2025 Audi A3

Test Vehicle:

2025 Audi A3 Quattro

Powertrain: 2.0L TFSI I4 (AWD)

Exterior Color: Arrow Gray Pearl

Interior Color: Black Leather

Options: Paint ($595), Premium Plus Package ($2,600), Black Optic Package ($1,750), Technology Package ($1,600)

MSRP as tested: $46,040 (With Destination & Delivery)

The Audi A3 is a five-passenger compact luxury sedan that made its debut in 1996 as a three-door hatchback. It is currently in its fourth generation which launched in 2020. New for 2025, the A3 now comes standard with AWD on all models, the front end receives a new grille,  it gets refreshed front and rear bumpers, new wheel options, and some interior upgrades. It is available in three trims known as Premium, Premium Plus, or Premium Plus S Line. Additionally, there is an Audi S3 variant that is a more powerful performance-oriented model.  Under the hood of all models is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 that delivers 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft. of torque paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. Comparatively, the Audi S3 comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 that delivers 328 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft of torque. 

Competition includes other luxury sedans like the Acura Integra, BMW 2-Series, Cadillac CT4, Mercedes-Benz CLA, and Volvo S60. A3 models start at $40,100 for the Premium model and climb to a starting price of $45,700 for the Premium Plus S-Line. Audi S3 models start at $53,295. I spent a week in a Premium Plus model with the Black Optic package that checked in at $46,040 and here’s what stood out…

Exterior Style:

Audi has chosen to evolve the A3’s design rather than transform it. The 2025 refresh leans into sportiness and modernity, borrowing cues from higher end, sport Audi models without abandoning its premium compact sedan identity. The front grille is now more frameless, flatter, and wider. It no longer descends as low into the bumper as the previous model.  The wider, flatter grille helps give the A3 a more planted, modern, and aggressive look. It reduces the “toy-car” perception entry luxury sedans sometimes suffer from. The front bumper is also modified with more angular air intakes connected by a front splitter.  It also get new headlights that feature a new LED daytime running light signature. While the side profile remains relatively unchanged, Audi has added new wheel designs that include standard 17-inch ten-V-spoke and optional 18-inch five double-spoke with a bi-color finish. And while it may be a small detail, Audi has laser-etched the B-pillar badging to give it a more upscale feel. Around back is a new rear bumper with a more pronounced diffuser element to give it a more aggressive and sportier vibe. The LED taillights have also been subtly reworked. Overall proportions are good with minimal overhangs on either end and the car has a nice stance / height balance. 

Also new to the lineup are new paint options that include Progressive Red, District Green, Arrow Gray, and Arkona White. The Arrow Gray in my test car caught some attention and gave this luxury sedan a sportier flair. The visual updates give it a bit more swagger, more personality. It looks more grown-up than earlier versions, especially when it has the optional wheels or darker color. If you see it side by side with a 2024 model, you’ll notice a subtle but meaningful difference.

Black Optics:

My test model came with a new Black Optic package for $1,750 that replaces the usual chrome or silver trim elements around windows/molding with a black finish. Additionally, it comes with exclusive 18” aggressive 5-double spoke wheels finished in silver and dark gray. Those sporty wheels are also wrapped in 225/40 All-Season tires for optimal road gripping.All other accent pieces such as the Audi rings emblem are also finished in a darker anthracite tone compared to the usual silver.  It also comes with a lowered sport suspension to improve handling  with less body roll and give it a more planted stance. Overall, this package gives the A3 a somewhat stealthy or performance-leaning aesthetic without going with a full body kit.

Powertrain / Handling:

Under the hood of all A3 models is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 with mild-hybrid assist (gas + mild electric system). Combined it delivers 201 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque paired to a 7-speed dual clutch automatic. That’s enough power to get it from 0-60 MPH in around 6 seconds. There’s plenty of power for everyday driving including merging on the highway and passing. The car feels potent with minimal turbo lag that is often an issue with turbocharged powertrains.  The car smoothly shifts through the gears with ease and is easy to handle. The A3 is relatively light which helps it zip through corners and respond to driver input with ease.  This car is nimble and agile, one that can easily slide through traffic and confidently pass others. It’s engaging and spirited making it one of the more fun vehicles I’ve driven this year.

On well-maintained roads the ride is well balanced;  firm enough to feel sporty but not so stiff that it beats you up. On rougher roads, especially with larger wheels, you do feel more of the road which may be a turn off to some buyers. Some road noise and small bumps come through more as well with the sportier settings. In city driving the A3 feels eager and responsive enough. The dual-clutch transmission shifts quickly, especially when you use the paddles or put it into more dynamic modes.  Steering is well-weighted and direct.  It has good body control and always felt planted to the pavement. If you’re after high-performance handling, razor-sharp steering feel, or track capability, you’ll want to step up to the S3 or rivals that emphasize sport handling more. The base A3 handles well, but it's not a sports car.

The A3 delivers a confident, sporty feel without sacrificing daily usability. It’s especially strong for someone who drives a mix of city, highway, and occasionally twisty roads, and who wants a car that feels premium, responsive, planted, and comfortable.

Fuel Economy:

When the A3 arrived with a full 14.5-gallon fuel tank, it offered a driving range of around 405 miles. EPA estimates are 24 MPG city, 34 MPG highway, and 28 MPG combined. Given AWD is standard, the A3 performs well and has a long highway range potential in ideal driving conditions. Premium fuel (91 octane or higher) is recommended by Audi. 

Interior:

The A3 steps up some of its interior materials for 2025. There’s more fabric and less hard plastic than before, especially on the doors and dash. It has a modern, sporty vibe with a mix of materials and finishes all around. Accents around the vents have been upgraded to a silver finish and ambient lighting further highlights some of the details in the design. Ambient lighting now includes light strips around the center console, lit cup holders, and illuminated door fabric inserts that are backlit). You get around 30 color choices to customize mood lighting. The layout is open and easily accessible to the driver. The central console design has been refined with a flat button-like electronic shifter control, redesigned center console and armrest.

Drivers will face a 10.25” digital gauge cluster (standard) or the optional 12.3” virtual cockpit plus. The upgraded cluster gives the driver more flexibility in customization and the ability to see details such as navigation maps behind the steering wheel. The standard 10.1” infotainment touchscreen is embedded in the dashboard and integrates wirelessly with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There is also a wireless charging pad up front and USB-C ports in both the front and back. The A3’s infotainment system is impressive to look at and easy to use. Many settings and features are accessible via touch, while secondary controls are relegated to buttons below the main screen. Look above and you’ll find an operational panoramic sunroof standard across all trims. Not only does it provide light for a more open cabin, but it does have a significant opening for fresh air. 

Seating:

The A3 provides seating for five, but as a compact sedan four adults fit most comfortably. My three kids did fit in the back seats with minimal complaints. The front seats provide plenty of room for driver and passenger comfort including ample head, shoulder, and leg room. Front seats are “bucket” style with 8-way power adjustment and 4-way lumbar support on the driver’s side. The seats tend to be on the firmer side. If your priorities are plush cushioning over firm support, you may find some discomfort on very long trips

Rear legroom is decent for the class, but in general, the back row is tight on space, so adults won't want to spend much time back there. The rear seats serve their purpose but are clearly secondary in terms of comfort. Standard features include leather upholstery and heated front seats. Memory settings for the driver’s seat are available.

Cargo:

The A3 has just 10.9 cubic feet of trunk space. That's small for the luxury compact segment, but it’s generally enough to get  the job done and can still accommodate luggage. Because it's a sedan, the opening to the trunk might limit how big or awkward an item you can load is. If you often carry luggage or gear, choosing the S-Line or packages with more useful trunk accessories (nets, storage hooks, etc.) might help with organizing. The back seats do fold forward which can improve flexibility for longer flat items. Though with the A3, the improvement isn’t huge because the trunk floor/trunk opening geometry is more limited than something like a hatch. Some competitors give you more trunk depth or bigger openings putting the A3 on the small side for cargo among luxury compact sedans.

Safety /  Driver Assist:

Unlike some competitors, the standard list of driver assistance features is much shorter for the Audi A3. It does come with some of the basics such as forward collision warning + automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, lane departure warning, and Audi pre sense basic which prepares the vehicle and occupants for potential collisions. Available in higher trim packages are features such as:

• Adaptive Cruise Control (with lane guidance)
• Blind-Spot Monitoring / Side Assist 
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Parking sensors (front & rear) and Park Assist (automated parking aid)

All of the features were included in my test model and worked well. The adaptive cruise control in particular, comes with stop & go technology that utilizes braking and acceleration to help maintain a fixed distance from the vehicle in front of you. And for those in urban environments, Audi park steering assist comes in handy as it can automatically steer the car into parallel or perpendicular parking spaces.

Final Statement:

While I am fortunate to drive new vehicles each week, there are always a few that rise above and stand out, the Audi A3 has been one of them for me. I really enjoyed the size of the A3 as it was just big enough without being overbearing. It’s nimble and engaging to drive but has a level of sophistication that feels grown-up and professional.  The subtle changes for 2025 are all welcome improvements and make this a strong contender in its class. Prices are reasonable, technology is user friendly, and its performance is well-balanced. This is worth a second look if you’re in the market for a compact luxury sedan.