2020 Audi S3
The 2020 Audi S3 is a sedan. It has a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 288 hp (215 kW), with a 6-speed automated manual and all-wheel drive. 0–60 mph takes 4.9 seconds and top speed is 155 mph (249 km/h).
ABOUT THE 2020 AUDI S3
The 2020 Audi S3 is the performance version of the third-generation (8V) A3 sedan, and 2020 was the last model year for this generation in the US. It uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder rated at 288 hp and 280 lb-ft (380 Nm), with quattro all-wheel drive as standard. US cars came with a six-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic.
Where the 2020 car sits
By 2020 the 8V S3 was a mature, well-sorted product. The facelift that arrived for the 2017 model year had already brought revised styling, LED lighting and the option of Audi’s virtual cockpit digital instrument display. Audi skipped the 2021 model year for the S3 in America, so the next-generation car did not arrive until the 2022 model year, which makes the 2020 car the final and most developed version of this design.
What it is like
The S3 is a compact four-door with a small boot and a rear seat best suited to children or shorter trips for adults. Its appeal is a strong, flexible engine, all-weather traction and a cabin finished to a higher standard than most cars of its size. EPA figures are 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, roughly 10.7 and 8.1 L/100km.
Buying one today
The EA888 2.0 TFSI engine is widely used across the Volkswagen Group, and known weak points include water pump and thermostat housing leaks. The dual-clutch gearbox needs its fluid changed at the scheduled intervals, and a full service history is worth checking for both items.
Rivals
In 2020 the S3 competed with the Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 and the BMW M235i xDrive Gran Coupe.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | Audi | Model | S3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2020 | Version / Trim | Audi 2020 S3 |
| 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 | Germany |
| Drive | All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | Transmission | Automatic (AM-S6) |
| Engine | 2.0L 4-cyl Turbo | Engine Size | 2,000 cc |
| Power | 288 hp / 215 kW | Torque | 380 Nm / 280 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) | 4.9 sec | Top Speed | 155 mph (249 km/h) |
| Fuel Economy | 22 mpg city / 29 mpg hwy | ||
| Wheelbase | — | Kerb Weight | 1,490 kg (3,285 lb) |
HOW IT COMPARES WITH OTHER 2020 SEDANS
Compared with other 2020 sedans in our database, its 288 hp is close to the average for a 2020 sedan (295 hp), and it reaches 60 mph 1.1 seconds quicker than average, and it is 10% lighter than the typical sedan.
| 2020 Audi S3 | Average 2020 sedans | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 288 hp | 295 hp (104 cars) | -2% |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 398 Nm (104 cars) | -4% |
| 0–60 mph | 4.9 s | 6.0 s (98 cars) | -18% |
| Top speed | 155 mph | 139 mph (98 cars) | +12% |
| Kerb weight | 1,490 kg | 1,657 kg (108 cars) | -10% |
| Engine size | 2,000 cc | 2,652 cc (87 cars) | -25% |
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 2020 sedans with similar power to the 2020 Audi S3.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Audi S3 | 288 hp | 4.9 s | 1,490 kg |
| 2020 BMW 530e | 288 hp | 5.3 s | 1,840 kg |
| 2020 Toyota Avalon | 301 hp | 6.4 s | 1,680 kg |
| 2020 Hongqi H9 3.0T | 272 hp | 7.0 s | 2,040 kg |
| 2020 Subaru WRX | 268 hp | 5.4 s | 1,470 kg |