As the old saying goes, good things come in small packages. This helps explain why Audi’s smallest car is also one of its most desirable. The 2024 Audi A3 and its high-performance off-shoots, the S3 and RS 3, are quite compelling to luxury buyers who don’t need a big back seat and don’t care for an SUV.
The entry-level 2024 Audi A3 rolls out of the factory driven by its front wheels (FWD) and a 201-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. All-wheel drive (AWD) is optional on the A3 and standard on the 306-horsepower S3 and 401-hp RS 3.
Audi offers two trims with the A3: Premium and Premium Plus. While well equipped, this model lacks Audi’s top-of-the-line Prestige trim, which is only available on the more expensive (and better performing) S3. The RS 3 is a well-equipped version with a few optional upgrades.
Competitors in this segment include the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, Acura Integra, and, to a lesser degree, the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R.
What’s New:
Changes for 2024 are minor. The A3 gets a revised Black Optic package with a new wheel design, and the HomeLink button is now built into the rearview mirror.
The S3 gets new Carbon Atlas inlays, and Nappa leather seating becomes a standalone option on the Premium Plus and Prestige trims. The RS 3 also receives the new Carbon Atlas inlays, while the optional RS Design Package sees its green accent stitching changed to red.
Our Recommendation:
Whether you prefer the luxury-oriented A3 or performance S3, we’d pick the Premium Plus trim and add the Technology Package. You can go further, but this combination gives plenty of technology and luxury upgrades while keeping the price in the low-$40,000 range for the A3 and just under $53,000 for the S3.
These are the manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) and include the $1,095 factory-to-dealer delivery fee (destination charge). Prices are current at the time of publishing.
A3 Premium
Starts at $36,495 | See listings
- Turbocharged 2.0-liter engine
- Tri-zone climate control
- Panoramic sunroof
- Auto high-beam headlights
- Heated side mirrors
- Leather upholstery
- 8-way power front seats with 4-way power lumbar
- Heated front seats
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Digital instrument cluster
- Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- See more
A3 Premium Plus
Starts at $40,095 | See listings
- Adaptive cruise control
- Advanced Key keyless
- Auto-dimming and power-folding side mirrors
- Blind-spot monitor
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Wireless charging pad
- Memory for the driver’s seat and mirrors
- Audi Park Assist
- See more
S3 Premium
Starts at $48,095 | See listings
- 306-hp engine
- quattro all-wheel drive
- Sport front seats
- Lowered sport suspension
- Black brake calipers
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- See more
S3 Premium Plus
Starts at $50,995 | See listings
- Adaptive cruise control
- Advanced Key keyless
- Auto-dimming and power-folding side mirrors
- Blind-spot monitor
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Wireless charging pad
- Memory for the driver’s seat and mirrors
- Audi Park Assist
- See more
S3 Prestige
Starts at $54,995 | See listings
- Head-up display
- Virtual cockpit
- LED Matrix design headlights
- Traffic sign recognition
- Bang & Olufsen audio
- Navigation
- See more
RS 3
Starts at $62,795 | See listings
- 401-hp 2.5-liter turbocharged 5-cylinder engine
- quattro all-wheel drive
- Adaptive sport suspension
- RS 3 sport seats
- RS 3 Virtual Cockpit
- Wider stance
- Unique exterior styling
- See more
2024 Audi A3 40 Premium: $36,495 (FWD); $38,495 (AWD)
The A3 Premium will appeal most likely to those who value the Audi name over getting the most bang for the buck. For just a bit more, we’d say go with the Premium Plus, as its driver assist and luxury features align more with what luxury buyers demand.
So, what does your $35,400 buy? To begin, a modest collection of advanced safety and driver assist systems. The price includes forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, low-speed automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning.
Automatic high-beam headlights are standard, as is Audi pre sense basic, which prepares the cabin for impact by closing the windows and sunroof and tensing the seatbelts.
Beyond the government-mandated airbag requirements, the A3 adds front side-impact, side-curtain, and rear side-impact airbags.
The A3’s exterior styling sees enhancements with standard features like aluminum window surrounds, 17-inch 5-arm alloy wheels, full LED headlights with daytime running lights, dynamic LED turn indicators, and heated side mirrors. Rain-sensing wipers automatically activate when sensing rain, mist, or snow on the windshield.
As attractive as the A3’s exterior is, the real excitement resides inside. Sitting in the 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with its 4-way power lumbar support, the driver views a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster that mimics an analog speedometer and tachometer while displaying various vehicle status and infotainment information.
The front passenger also enjoys an 8-way power seat with 4-way power lumbar support, while rear-seat passengers sit on a 40/20/40-split folding seat with a center armrest. The rear seat area includes two USB-C charging ports, rear air vents, and a climate control panel, part of the standard tri-zone automatic climate control.
Additional amenities include keyless entry and push-button start, a panoramic glass sunroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats, cruise control, and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with paddle shifters.
A 10.1-inch touchscreen serves as the infotainment, backup camera, and vehicle systems display, allowing access to various features such as the Drive Select settings. Drive Select allows the driver to change throttle response, transmission shift points, and steering feedback.
The A3’s multimedia interface includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Audi Connect Care offers subscription-based services such as remote locking/unlocking, stolen vehicle locator, and emergency services. A 6-speaker Audi sound system comes standard.
The A3 Premium offers a few upgrade packages, the most complete being the Convenience Package. Check this option box, and you’ll gain Advanced Key keyless entry with proximity key fob, auto-dimming and power-folding side mirrors, an alarm system with motion sensor, a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio.
Also included are a wireless charging pad, memory for the driver’s seat and mirrors, and Audi Park Assist, which can automatically parallel or perpendicularly park the car.
The Black Optic Sport Package adds 18-inch graphite gray wheels with a five double-spoke V design, black exterior trim, and a sport suspension that lowers the car by 15 millimeters.
On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment for the 2024 Audi A3 40 Premium costs $689. See 2024 Audi A3 Premium models for sale near you
2024 Audi A3 40 Premium includes:
8-way power front seats – This allows the driver and passenger to find the perfect seating position and has 4-way power lumbar for improved lower back support.
Wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay – Negates the need for a cable and an open USB port, allowing wireless connectivity with a smartphone’s apps, music, and navigation.
Panoramic sunroof – Provides more light in the cabin, helping the somewhat cramped A3 interior feel more open and airy.
2024 Audi A3 40 Premium Plus: $40,095 (FWD); $43,095 (AWD)
Building off the A3 40 Premium with the Convenience Package, the Premium Plus adds adaptive cruise control with lane guidance, LED interior lighting, and Agate Gray birch wood inlays.
Premium Plus buyers can upgrade with the Technology Package, which includes some of Audi’s best tech features. The package contains a configurable 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit (digital gauge display) with several themes and displays and doubles as the MMI (Multi-Media Interface) navigation display.
The package includes traffic sign recognition and a 6-month trial to Audi Connect Prime. You also get a brilliant 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system.
On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment for the 2024 Audi A3 40 Premium Plus costs $757. See 2024 Audi A3 Premium Plus models for sale near you
2024 Audi A3 40 Premium Plus includes:
Adaptive cruise control – Maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, slowing and accelerating as traffic flow changes. The system also includes lane guidance that keeps the car centered in its lane.
Park Assist – This system uses ultrasonic sensors to steer the A3 into a parallel or perpendicular parking spot. The driver is required to operate only the shift lever and brakes.
Available Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system – As one of the world’s best audio manufacturers, Bang & Olufsen delivers the A3’s audio with 15 specially-tuned speakers, providing exceptional sound reproduction.
2024 Audi S3 Premium: $48,095
If you’re looking for better performance and a more enthusiast-oriented interior, the S3 Premium has you covered. It gains a 306-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and standard quattro AWD. In 0-60-mph runs, the S3 shaves about two seconds off the A3’s time, clocking in at 4.5 seconds.
Building off the A3 Premium’s standard equipment list, the S3 Premium adds sport front seats, a lowered sport suspension, black brake calipers, and a black headliner.
The S3 rides on 5-spoke flag-design 18-inch alloy wheels fitted with run-flat summer tires. Additional S3 upgrades are a body-colored rear spoiler, Alu-optic mirror caps, headlight washers, stainless steel pedals, and revised steering ratios.
In addition to the A3 40 Premium’s Convenience package, the S3 offers 18-inch all-season tires or 19-inch wheels shod with non-run-flat summer tires.
The Black Optic Package also features 19-inch summer tires, along with black exterior trim, black exhaust tips, a black roof, and black mirror caps.
On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment for the 2024 Audi S3 Premium costs $908. See 2024 Audi S3 Premium models for sale near you
2024 Audi S3 Premium Plus: $50,995
The S3 Premium Plus includes all features from the S3 Premium and A3 Premium Plus.
Options include Nappa leather upholstery, the Technology Package, the Black Optic Package, and the S Sport Package, which features red brake calipers and an adaptive sport suspension.
On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment for the 2024 Audi S3 Premium Plus costs $962. See 2024 Audi S3 Premium Plus models for sale near you
2024 Audi S3 Prestige: $54,995
As its name suggests, the Prestige trim represents the top-of-line S3. It includes all the S3 Premium Plus features combined with the contents from the Technology Package.
The S3 Prestige then adds animation for the LED Matrix design headlights and a head-up display.
As with the Premium Plus, the Black Optic Package, Nappa leather upholstery, and the S Sport Package are available.
On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment for the 2024 Audi S3 Prestige costs $1,038. See 2024 Audi S3 Prestige models for sale near you
2024 Audi S3 Prestige includes:
Head-up display – This HUD projects vital information onto the windshield, allowing drivers to see speed, navigation, and speed limit posts without taking their eyes off the road.
Virtual Cockpit – Audi’s brilliant digital cockpit features configurable screen themes and can double as the navigation screen.
Available S Sport Package – This package adds an adaptive suspension for better performance when driving aggressively.
2024 Audi RS 3: $62,795
The most powerful of the A3 line is the Audi RS 3. Offered in only one trim, the RS 3 brings to the table a 401-hp 2.5-liter turbocharged inline 5-cylinder engine and quattro AWD.
The RS 3 contains all the features in the S3 Premium Plus but offers unique upgrades like an adaptive sport suspension, RS 3 sport seats, and special paint options. The Virtual Cockpit features reconfigured screens designed for the RS 3’s track-inspired intentions.
The RS 3 touts unique exterior styling cues, with a more aggressive front end and headlight treatment, a wider stance, and flared front fenders with large air vents.
In addition to the Technology Package, the RS 3 offers the RS Design Package Green, featuring seat trim in green faux suede (called Dinamica), green edging on the seatbelts, air vent center bars in green, and RS 3 floor mats with a green logo and piping.
The Dynamic Plus Package adds ceramic front brakes with red brake calipers, steel rear brakes, a carbon-fiber engine cover, and a 180-mph speedometer.
Other options include a blind-spot monitor, carbon-fiber exterior styling elements, Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires, and a sport exhaust with black tips.
On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment for the 2024 Audi RS 3 costs $1,185. See 2024 Audi RS 3 models for sale near you
