2023 Audi RS3
The 2023 Audi RS3 is a sedan. It has a 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine producing 401 hp (299 kW), with a 7-speed automated manual and all-wheel drive. 0–60 mph takes 3.6 seconds and top speed is 155 mph (249 km/h).
ABOUT THE 2023 AUDI RS3
The 2023 Audi RS 3 is the high-performance version of the fourth-generation A3 saloon, known as the 8Y. It uses Audi’s 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder with 401 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, sent through a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission to quattro all-wheel drive.
Second year of the new RS 3
The 8Y RS 3 arrived in the US for the 2022 model year, so 2023 is its second season. Its headline feature is the RS Torque Splitter, which uses a pair of clutches at the rear axle to vary drive between the rear wheels, sharpening cornering and enabling an RS Torque Rear mode. Audi quoted 0–60 mph in 3.6 seconds. The RS 3 saloon was built at Audi’s plant in Győr, Hungary.
What it is like
The five-cylinder engine gives the RS 3 a distinctive sound and strong acceleration, and the drive-mode system can make it feel either composed or playful. The compact saloon body offers seating for five and a modest boot, so it remains usable as daily transport. Inside, a digital instrument display and touchscreen infotainment are standard.
Ownership
As a relatively recent model, the main considerations are running costs: performance tyres and brakes wear quickly, and the dual-clutch gearbox and quattro system need servicing at the correct intervals. Check for kerbed wheels and signs of track use.
Rivals
Its closest competitors were the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 and the BMW M2, with the BMW M240i xDrive a less powerful alternative.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | Audi | Model | RS3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2023 | Version / Trim | Audi 2023 RS3 |
| Body Style | Sedan | Doors | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | Ext. Colour | Ibis White, Mythos Black Metallic, Florett Silver Metallic, Chronos Gray Metallic, Glacier White Metallic, Navarra Blue Metallic, Tango Red Metallic, District Green Metallic, Ultra Blue Metallic, Arrow Gray Metallic |
| 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 | 401 hp / 299 kW | Torque | 500 Nm / 369 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) | 3.6 sec | Top Speed | 155 mph (249 km/h) |
| Fuel Economy | 20 mpg city / 29 mpg hwy | ||
| Wheelbase | — | Kerb Weight | 1,530 kg (3,373 lb) |
HOW IT COMPARES WITH OTHER 2023 SEDANS
Compared with other 2023 sedans in our database, its 401 hp is 27% more than the average 2023 sedan (315 hp), and it reaches 60 mph 2.2 seconds quicker than average, and it is 11% lighter than the typical sedan.
| 2023 Audi RS3 | Average 2023 sedans | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 401 hp | 315 hp (80 cars) | +27% |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 423 Nm (80 cars) | +18% |
| 0–60 mph | 3.6 s | 5.8 s (82 cars) | -38% |
| Top speed | 155 mph | 141 mph (82 cars) | +10% |
| Kerb weight | 1,530 kg | 1,721 kg (91 cars) | -11% |
| Engine size | 2,500 cc | 2,595 cc (70 cars) | -4% |
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 2023 sedans with similar power to the 2023 Audi RS3.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Audi RS3 | 401 hp | 3.6 s | 1,530 kg |
| 2023 ORA Lightning Cat Ultra | 400 hp | 3.6 s | 1,965 kg |
| 2023 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD | 358 hp | 4.2 s | 1,752 kg |
| 2023 Dongfeng eπ 007 Max | 340 hp | 5.9 s | 1,850 kg |
| 2023 BMW 540i Sedan | 335 hp | 5.3 s | 1,760 kg |