2026 Audi S3 Expert Review
Reviewed by Willis Kuelthau
The 2026 Audi S3 is technically the middle child of the A3 lineup, but don’t expect it to blend into the background. The S3 is quick, attractive, and brilliant to drive. For 2026, new tech and infotainment features make the model more luxurious than ever.
Slotting between the entry-level A3 and the outrageous RS3, the Audi S3 competes against the BMW M235 xDrive Gran Coupe and Acura Integra Type S.
What’s New
- Complimentary maintenance for three years/30,000 miles
- 12.3-inch driver display is now standard
- Other newly standard features include navigation, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a premium Sonos sound system, and a three-year subscription to Audi’s Wi-Fi service
- Upgraded Driver Assistance package includes a head-up display, parking assist, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera
- Fresh 19-inch wheel options
What We Think
If Goldilocks were shopping Audi’s entry-level sedan lineup, they'd call the S3 “just right.” Offering more power than the A3 and better value than the RS3, the 2026 Audi S3 hits the sweet spot for performance thrills.
The S3 suffers from problems common to its segment. The trunk is small, and passenger space is limited (although the S3 boasts more rear legroom than its rivals at BMW and Mercedes-Benz).
On the road, however, it’s easy to forgive those drawbacks. The S3’s compact size and well-tuned suspension make it a remarkably approachable performance machine. The powertrain serves up gobs of torque, and the chassis is just as happy carving down a canyon as it is commuting to the office.
You don’t need to be a racing driver to enjoy piloting the S3, but enthusiasts will find plenty of excitement here. Add in a winning exterior, a premium cabin, and newly competitive infotainment features, and you have a recipe for sport sedan excellence.
Top-Ranked Competitors:
MotorTrend Tested
The S3 takes the A3’s 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine and turns up the volume. Peak output rises to 328 hp, while torque tops out at 295 lb-ft. Power goes to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
We haven’t had an S3 on our testing track since 2022, which was before a 2025 power boost. That model still managed to hit 60 in 4.6 seconds. Audi claims the 2026 S3 will do the same sprint in 4.4 seconds, and we’re inclined to believe them.
Brake performance is equally impressive—the S3’s 108-foot braking distance is solid, though we’ve tested a 2026 BMW M235i xDrive at 4.4 seconds to 60 and 106 feet back to a stop.
MPGs and Range
The EPA estimates fuel economy at 23/31 mpg city/highway, which is respectable for the class. 377 miles of range is less than you’ll get in a standard A3, but more than the 2026 Acura Integra Type S, which comes in at 21/28 mpg and just under 300 miles of range.
Safety Ratings and Features
The A3 family—A3, S3, and RS3—perform well enough in crash tests, but the Acura Integra manages to earn a safety award, the 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick.
Standard safety equipment on the 2026 S3 includes:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane departure warning
- Automatic high-beams
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Cargo capacity is one area where the S3 loses out to its rivals. With only 8.3 cubic feet of capacity behind the seats, the S3 isn’t our top pick for trips to the airport. The second row does fold down, which provides some flexibility.
Technology
Infotainment
Like all models in the A3 lineup, the S3 starts with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with full smartphone compatibility. A head-up display and a 360-degree camera are available in a driver assistance package.
Newly standard features for the 2026 model year include:
- Navigation
- Traffic sign recognition
- Three-year subscription to Audi’s Wi-Fi service
- Access to the Audi app store
Sound System
- 15-speaker premium Sonos sound system (newly standard for 2026)
Value
Standard Features
For 2026, the S3 lineup shrinks to a single trim (the midlevel Premium Plus), with a starting price just over $53,000 after destination fees. From there, we’d add the Driver Assistance Plus package to unlock adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and the 360-degree camera.
Shoppers can also add an S Sport package (for red brake accents and selectable damper controls) or a Black Optic package (for blacked-out exterior accents).
Other standard features include:
- Panoramic sunroof
- Diamond-stitched leather seats
- Heated front row
- 18-inch, 10-spoke wheels
