AUDI S3 Sedan Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Audi introduced the facelifted version of the A3’s fourth generation in early 2024, and along with that, it also unveiled its punchier brother, the S3, which was available as a sedan and as a hatchback.

The German automaker introduced the first generation of the S3 back in 1999. A 1.8-liter turbocharged engine powered the vehicle and sent about 210 PS (207 hp) to the wheels. In addition, it was exclusively available as a three-door hatchback. Thanks to that version, the four-ring brand could attract more customers who merged from regular hot-hatches to premium ones. Moreover, it didn’t have an actual competition since neither BMW, Volvo, or BMW had anything similar to that. In later generations, Audi also introduced a four-door sedan version of this nameplate and enjoyed great success with it. By 2020, the S3 Sedan was already a sought-after vehicle, and the German car manufacturer released it during an online event due to the world pandemic. Come 2024, the S3 made a stunning comeback with an even more appealing exterior and a punchier engine than its predecessor. It was also almost as powerful as the RS3’s first generation, which broke cover in 2011.

Audi continued its ambition of creating a factory sleeper with the refreshed version. Only some minor details could let bystanders see that this was not a regular version of the A3 Sedan but a much more potent one. And yet, those who knew the model could spot the Matrix LED headlights that offered up to four individual DRL light signatures, programable by the driver. Between them, the car featured a new design for the grille, with available chromed L-shaped decorations. Lower, the bumper featured huge side scoops that channeled air to the brakes and also formed an air curtain to lower drag. But

From its profile, the car sat 45 mm (1.8-inch) lower to the ground than the standard A3. The automaker offered it with either a mechanical or adaptive suspension to make the S3 planted to the road. In standard form, it featured 18-inch alloy wheels, but customers could opt for a 19-inch set. Out back, the automaker redesigned the bumper and adorned it with L-shaped chromed decorations mirroring those from the front grille. Underneath, the S3 Sedan was available with a titanium quad-exhaust system from Akrapovic.

Inside, the automaker refreshed the cabin and installed a new gear selector and air vents. Furthermore, Audi created new ambient lighting systems, including one that illuminated the storage compartment placed at the bottom of the center stack. In addition, the door cards featured illuminated fabric panels with 300 laser cuts in them to create a unique look for the vehicle. The S3’s Sedan interior was available in dark colors and a few aluminum accents. The artificial leather-covered center armrest and the dual-zone climate control were standard for the 2024 S3 Sedan.

But the most significant improvements happened in the technical department. The car boasted a set of 18-inch steel disc brakes at the front with two-piston calipers for better stopping abilities. Audi also improved the engine’s power, which reached 333 PS (328 hp), or 23 PS more than on the non-facelifted version. In addition, the gearbox was upgraded and featured a dynamic mode that lowered acceleration time. It now needed just 4.7 seconds to get from naught to 100 kph (0-62 mph), which was just 0.1-second shy of what the first generation of the RS 3 could back in 2011, but with a larger and more powerful engine.

Before changing the generation, Audi did the last improvement for the third generation of its compact-sized sedan and brought the S3 Sedan to the market.

Even though the A3 range was already old on the market, as a last push for the sedan version, the German car-maker made the last move with the introduction of the S3 sedan, a car that could serve as a family vehicle and as a sporty sedan as well.

The beauty of the 2020 S3 sedan was the fact that it was a true factory sleeper. Unlike the RS3 sedan, it didn't feature the same flamboyant aerodynamic elements that could make it stand apart from the crowd. Though, some details could attract the eyes with the sportier front bumper and the bigger, 18” light-alloy wheels. In the back, under the specific apron design, there was four exhaust that could tell the difference between a regular A3 and the S3.

Inside, the S3 came fitted as standard with the Audi Virtual Cockpit, which replaced the analog dials with a TFT display. In the middle of the dashboard, over the center stack, a retractable screen for the infotainment system was installed. It was a very elegant solution, but the system didn't feature a touch-screen monitor.

The S3 featured a twin-turbo gasoline engine with direct fuel injection. It offered 310 hp and it was mated to a standard 6-speed manual. Power went in all four corners. As an option, the S3 was fitted with a 7-Speed S-Tronic (automatic, dual-clutch) gearbox.

The A3’s sportier version was released in 2016 and started selling with 2017. The S3 gained the same visual upgrades as the A3 released in the same year, such as new matrix LED headlights, a new, more aggressive grille, new rims, new LED taillights, a new rear bumper and restyled exhaust tips.

The S3 did not come with a more different design than the A3’s, having just better wheels and the specific S badges.

The interior of the S3 was basically the same with the A3’s, however, it could be equipped with fancy bucket sport seats that were very supportive and were wrapped up in high leather quality.

The 2017 model came with 292 hp developed by the 2.-liter engine that was mated with a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, also seen on the Golf R.

The S3 was driven by the Audi’s Quattro system and users could add the magnetic shock absorbers that kept the car flat in turns and overall enhanced the ride quality.

The new S3 integrated the Audi Virtual Cockpit that was greatly customisable and also helped the driver by displaying the full navigation or any other important information for them, such as the date, temperature, recent call list, etc..

A more equipped version of the S3 could be bought at a price around $51.000.

The S3 was a good match for people that wanted undercover power in a smaller sedan.

When Audi decided to do a saloon for its compact hatchback A3, it also intended to install the latest performance model in it. So, the S3 appeared, to fight the other premium saloons on the market.

In 2013, the Audi S3 Sedan was launched and the carmaker insisted that it had to have all the quirks and features of a sports car.

When compared with the regular A3 Sedan, the silver mirror cases, the 18” light-alloy wheels and the quad-oval exhaust in the rear would tell the difference. As an option, 19” alloy-wheels were offered. Also, the S3 featured optional full LED headlights.

Inside the cabin, there is a mixed feeling of luxury and sport. The leather upholstery on the bolstered front seats had a good look. The all-black interior had received some minor touches of brushed aluminum on the air-vents and on the gear-lever. The dashboard was almost identical to the one found in any A3, but this one had a turbo gauge inside the tachometer dial. The infotainment system was cleverly hidden inside the dashboard popped-up at the touch of a button. It was offered as standard with the MMI radio.

For the transmission, Audi made some different approaches according to the market the car was sold. For instance, in Europe the standard version had a 6-speed manual and a DSG S-Tronic 6-speed automatic available as an option. In the U.S., the 2013 S3 was available only with the S-Tronic, dual-clutch gearbox.