Which 2026 Audi S3 trim should you buy?
$40,100 to $66,100. What each step up the ladder costs and what becomes standard for the money, cheapest first, from Audi's own press kit — so you can see where the price goes before a dealer walks you up it.
Most standard equipment per dollar: A3 quattro AWD → S3 AWD, +$11,900 for 16 features made standard.
S3 $52,000
+$11,900 over the A3 quattro AWD.
Standard here, not on the A3 quattro AWD: 0-60 mph (secs.) Est.: 4.4, Compression Ratio :1: 9.3, Curb Weight (lbs.): 3,549, Drag Coefficient (Cd.): 0.31, Driven Wheels: quattro® all-wheel drive with torque splitter, Front Brakes: 375mm (14.1'') x 34mm cross drilled/ventilated, Height (in.): 55.7, Length (in.): 177.4, Peak Power (HP): 328, Peak Torque (lb.-ft): 295, Rear Brakes: 310mm (12.2'') x 22mm ventilated, Steering Ratio :1: 14.5, Tires (Standard): 225/40 R18 92H XL all-season tires, Top Track Speed (mph): 155 and 2 more
HP 201 hp → 328 hp · Torque 236 lb-ft → 295 lb-ft · MPG comb 28 mpg → 26 mpg · Wheels 17 in → 18 in
RS 3 $66,100
+$14,100 over the S3 AWD.
Standard here, not on the S3 AWD: 0-60 mph (secs.) Est.: 3.6, Compression Ratio :1: 10, Curb Weight (lbs.): 3,627, Drag Coefficient (Cd.): 0.32, Engine Type: 2.5L TFSI 5 cyl, Front Brakes: 375mm (14.8'') cross drilled/ventilated; Optional 380 mm (15.0") Ceramic discs, Height (in.): 54.8, Length (in.): 178.5, Overall Width without Mirrors (in.): 72.9, Peak Power (HP): 394, Peak Torque (lb.-ft): 369, Tires (Standard): 265/30 R19 93Y XL front / 245/35 R19 93Y XL rear summer, Top Track Speed (mph): 155 / 180 (standard / optional Dynamic plus package), Total Displacement (cc): 2.48 and 2 more
HP 328 hp → 394 hp · Torque 295 lb-ft → 369 lb-ft · MPG comb 26 mpg → 23 mpg · Wheels 18 in → 19 in
Each trim is measured against the nearest cheaper trim with the same drivetrain and powertrain, so a step shows equipment rather than the price of all-wheel drive. "Standard here" means the press kit lists it as standard on this trim and not as standard on the one below — it may have been an option there. MSRP excludes destination. Confirm a specific car against its window sticker.
Common questions about the 2026 Audi S3 trims
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich 2026 Audi S3 trim is the best value?
On standard equipment per dollar, the step from the A3 quattro AWD to the S3 AWD: $11,900 more for 16 features the press kit lists as standard on the S3 AWD and not on the A3 quattro AWD. Whether those features are worth it to you is the real answer — the list is on this page.
How much do the 2026 Audi S3 trims cost?
3 trims, from $40,100 for the A3 quattro AWD to $66,100 for the RS 3 AWD. Manufacturer MSRP, excluding destination, options, taxes and dealer fees.