The 2027 Audi RS3 Pairs a 401-HP Five-Cylinder With a $69,000 Price and Real Compromises
From its 3.6-second sprint to its twin drive modes, and from its refreshed cabin to its standard equipment, the RS3 is a fast, flawed package with a five-cylinder heart.
A 3.6-second sprint to 60 mph
MotorTrend's instrumented testing puts the RS3 at 60 mph in 3.6 seconds and through the quarter mile in 12.1 seconds at 113.9 mph. Those numbers come from the same platform as the ordinary A3, but the RS treatment changes everything. The compact sedan's launch is brutal enough that the torque-vectoring rear axle has to decide where to send power before the driver finishes moving off the brake. It's not just a straight-line car; the same hardware that gets it off the line keeps it planted through corners. The RS3's reputation as a super sedan rests on figures like these, and they hold up against far more expensive hardware. The 113.9 mph trap speed indicates strong top-end pull, not just a one-trick launch. None of this would be possible without the sport-tuned Quattro all-wheel drive, which apportions torque between the rear wheels to help rotate the car into turns and put power down on exit.
- Performance0-60 3.6s
- Quarter mile12.1s @ 113.9 mph
- TestMotorTrend
The last great five-cylinder
Under the hood sits a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder, an engine layout that almost every other automaker has abandoned. Audi rates it at 401 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, channeled through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic to Quattro all-wheel drive. That's the only transmission offered; there is no manual. The five-cylinder's firing order gives it a distinctive, offbeat warble that you won't mistake for a four- or six-cylinder, and the dual-clutch shifts hard enough to make the most of the torque plateau. It's a mature design that Audi has kept alive through several RS generations, even as rivals downsize to turbo fours. The result is a compact sedan that pulls from low revs without the laggy response typical of smaller engines. The 401 hp figure is high for the class, but the engine's character is what separates it from a mere spec sheet, and the soundtrack alone is enough to justify the premium.
- Engine2.5L turbo 5-cyl
- Power401 hp
- Torque369 lb-ft
- Transmission7-speed dual-clutc
Two drive modes that change the car's personality
The RS3's torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system is the star. It can send varying amounts of power to each rear wheel, which allows for controlled slides. In RS Performance mode, the car is tuned for circuit work, with stability control loosened but still present and the rear axle ready to rotate. Switch to RS Torque Rear mode, and the car becomes a tire-destroying drift machine; the front axle is effectively disengaged and the rear wheels do all the work. That's a party trick no competitor offers at this price. The mode selection is done via buttons on the steering wheel, not buried in a menu. The result is a sedan that can behave like a front-drive commuter one moment and a rear-drive hooligan the next. The tuning is aggressive enough that the car's 401 hp and 369 lb-ft are fully exploitable, and the system reacts within milliseconds to changing grip.
- Drive ModesRS Performance
- Drive ModesRS Torque Rear
- Drivetraintorque-vectoring AWD
Big screens and a scroll wheel
For 2027, the RS3's interior gets a substantial tech overhaul. The old 12.3-inch driver display and 10.1-inch touchscreen are replaced by an 11.9-inch driver display and a 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen. Audi's latest interface consolidates most basic functions into the touchscreen, which means fewer physical buttons. The center console gets a redesigned layout, and the steering wheel gains a physical scroll wheel for quicker menu navigation. The wireless charging pad now uses magnetic alignment and higher output to keep phones seated properly. These changes bring the RS3 in line with newer Audi models while keeping the essential controls within reach. The larger touchscreen is easier to read while driving, and the 11.9-inch driver display can be configured to show navigation, vehicle status, or performance metrics without cluttering the view.
- Displays11.9" + 12.8"
- Chargingwireless magnetic
- Steering wheelphysical scroll
The 2027 refresh goes beyond the cabin
The visual changes for 2027 are subtle but specific. The grille gains a redesigned RS3 badge, and the rear retains the oval exhaust tips that have become a signature. More importantly, the driver-assistance suite is enhanced, and the 360-degree camera gets an upgrade. Automated parking capability is added, which helps in tight spaces given the car's limited rear visibility. The 360-degree camera also feeds the new infotainment system for a clearer view around the car. These updates are shared with the European-market RS3, so the U.S. version doesn't get a dumbed-down variant. The grille badge is the most visible clue, but the camera lens is the part that does the work. If you park in urban spots or garages, the automated system is a genuine help. The enhanced driver-assist tech is part of a broader effort to bring the RS3 in line with the rest of Audi's lineup, which has adopted a more standardized suite of safety features across models.
- ExteriorRS3 badge
- Camera360-degree upgrade
- Driver assistenhanced
- Parkingautomated
The compromises you'll live with
The RS3 is not a practical choice, and it doesn't pretend to be. Trunk space is very limited; Audi doesn't quote a number, but you'll struggle with more than a couple of carry-ons. The rear seats offer decent passenger space for a subcompact sedan, so four adults can fit for short trips. The paddle shifters are too small, and you'll find yourself reaching for the shift lever instead. Road noise is pronounced at highway speeds, a consequence of the sticky tires and stiff suspension. The ride is firm, though not punishing. The rear seat is usable for two adults, but three across would be tight, and the center tunnel intrudes on foot space. The limited rear visibility makes the 360-degree camera a necessity, not a luxury. If you're shopping this segment for comfort, the Tesla Model 3 Performance will be quieter, but the RS3's character is centered around engagement, not isolation.
- Cargolimited
- Passenger space4 adults
- Paddlesundersized
- Noisehigh
Pricing and standard equipment
The updated 2027 RS3 is expected to start around $69,000. That's a significant step up from the previous model year, but it includes a long list of standard equipment: full LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, oval exhaust tips, 19-inch wheels, and a 15-speaker Sonos premium audio system. The Sonos system now includes digital sound enhancement technology, which Audi added this year. Given the price, you'd hope for a few options, and Audi offers them, but the base car is well-equipped. The panoramic sunroof is standard, which is rare at this level. At this price, the BMW M2 starts slightly higher, while the Acura Integra Type S undercuts it significantly. The $69,000 figure is an estimate, not a confirmed MSRP, and options will push it higher. The RS3's five-cylinder engine and torque-vectoring rear axle justify some of that premium.
- Price~$69,000
- Audio15-speaker Sonos
- Wheels19-inch
- Sunroofpanoramic