2019 Audi RS 3
The 2019 Audi RS 3 is a sedan. It has a 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine producing 394 hp (294 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 2019 AUDI RS 3
The 2019 Audi RS 3 is the high-performance version of the A3 saloon (Typ 8V), and the most powerful car in the A3 family. It is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-litre TFSI five-cylinder rated at 394 hp and 354 lb-ft (480 Nm), driving all four wheels through quattro and a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch gearbox. Audi quoted 0–60 mph in 4.1 seconds.
Where 2019 sits
The RS 3 first came to North America for 2017, sold only as a saloon, and 2019 was the third year of the US model. It carried on largely unchanged, ahead of the 2020 final year for this generation. Its five-cylinder engine, with an aluminium crankcase and a distinctive firing order, is the same unit used in the TT RS, and it gives the car a characteristic warble.
What it is like
The RS 3 offers huge real-world pace in a compact package, and quattro makes that performance usable in all weathers. The cabin is the same practical five-seat layout as the A3, with RS sports seats and the Audi virtual cockpit with RS-specific displays. US saloons were built in Győr, Hungary.
Buying one today
Many RS 3s have been modified, so check for engine tuning and aftermarket parts. Ensure the S tronic and quattro coupling have been serviced at the correct intervals, and budget for brakes and performance tyres, which wear quickly with hard use.
Rivals
The 2019 RS 3 competed with the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 and, in coupe form, the BMW M2.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | Audi | Model | RS 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2019 | Version / Trim | Audi 2019 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, Tango Red Metallic, Navarra Blue Metallic, Ascari Blue Metallic, Nogaro Blue Pearl Effect, Ara Blue Crystal Effect, Individual Colours available |
| Steering | LHD / RHD | Manufactured In | Hungary |
| Drive | All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | Transmission | Automatic (AM-S7) |
| Engine | 2.5L 5-cyl Turbo | Engine Size | 2,500 cc |
| Power | 394 hp / 294 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 2019 SEDANS
Compared with other 2019 sedans in our database, its 394 hp is 35% more than the average 2019 sedan (291 hp), and it reaches 60 mph 1.9 seconds quicker than average.
| 2019 Audi RS 3 | Average 2019 sedans | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 394 hp | 291 hp (92 cars) | +35% |
| Torque | 480 Nm | 400 Nm (92 cars) | +20% |
| 0–60 mph | 4.1 s | 6.0 s (87 cars) | -31% |
| Top speed | 155 mph | 139 mph (87 cars) | +12% |
| Kerb weight | 1,530 kg | 1,657 kg (95 cars) | -8% |
| Engine size | 2,500 cc | 2,654 cc (75 cars) | -6% |
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 2019 sedans with similar power to the 2019 Audi RS 3.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Audi RS 3 | 394 hp | 4.1 s | 1,530 kg |
| 2019 Tesla Model S 100D | 416 hp | 2.7 s | 2,069 kg |
| 2019 BMW M4 CS | 425 hp | 4.1 s | 1,600 kg |
| 2019 Toyota Avalon | 301 hp | 6.4 s | 1,680 kg |