The S3 Sedan is available in three trims, as we are accustomed to from Audi, starting with the Premium, Premium Plus, and ending with the Prestige. All models use a 306-hp 295-lb-ft turbocharged inline-four and come standard with the brand's quattro all-wheel drive. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic does duty across the lineup.
From the base model, standard specification includes LED headlights and taillights, 18-inch wheels, and a panoramic sunroof. Inside the cabin, you get three-zone climate control, LED interior lighting, leather seats with heating up front, a 10.1-inch MMI touchscreen display, and a host of driver assists. The safety suite includes lane departure warning, park assist, and pre sense front and basic. Higher up
The new Audi S3 Sedan starts at a price of $44,900 for the Premium before a destination charge of $1,045. After that, the Premium Plus goes for $47,700 and the Prestige costs $51,500. By comparison, the BMW M235i xDrive Gran Coupe begins at $45,500. By adding every option to the Prestige, it'll approach $60,000 including the destination charge.
On the base Premium, the Convenience package costs $1,500 and adds several of the features found on the Premium Plus. The list includes an auto-dimming interior rearview mirror, the Audi advanced key, Audi side assist, and memory for the driver's seat, among other features. At $1,950, the Black optic package gives the stylish sedan a more sinister appearance. It adds 19-inch bi-color wheels, a black roof, black exhaust tips, black mirror housings, and non-run-flat summer tires. However, these two packages will already exceed the price of the Premium Plus so that's something to bear in mind when speccing the S3.
The Premium Plus can also be enhanced with the Black optic package but it adds the $1,100 S sport package with red brake calipers and a sport-tuned suspension with damper control too. At this level, Fine Nappa leather is added as an option, while the $2,250 Technology package includes navigation, the Bang & Olufsen sound system, the 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus, and traffic sign recognition. The Prestige comes with all the options of the Premium Plus besides the Technology package as this trim is already equipped with the items contained in that package.
Though it's quicker than most, the 2022 Audi S3 is a tiny car; unfortunately, it's price tag is not. We'd struggle to stick with the base Premium trim, as it misses several important features. The Premium Plus seems like a decent value at $47,700, but by the time you add a few packages, it's better to opt for the Prestige at $51,500. We'd personally opt for the Prestige, then try to leave the dealer without any additional option packages like the Black Optic, S Sport, or Fine Nappa Leather, which are all tempting. Turbo Blue is a head-turning no-cost option, keeping the price to $52,545 including destination.
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