2027 Audi S3

MSRP: From ~$53,395

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Overview

The 2027 Audi S3 subcompact luxury sports sedan competes in a fairly small niche populated by the likes of the Acura Integra Type S and the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe; the brand-new Mercedes-Benz CLA is not yet available in a comparable AMG model, only in an all-electric 349-hp CLA 350 that retails for $50,500, undercutting the S3’s ~$53K starting price. The S3 comes with a single powertrain arrangement – a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with 328 hp, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch auto and Quattro AWD.

Audi

What’s New for 2027

Last year, the S3 range was consolidated to a single trim, and the Technology package with the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, navigation, and traffic-sign recognition became standard. For the 2027 S3, the in-car tech changes again, with a reconfigured dashboard that now comes with a single glass panel containing a smaller 11.9-inch digital gauge cluster and a larger 12.8-inch touchscreen, up from 10.1 inches. The only other change is that the adaptive cruise control has been updated to make use of V2V (vehicle-to-vehicle) communication to set its speed and following distance.

The 2027 Audi S3’s price is expected to increase a little to reflect the changes.

Audi

Note: The image above depicts the new dual displays in an A3, not an S3.

Exterior

The S3 looks like the sporty A3 trim with its borderless Audi Singleframe grille, more aggressive bumpers with big front air intakes, the motorsport-developed front spoiler below the grille, and its wide, squat stance. The rear bumper gets a split diffuser and four oval exhausts, as well as a trunk spoiler. The all-LED exterior lighting includes four switchable digital DRL signatures, and the LED headlights can be upgraded to Matrix-LED units. The S3 runs on 10-spoke 18-inch wheels, but these can be upgraded to 19s. An optional Black Optic package blacks out the exterior trim and fits 19-inch alloy wheels.

Audi configurator

Interior

The dashboard has been reconfigured to accept the new single-pane dual-screen setup comprising an 11.9-inch digital gauge cluster and a 14.0-inch touchscreen; the tech offering includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, two 12V outlets, four USB ports (of which two are in the second row), a wireless charging pad, a surround-view camera, and a head-up display.

Comfort levels are high, with leatherette and Dinamica faux-suede upholstery, heated sports front seats, tri-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and LED ambient lighting. Nappa leather is optional. Space is at a premium in the second row, which is decidedly snug for taller adults, and the 8.3-cu-ft trunk is the smallest in this class.

Audi

Audi configurator

Audi configurator

Note: The first image above is of the interior of the regular Audi A3

Price Range and Best Value Trim

The 2027 S3’s price wasn’t available at the time of writing, but is expected to increase to just over $53K.

There’s only a single trim, so you can add the extras you want, but the base configuration is already well-specced.

2027 Audi S3 Key Specs

Powertrain Options

Fuel Economy (MPG)

Dimensions and Capacities

Warranty

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Dual 11.9/12.8-inch digital displays are standard
• Torque-vectoring quattro AWD standard
• Sporty, responsive handling
• Sonos 3D audio system standard

Cons:

• 8.3-cu-ft trunk is very small
• Rear seat tight for taller adult passengers
• No manual transmission

Verdict

The S3 is better value than ever, with a fresh new digital cockpit included as standard, along with a head-up display and standard complimentary servicing as part of the comprehensive specification of the sole trim. The 328-hp powertrain provides plenty of performance fizz and the dual-clutch auto and Quattro AWD makes for rapid progress in a straight line and around corners alike, where the S3 shows its true colors. 

The negatives mostly revolve around space, with a snug second row and a small trunk, but this is a subcompact after all, so space should likely not be high on your list of priorities if you shop in this segment. For a sporty driving experience and fine dynamics with a luxury badge, the S3 is still an excellent package.

Audi configurator

Competitors

• BMW M235i Gran Coupe
• Mercedes-AMG CLA 350 EV
• Acura Integra Type S
• Volkswagen Golf R
• Cadillac CT4-V

About the author

Cobus F. Potgieter

Reviews and Features Editor

Cobus F. Potgieter is a Reviews and Features Editor at Autoblog covering new car reviews, and technology and historical features. He moved to motoring media full time in 2021 after a career as a public relations practitioner and joined The Arena Group in June 2025.