2023 Audi S3 review

1. Punchy standard engine offers sharp acceleration 

The beating heart of the 2023 Audi S3 is a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing a stout 306 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This punchy powerplant is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, with power going to all four wheels as needed thanks to the standard Quattro AWD. All of this forms an exciting package and means the 2023 Audi S3 can go from zero to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds — enough to surprise those around you the next time you put your foot down away from the lights.  

2. Exciting handling 

Straight-line performance is one thing, but the 2023 Audi S3 comes to life on a winding twisty road. Its relatively compact dimensions allow for agile handling and excellent maneuverability, and the all-wheel-drive system helps with grip and acceleration out of the corners. To enhance the driving experience, Premium Plus and Prestige models can be found with the S Sport package, which adds sports suspension with active dampers. This not only sharpens the handling but also helps provide a smooth ride for when you just want to cruise in comfort.  

3. Small on the outside, big on the inside 

It might not look like the largest vehicle around, but step inside the 2023 Audi S3 and you’ll find a spacious interior that belies its compact sedan roots. There’s seating for five inside the cabin, with 41.2 inches of front seat legroom and 35.2 inches of rear seat legroom for your passengers to stretch out into. Behind the rear seats, you get a useful 8.3 cu-ft of cargo volume in the trunk, ideal for weekly groceries and holiday luggage — if you need a bit more storage space, the rear seats can be folded flat.  

4. Stacked feature list 

The 2023 Audi S3 boasts an impressively lengthy feature list, full of desirable tech options and equipment across three separate trim levels. Standard on Premium models, you'll find front seats, a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay^® and Android Auto^™ wireless integration, a digital instrument panel, and driver convenience tech like forward collision mitigation and lane departure warning. Moving up to the Premium Plus trim adds adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, and the top-line Prestige trim rounds things off with a navigation system and Bang & Olufsen^® premium sound system. 

5. Well-equipped cabin 

Not only is the 2023 Audi S3’s cabin nicely spacious, but it's also very well kitted out for luxury equipment and features. And even better, a lot of this equipment comes as standard. Base Premium models have a panoramic sunroof, three-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and leather upholstery throughout, allowing you and your passengers to enjoy every mile of the journey. For an extra touch of class, the Premium Plus trim adds a wireless charging pad, with premium leather upholstery also available as a standalone upgrade.