2018 Audi RS 3
The 2018 Audi RS 3 is a sedan. It has a 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine producing 400 hp (298 kW), with a 7-speed automated manual and all-wheel drive. 0–60 mph takes 4.1 seconds and top speed is 155 mph (249 km/h).
ABOUT THE 2018 AUDI RS 3
The 2018 Audi RS 3 is the most powerful version of the third-generation A3 saloon (8V). Its 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine is rated at 400 hp and 354 lb-ft (480 Nm), driving all four wheels through a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch gearbox. Audi quoted 0–60 mph in 4.1 seconds.
The first US RS 3
Although earlier RS 3 hatchbacks were sold in Europe, the saloon introduced for the 2017 model year was the first RS 3 offered in the US, and 2018 was its second year on sale. The engine was a newly developed version of Audi’s five-cylinder, with an aluminium crankcase that made it lighter than its predecessor. The distinctive five-cylinder sound, a link to Audi’s rally cars of the 1980s, is one of the car’s main attractions.
What it is like
Strong traction from quattro and fast gearchanges give the RS 3 rapid acceleration in all weather. Ride and steering are firmer than in the S3, and options included magnetic ride adaptive dampers and carbon-ceramic front brakes. Like other A3 saloons it has a compact cabin and boot, so it suits buyers wanting a small car with big performance.
Buying one today
Check for engine and gearbox tuning, which is very common on these cars, as well as evidence of track use. The dual-clutch gearbox and Haldex all-wheel-drive coupling both need fluid services. Brakes and tyres wear quickly.
Rivals
Rivals included the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45, BMW M2, Ford Focus RS and Subaru WRX STI.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | Audi | Model | RS 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2018 | Version / Trim | Audi 2018 RS 3 |
| Body Style | Sedan | Doors | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | Ext. Colour | Ibis White, Glacier White Metallic, Mythos Black Metallic, Florett Silver Metallic, Daytona Gray Pearl Effect, Nardo Gray, Misano Red Pearl Effect, Tango Red Metallic, Navarra Blue Metallic, Ara Blue Crystal Effect, Sepang Blue Pearl Effect, Individual Colours available |
| Steering | LHD / RHD | Manufactured In | Germany |
| Drive | All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | Transmission | Automatic (AM-S7) |
| Engine | 2.5L 5-cyl Turbo | Engine Size | 2,500 cc |
| Power | 400 hp / 298 kW | Torque | 480 Nm / 354 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) | 4.1 sec | Top Speed | 155 mph (249 km/h) |
| Fuel Economy | 19 mpg city / 28 mpg hwy | ||
| Wheelbase | — | Kerb Weight | 1,530 kg (3,373 lb) |
HOW IT COMPARES WITH OTHER 2018 SEDANS
Compared with other 2018 sedans in our database, its 400 hp is 41% more than the average 2018 sedan (284 hp), and it reaches 60 mph 2.1 seconds quicker than average.
| 2018 Audi RS 3 | Average 2018 sedans | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 400 hp | 284 hp (92 cars) | +41% |
| Torque | 480 Nm | 391 Nm (92 cars) | +23% |
| 0–60 mph | 4.1 s | 6.2 s (93 cars) | -34% |
| Top speed | 155 mph | 141 mph (93 cars) | +10% |
| Kerb weight | 1,530 kg | 1,617 kg (100 cars) | -5% |
| Engine size | 2,500 cc | 2,556 cc (89 cars) | -2% |
Averages are calculated from all cars of the same model year and body type in the CarDetails.org database that have the figure listed. For 0–60 mph, a negative difference means quicker.
CLOSEST RIVALS
Other 2018 sedans with similar power to the 2018 Audi RS 3.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Audi RS 3 | 400 hp | 4.1 s | 1,530 kg |
| 2018 Tesla Model S 100D | 416 hp | 2.7 s | 2,069 kg |
| 2018 BMW M3 | 425 hp | 4.1 s | 1,600 kg |
| 2018 Subaru WRX STI Type RA | 305 hp | 4.6 s | 1,470 kg |