger items.

Interior storage consists of two cupholders in the center console, an average-sized glovebox, large door bins, and storage space beneath the central armrest that isn't especially large. At the back, there are seatback map pockets for holding tablets or books.

Available in three trim levels, the base Premium ships with eight-way power-adjustable sport seats with four-way power lumbar support. In addition to that, it gets three-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, a rearview camera, a digital instrument cluster, and heated front seats. The interior rearview mirror is manually dimming, though. Safety features encompass lane departure warning, parking sensors, Audi pre sense basic, and high-beam assist.

The mid-range Premium Plus includes everything that the Premium has and adds adaptive cruise control, a driver's seat memory function, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, wireless phone charging, the Audi advanced key, and active lane assist. Finally, the Prestige gains a head-up display and the Audi virtual cockpit plus.

The S3 uses the same 10.1-inch MMI touchscreen found in other models, and it hasn't been dumbed down for this entry-level model. It still features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, plus available Audi MMI Navigation plus with beautiful Google map live satellite imagery. Native navigation comes as part of a $2,250 Technology Package, which also rolls in Audi's excellent 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit display (a 10.25-inch display is standard), traffic sign recognition, and a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system with 680 watts. The upgraded audio system sounds great despite the S3's lower status in the Audi lineup.

Despite being an all-new model, the 2022 Audi S3 has already been recalled once. According to the NHTSA, this issue was for a seat belt locking retractor that could malfunction.

Audi's warranty runs for the first four years or 50,000 miles, including 24 hours of roadside assistance for four years. The powertrain is covered for the same period or distance.

The IIHS and NHTSA do not yet have a review of the Audi S3's safety, or the new-generation A3 for crash safety. However, we expect it to maintain the excellent safety reputation of its predecessor.

The new Audi S3 is well-stocked with passive and active safety features. The airbag count includes dual front, dual front side, and dual rear side airbags. Rain-sensing wipers, tire pressure monitoring, a rearview camera, and electronic stability control are all expected features that are standard.

Driver-assistance features on the base model include park assist, high-beam assist, Audi pre sense basic, and lane departure warning. On the Premium Plus, adaptive cruise control, active lane assist, and side assist with rear cross-traffic assist are added. Finally, the Prestige is the only model to get a head-up display and traffic sign recognition. A top-view camera is also available.

With this latest refresh, the 2022 Audi S3 becomes the most well-rounded option in the entry-level performance luxury segment. It's prettier and more fun to drive than the BMW M235i Gran Coupe, but also more premium and comfortable than the Mercedes-AMG A35 and CLA 35. We'd slightly lean towards the AMGs for one spirited drive up a mountain, but we'd grab the keys to the S3 for the commute back.

There's only two questions you need to answer about the S3 to decide if it's right for you. First, is it big enough? With limited back seat and trunk space, an A4 or S4 might be the better option. Second, is the S3 the ideal level of performance? The Audi A3 comes in at a significantly lower price with 201 horsepower and improved fuel economy, while the hotter RS3 arrives next Summer sporting a larger five-cylinder engine with circa 400 hp. We'd call the S3 the sweet spot of Audi's entry-level trio, though the upcoming RS3 leaves our enthusiast cravings wanting a bit more.

The new Audi S3 Sedan starts at a price of $44,900 for the Premium before a destination charge of $1,045. After that, the Premium Plus goes for $47,700 and the Prestige costs $51,500. By comparison, the BMW M235i xDrive Gran Coupe begins at $45,500. By adding every option to the Prestige, it'll approach $60,000 including the destination charge.

The 2022 Audi S3 is offered in a choice of three trims: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. Common to every model is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 306 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox which directs power to all four corners via the brand's quattro AWD system.

The Premium comes with 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, and a panoramic sunroof. The cabin is kitted out in leather upholstery and both front seats are eight-way power-adjustable. Three-zone climate control, a 10.1-inch touchscreen interface, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, lane departure warning, and park assist all form part of the standard specification.

For almost $3,000 more, the Premium Plus elevates the convenience and safety of the sedan. It adds adaptive cruise control, a driver's seat memory feature, wireless phone charging, the Audi advanced key, and Audi active lane assist.

The range-topping Prestige comes with Matrix-design LED headlights, a Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, the 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus display, a head-up display, and navigation.

On the base Premium, the Convenience package costs $1,500 and adds several of the features found on the Premium Plus. The list includes an auto-dimming interior rearview mirror, the Audi advanced key, Audi side assist, and memory for the driver's seat, among other features. At $1,950, the Black optic package gives the stylish sedan a more sinister appearance. It adds 19-inch bi-color wheels, a black roof, black exhaust tips, black mirror housings, and non-run-flat summer tires. However, these two packages will already exceed the price of the Premium Plus so that's something to bear in mind when speccing the S3.

The Premium Plus can also be enhanced with the Black optic package but it adds the $1,100 S sport package with red brake calipers and a sport-tuned suspension with damper control too. At this level, Fine Nappa leather is added as an option, while the $2,250 Technology package includes navigation, the Bang & Olufsen sound system, the 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus, and traffic sign recognition. The Prestige comes with all the options of the Premium Plus besides the Technology package as this trim is already equipped with the items contained in that package.

Though it's quicker than most, the 2022 Audi S3 is a tiny car; unfortunately, it's price tag is not. We'd struggle to stick with the base Premium trim, as it misses several important features. The Premium Plus seems like a decent value at $47,700, but by the time you add a few packages, it's better to opt for the Prestige at $51,500. We'd personally opt for the Prestige, then try to leave the dealer without any additional option packages like the Black Optic, S Sport, or Fine Nappa Leather, which are all tempting. Turbo Blue is a head-turning no-cost option, keeping the price to $52,545 including destination.

The S3 is the more youthful sibling between these two, whereas the S4 is more conservative but better suited to a family. For only $400 more than the S3 Prestige, you can get behind the wheel of the base S4 Premium. Perhaps the biggest change is that the S4 has a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. It's barely faster than the S3 but the two extra cylinders give it a smoother, more refined demeanor. There's also more space in the back seat of the S4, while its trunk is larger. There are nicer materials in the cabin of the S4 but we do like that Audi was more adventurous with the S3's design, both inside and out. If you want a quick, polished sedan, both the S3 and S4 are excellent. Pushed to pick a favorite, we'd go for the S3 which simply has more personality.

Do you really need the extra power of the S3? The new A3 Sedan starts at $33,900, over $10,000 less than the cheapest S3. However, the base A3 makes do with front-wheel drive and a 201-hp turbocharged engine. It's around two seconds slower to 60 than the S3, although 6.6 seconds to 60 is still a decent showing. If comfort and convenience are more valuable to you than performance, you could go for the A3 Prestige at $41,200. It comes with all the gadgets like a head-up display and the Audi virtual cockpit plus for less than the price of the more sparsely equipped S3 Premium. It's all about where your priorities lie. Considering that the S3 is less efficient and a bit stiffer, perhaps a fully loaded A3 is the smarter choice. But then again, performance has never been about logic.