MSRP: ~$66,705
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Overview
The 2027 Audi RS 3 subcompact performance luxury sedan is the last 5-cylinder Audi that will ever be sold here, and for that alone, it’s worth the price of admission. That it’s also a supremely accomplished small sports sedan is a bonus.Â
The turbocharged 2.5-liter 5-pot puts out 394 hp and sends its power to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Quattro AWD system, giving it a unique character and a 0-60 sprint of only 3.6 seconds. It takes the fight to class rivals like the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing, BMW M2, and Mercedes-AMG CLA 45.
What’s New for 2027
For the 2027 RS 3, Audi celebrates 50 years of the 5-cylinder engine with a limited-run RS 3 Competition Limited, of which only 750 examples will be built. Changes include adjustable coilover suspension, 3-step adjustable dampers, a stiffer rear stabilizer, and the addition of the Dynamic Plus package, which is to say front carbon-ceramic brakes, a 180-MPH speed limiter, and a carbon finish for the mirrors, rear spoiler, rear diffuser, and side skirts. Carbon canards and a split front spoiler are fitted, and the 19-inch wheels are finished in Neodymium gold.
The regular RS 3’s grille is updated and gets an RS badge. The Virtual Cockpit digital gauge cluster shrinks slightly from 12.3 to 11.9 inches, but the MMI touchscreen increases in size from 10.1 to 12.8 inches. More physical buttons are removed, with more functions relegated to the touchscreen, but the steering wheel gets a physical scroll wheel to compensate.Â
The center console is also updated, and the wireless charging pad gains a higher output and a magnet to better align your phone for optimal charging. The adaptive cruise control is updated to set following speed and distance according to vehicle-to-vehicle communication technology, automatic parking capability is introduced, and the surround-view camera system is improved.
Exterior
The RS 3’s unique bumpers are immediately apparent, with big air intakes, a broad Singleframe grille with an RS logo, and darkened matrix-design LED headlights. The wheel arches are aggressively flared, housing 19-inch alloys with summer tires, and the rear sports LED taillights, a diffuser with a red reflector, and oval exhaust outlets. Extroverted paint colors like Kyalami Green, Python Yellow, and Progressive Red are available. The Carbon package adds dark-gray alloys and a carbon rear spoiler, side sills, and mirrors.
Interior
The revised cabin comes with an 11.9-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.8-inch touchscreen incorporating navigation, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a surround-view camera, a head-up display, lane guidance, a magnetized wireless charging pad, and a 15-speaker Sonos audio system. Two red RS buttons on the flat-bottomed steering wheel allow quick access to driving modes.
The interior comes with matte Carbon Atlas inlays, heated power front seats, Nappa leather upholstery, ambient lighting, tri-zone climate control, stainless-steel pedals, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a panoramic sunroof. At 35.1 inches, rear legroom is decent, but headroom is tight for taller adults, and the boot is very small at only 8.3 cu-ft.
Price Range and Best Value Trim
The 2027 Audi RS 3’s price is expected to increase slightly, but should still start below $67K.
| Model | Price |
| RS 3 Sedan | ~$66,705 |
There is only one RS 3 trim, so variation depends on which options you add. For the sportiest drivers, the Dynamic Plus package adds ultra-high-performance summer tires, carbon-ceramic front brakes with red callipers, and a top speed increase to 180 MPH.
2027 Audi RS 3 Specs Overview
Powertrain Options
| Spec | Detail |
| Engine | 2.5L Turbo I5 |
| Horsepower | 394 hp |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic |
| Drivetrain | Quattro AWD with RS Torque Splitter |
| 0-60 mph | 3.6 seconds |
| Top Speed | 155 MPH (180 with Dynamic Plus package) |
Fuel Economy (MPG)
| Model | City | Highway | Combined |
| RS 3 | 20* | 29* | 23* |
*2026 EPA figures. Premium gasoline required.
Dimensions
| Length | 178.5 in |
| Width | 72.9 in |
| Height | 54.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 103.6 in |
| Trunk Capacity | 8.3 cu-ft |
| Seats | 5 |
| Curb Weight | 3,627 lbs |
Warranty
| Coverage | Duration |
| Basic | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Complimentary Maintenance | 3 years / 30,000 miles |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Characterful 394-hp 5-cylinder engine
- 3.6-second 0-60 MPH and Quattro traction
- RS torque splitter for agile handling and rear-biased power delivery
- Many standard features
Cons:
- Small 8.3-cu-ft trunk limits practicality
- Dual-clutch transmission can be jerky at low speeds
- Single trim restricts how buyers can configure the car
- Stiff ride may be too much for some people
Verdict
The Audi RS 3 is a landmark car in some respects. It holds onto the core Audi values of a turbocharged 5-cylinder engine and Quattro AWD, and it’s the last Audi that will ever carry this mechanical specification. It’s devastatingly effective too, with rapid acceleration and limpet-like grip, further amped up for the enthusiast through available upgrades like the Dynamic Plus package. The touchscreen-heavy controls and tiny trunk may be negatives, but they are overshadowed by the stellar qualities of the exhilarating subcompact RS sedan.
Competitors
- BMW M2
- Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S
- Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing
- Acura Integra Type S
About the author
Cobus F. Potgieter
Reviews and Features Editor