2023 Audi S3 Sedan Performance

Although it's more powerful than before, the new S3 Sedan is also heavier. As a result, the performance isn't dramatically different from the previous model but this does leave sufficient room for an RS3 higher up in the range. The S3's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 306 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Linked to the quattro-branded all-wheel-drive system, the power plant will propel the small sedan from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds. That makes it a little quicker than both the BMW M235i xDrive Gran Coupe and the Mercedes-AMG A35. Audi typically underestimates its 0-60 times, so an even quicker sprint could be possible. As before, the top speed is limited to 155 mph. The S3 is a smooth operator and achieves its performance effortlessly. It's less visceral than its AMG competitors, but more exciting than the M235i.

Audi has stuck with the same powertrain formula, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with turbocharging. The TFSI engine produces 306 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, improvements of 18 hp and 15 lb-ft over its predecessor. The little four-banger is quiet and unobtrusive in normal driving, but sounds buzzy with a pleasing growl when driven in anger.

The engine is paired with a slick seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission that's the best in the segment. In normal driving scenarios, the responsive transmission and torquey engine deliver the goods, and the DCT rips off rapid shifts with the throttle mashed. It's refined but the S3 will wake up quickly when you want to sneak into gaps in traffic. When you're driving at pace, it's certainly fast, but it's also clear that this isn't an RS model. For some, it'll be too subtle. For others, the S3's balance between snappy performance and refinement will strike just the right note.

At the time of writing, the EPA had not yet published official gas mileage figures for the new S3. However, Audi's own information indicates that the sedan will achieve 23/32/26 mpg city/highway/combined. That's nearly identical to the BMW M235i Gran Coupe's 24/33/27 mpg. With its 14.5-gallon gas tank, the Audi should be able to cover about 377 miles between visits to the pumps.