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The 2024 Audi S3 hits 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, starts at $47,400, and delivers the kind of composed daily-driver performance that makes it a solid middle ground between the standard A3 and the track-focused RS3[1][2]. For buyers who want quattro all-wheel drive, genuine acceleration, and a premium cabin without spending RS3 money, the S3 gets the job done.
Why This Review Matters
Audi’s S3 occupies an interesting niche. It’s not the hot-hatch alternative (that’s the Golf R) and it’s not the five-cylinder screamer (that’s the RS3). What you get is 306 horsepower wrapped in a compact luxury sedan that handles daily commutes and weekend canyon runs with equal confidence.
The 2024 model year carries over largely unchanged from its 2022 redesign, with minor updates like matte carbon-look interior trim replacing aluminum bits and newly available nappa leather seats on mid- and upper-trim models[1]. Not a revolution, but Audi didn’t need one here. The formula works. If you’re cross-shopping similar performance sedans, the S3 deserves serious consideration alongside the 2024 Audi A3.
Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | 2024 Audi S3 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 TFSI |
| Horsepower | 306 hp @ 5,450 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 7-Speed S tronic Dual-Clutch |
| Drivetrain | quattro All-Wheel Drive |
| 0-60 mph | 4.3 seconds |
| Quarter-Mile | 12.9 sec @ 108 mph |
| Top Speed | 155 mph (governed) |
| Curb Weight | 3,538–3,573 lbs |
| Cargo Volume | 8 cu ft |
| EPA Fuel Economy | 23 city / 32 hwy / 26 combined MPG |
Performance and Driving Experience
Car and Driver recorded a 4.3-second sprint to 60 mph at their test track—nearly two full seconds quicker than the standard A3[1]. The quarter-mile falls in 12.9 seconds at 108 mph, putting the S3 firmly in hot-hatch territory despite its sedan body style.
Here’s what the spec sheet won’t tell you: Comfort mode introduces noticeable turbo lag off the line. Switch to Dynamic mode, and the powertrain wakes up—perky, eager, and reasonably sonorous for a four-cylinder[1]. The steering? Heavy enough to feel sporty, but lacking the feedback you’d get from a Porsche or even an Integra Type S. You point, it goes, but the conversation between hands and road remains muted[1].
During Edmunds’ testing, the S3 stopped from 60 mph in 107 feet—solid braking performance with excellent stability on repeated stops[2]. One owner on Reddit summed up 10,000 miles of experience this way: “versatile vehicle that excels in a compact form” with the caveat that the 19-inch wheels deliver a “jittery ride on poor road surfaces”[3]. Fair assessment.
Pricing and Trim Breakdown
| Trim | 2024 MSRP | Key Additions |
|---|---|---|
| Premium | $47,400 | Panoramic sunroof, 3-zone climate, 10.1″ touchscreen |
| Premium Plus | $50,300 | Adaptive cruise, lane-keeping assist, wireless charging |
| Prestige | $54,300 | 12.3″ digital gauge cluster, Bang & Olufsen audio, navigation |
Edmunds recommends the Premium Plus for most buyers—it adds the driver-assistance tech you’ll actually use without pushing into Prestige territory[2]. The Technology package (available on Premium Plus) throws in the larger digital gauges and B&O sound system for $2,250[1]. Worth it if you care about audio quality. For more context on Audi’s broader lineup, explore our guide to the best Audi sports cars.
Interior and Technology
The cabin largely mirrors the A3 with sport-specific touches: quilted leather seat inserts, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and the stubby toggle-switch gear selector that draws mixed opinions[1]. Some buyers find the shifter awkward—others don’t notice. Real buttons for climate control remain, a welcome holdout against the touchscreen-everything trend.
Standard tech includes a 10.1-inch infotainment display and 10.3-inch digital gauge cluster running Audi’s MMI interface. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, as does Audi’s virtual cockpit. One owner noted the 2024 S3 is “one of the last generations of Audis with tactile buttons”—a detail enthusiasts appreciate[4]. Learn more about Audi’s Apple CarPlay integration.
The catch? Some functions require digging through menus rather than using dedicated controls[2]. And that 8-cubic-foot trunk? Small. Pack light or prepare to get creative with luggage.
Real-World Fuel Economy
EPA estimates land at 23 mpg city, 32 highway, and 26 combined on premium fuel[1]. Car and Driver observed 25 mpg in mixed driving and hit 32 mpg on their 75-mph highway fuel economy test—a 460-mile highway range[1]. For a 306-hp all-wheel-drive sedan, those numbers compete well against the Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 and actually match the BMW M235i Gran Coupe.
Your mileage will vary based on how often you use Dynamic mode. Light-foot it on the highway, and fuel stops become less frequent. Explore it aggressively through twisty roads, and… well, you’ll pay for the fun.
Competitor Comparison
| Spec | 2024 Audi S3 | VW Golf R (Facelifted) | Mercedes-AMG A35 | BMW M135i |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 306 hp | 333 hp | 306 hp | 306 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) | 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) | 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) |
| 0-60 mph | 4.3 sec | ~4.5 sec | 4.7 sec | ~4.8 sec |
| Base MSRP (US) | $47,400 | ~$45,000 | ~$48,000 | ~$44,000 |
| Weight | 3,538 lbs | 3,362 lbs | 3,294 lbs | 3,417 lbs |
The Golf R shares the S3’s MQB platform and powertrain (now bumped to 333 hp in the facelifted model), costs roughly $3,000 less, and weighs less too[5]. You’re paying the Audi premium for the badge, sedan practicality, and slightly richer interior materials. The AMG A35 brings Mercedes flair but falls behind in straight-line acceleration. BMW’s M135i costs the least but can’t match the S3’s sprint times.
Where the S3 wins: refinement. Multiple reviewers note higher comfort levels than competitors in this segment[2]. It’s also the only sedan option in this group with an adult-usable backseat for shorter trips. For a deeper dive into Audi’s performance SUV alternatives, check the 2024 Audi SQ5.
Safety
The A3/S3 platform earned IIHS ratings with “Good” scores across crash tests and “Superior” front crash prevention ratings in vehicle-to-vehicle scenarios[7]. The system stopped the car completely in both 12 mph and 25 mph automated emergency braking tests. Pedestrian detection rated “Advanced”—effective but not perfect, particularly in low-light conditions with low beams[7]. NHTSA hasn’t published crash test results specific to the 2024 S3 sedan.
Standard safety equipment includes automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control require moving to Premium Plus or adding packages[1].
Ownership Considerations
Common issues reported on the EA888 2.0T platform include thermostat housing failures (Audi extended warranty to 10 years/100,000 miles on affected vehicles), coil pack replacements around 60,000 miles, and occasional DSG transmission hesitation[8]. One Reddit owner noted: “The only real common problem with these cars are low coolant/water pump issues”[9].
Warranty coverage spans four years or 50,000 miles for both bumper-to-bumper and powertrain—no complimentary maintenance included[1]. Factor in premium fuel costs and higher brake/tire wear from spirited driving. Check our guide on Audi A3 years to avoid for additional buying context.
Pros and Cons
What Works
- Hits 60 mph in 4.3 seconds with consistent quattro traction in all weather conditions[1]
- Compact dimensions make parking and urban maneuvering significantly easier than larger sport sedans[2]
- Braking performance impresses—107-foot 60-0 mph stops with excellent stability[2]
- Physical climate control buttons remain, bucking the industry trend toward all-touchscreen interfaces[4]
What Doesn’t
- Trunk capacity at 8 cubic feet limits practicality for road trips or family use[2]
- Notable turbo lag in Comfort mode makes stoplight launches feel sluggish[1]
- Steering lacks tactile feedback despite weighted feel, reducing driver engagement at the limit[1]
- Ride quality suffers on rough surfaces with standard 19-inch wheels[3]
FAQs
Is the 2024 Audi S3 reliable?
The current-generation S3 (introduced 2022) tracks better than earlier turbocharged Audis. Known issues center on thermostat housing failures and coil pack replacements around 60,000 miles[8]. Audi extended warranty coverage on the cooling system to 10 years/100,000 miles. Most owners report solid daily-driver reliability when following scheduled maintenance. Previous-generation models had more infotainment complaints—this version runs smoother.
Should I buy the S3 or the Golf R?
They share a platform and (in the facelifted Golf R) the same engine output. The Golf R costs $2,000–$3,000 less, weighs roughly 175 pounds lighter, and now produces 333 hp versus the S3’s 306 hp[5]. The S3 counters with nicer interior materials, sedan practicality, and the Audi badge. Performance is nearly identical in daily driving. Pick the hatchback utility or sedan refinement—there’s no wrong answer.
How does the 2024 S3 compare to the RS3?
The RS3 brings 401 hp from a characterful 2.5-liter five-cylinder—one of the best-sounding engines in production—plus a sharper suspension tune. But it starts at $63,395, roughly $16,000 more than the S3[1]. The S3’s 306 hp handles daily commutes and weekend spirited driving without drama. Choose the RS3 only if you prioritize that five-cylinder soundtrack and track-day capability. Learn more about Audi’s quattro system.
What’s new for the 2024 Audi S3?
Minor updates only. The 2024 model adds matte carbon-look interior trim as standard (replacing aluminum) and makes nappa leather seats available as a standalone option on Premium Plus and Prestige trims[1]. No mechanical changes from the 2023 model year. The bigger refresh—with 333 hp and a torque-vectoring rear differential borrowed from the RS3—has launched in European markets but hasn’t reached U.S. showrooms for the 2024 model year[6].
References
- Car and Driver. (2024). 2024 Audi S3 Review, Pricing, and Specs. https://www.caranddriver.com/audi/s3-2024
- Edmunds. (2024). 2024 Audi S3 Prices, Reviews, and Pictures. https://www.edmunds.com/audi/s3/2024/
- Reddit. (2025). 2024 Audi S3 Review After 10K Miles. https://www.reddit.com/r/audis3/comments/1jj8t6r/2024_audi_s3_review_after_10k_miles/
- Edmunds. (2024). 2024 Audi S3 Consumer Reviews. https://www.edmunds.com/audi/s3/2024/consumer-reviews/
- Carwow. (2024). New VW Golf R vs BMW M135 vs Audi S3 vs AMG A35: Drag Race.
- Remove Before Race/YouTube. (2024). 2024 Audi S3 Facelift Review: A More Affordable RS3?!.
- IIHS. (2024). 2024 Audi A3 Crash Test Ratings. https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/audi/a3-4-door-sedan/2024
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Engine Patrol. (2024). Audi S3 Common Problems.
11 Most Common Audi S3 Problems (Explained)
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Reddit. (2019). Anyone regret buying their S3? Any common issues to be aware of?.
Anyone regret buying their S3? Any common issues to be aware of?
by inAudi
I am a senior automotive analyst at Autvex. Expert vehicle evaluations, in-depth reviews, and objective analysis helping readers make informed automotive decisions with years of industry experience.
