If you live in the U.S., and you want a quick, luxurious sedan with four rings on the nose, the options are plentiful. However, add compactness to that list of requirements, and there’s really only one way to go – the S3. With a high-performance engine and tighter handling than the more laidback A3 equivalent, the S3 is only bested by the head-expanding RS3 when it comes to Audi’s small-dimension lineup. Unfortunately, that’s forbidden fruit if you live stateside, leaving the S3 as the obvious choice. Audi just released details on the model’s latest facelift, and although the specs are specific to Europe, they should inform our expectations on what’ll arrive on these shores in the not-too-distant future. Highlights include slightly modified exterior styling, the addition of Audi’s virtual cockpit, new driver assistance tech, and a little more output under the hood.

The S3 came to America for the 2015 model year, and although it feels a bit like a consolation prize, it should have what it takes to satisfy all but the most demanding of performance enthusiasts. But with highly appealing competition coming from both BMW and Mercedes, how does the new S3 sedan stack up?

Updated 08/11/2016: Audi announced U.S. prices for the 2017 S3 sedan which will be put on sale later this year. U.S. customers will have to choose between two trim levels: Premium Plus and Prestige.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 Audi S3 Sedan.

2017 - 2018 Audi S3 Sedan

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2017 - 2018 Audi S3 Sedan
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 310
  • Torque: 295
  • Transmission: seven-speed S tronic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

In case you were unaware, Audi is known for taking a rather… cautious approach when it comes to evolving a model’s aesthetics. Such is the case with the redesigned S3, where we find pretty much the same look as the outgoing model. However, break out the magnifying glass, and you will find a few nips and tucks.

Let’s start in front, where the C-shaped headlights get a new form with “jagged bottom edges.” Basically, that means sharper corners and a flatter contour. There are Xenon lighting elements as standard, while LEDs and matrix LEDs are optional. The large Singleframe grille that dominates the fascia gets sharper edges as well. The small winglets in the bumper’s side intakes are simplified into a single divider.

More differences are found in the tail, which was tweaked slightly to give it a wider appearance. The taillights, for example, get a new shape and new graphics, echoing the sharp C-shape up front. The lower diffuser was also modified.

This time around, Audi added six new colors to the S3’s paint options, including Ara blue, Cosmic blue, Nano grey, Tango red, Vegas yellow, and, exclusive to the S line, Daytona gray pearl.

Dimensionally, the S3 is pretty much the same as before, with an overall length of 13.91 feet and a wheelbase of 8.53 feet.

Interior

Inside the S3, you’ll find pretty much the same interior look and layout as before. There’s seating for up to five passengers, while those up front get big bolsters to keep them in place. Diamond-patterned quilted leather is used for the upholstery. Brushed metal is used for trim, including the shifter, vent surrounds, and door panels. The three-spoke multifunction steering wheel gets a flat bottom and an available heating function, and the driver seat is offered with a massage function.

The biggest news for the cabin is the addition of Audi’s virtual cockpit, a first for the automaker’s compacts. Also seen on the R8 and TT, the virtual cockpit is essentially a 12.3-inch TFT screen that replaces the traditional mechanical gauge cluster behind the steering wheel. There are multiple display modes offered, with the “classic” setting displaying the usual speedometer/tachometer combo. Put it into infotainment mode, and the dual gauges shrink to offer space for navigation, phone, and audio system info.

Complementing this, you’ll find a standard 7-inch standup monitor mounted on top of the dash.

The infotainment system also gets a redesigned menu, taking after a smartphone in its UI. Most of the control is done via a rotary/push-button control on the central tunnel, but there’s also a touchpad to enter characters and gestures (such as map zoom). Additional switches and buttons around the rotary control are used for system navigation, while voice recognition is also onboard.

The S3 is offered with several levels of navigation equipment. Online connectivity comes thanks to an LTE connection and flat data plan as part of the Audi connect package. This provides a Wi-Fi hotspot for mobile devices, as well as Google Earth and Google Street View, traffic info, parking info, destination search, news, and weather.

Audi offers a free app for media streaming and calendar synching, with support for both iOS and Android devices. A “phone box” is located in the center armrest, providing a wireless infotainment connection and inductive charging.

Drivetrain

There are a few changes under the hood, but like the exterior styling, they are rather minor. Still, Audi was wise enough to tweak the S3 where it counted, adding 10 horsepower and 15 pound-feet of torque to the turbocharged, transverse, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. That puts final output at 310 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, with max torque available at a low 2,000 rpm.

If should be noted that these numbers are only for S3s equipped with a seven-speed S tronic automatic transmission. Overseas customers also get the option for a six-speed manual, but the addition of a third pedal means the loss of that extra torque, which equates to the outgoing figure of 280 pound-feet.

Audi has yet to release official performance specs, but expect a sprint from 0-to-60 mph around 4.7 seconds with the S tronic gearbox. Top speed will be electronically limited at 155 mph.

Chassis And Handling

The S3 is built on Volkswagen’s MQB architecture, with MacPherson struts up front and a four-link set-up in the rear. The suspension tuning is stiffer and lower than that on the pedestrian A3, offering both fixed dampers and the option for adaptive magnetic components. Power is applied to the ground via a standard quattro AWD system, while the progressive steering is electrically powered.

New for this year is a revamped Electronic Stabilization Control system, and a redesigned multi-plate clutch for the AWD system, both of which are specific to the S3.

Safety And Convenience

The new S3 gets a slew of new drivers assistance tech brought in from Audi’s full-size category, including active lane assist, pre-sense front warning, pedestrian monitor, and rear-cross traffic warning.

There’s also the option for traffic jam assist, which integrates with the adaptive cruise control and Stop&Go feature to help keep you sane in slow-moving congestion. Essentially, this system will move you forward at a safe distance to the car ahead, automatically stopping and setting off as needed. Additionally, the system will also take over steering, provided you’re moving at a rate under 40 mph and traveling on well-paved roads.

Also making the options list is emergency braking, which applies the binders if an imminent collision is detected without steering input from the driver.

Finally, the optional matrix LED headlights get automatic high/low beam assistance.

Prices

Pricing for the S3 Sedan starts from $42,900 for the Premium Plus trim, a minor $400 hike compared to the outgoing model. For the range-topping Prestige variant, you'll have to fork $48,400 before considering any options.

2018 Audi S3 Sedan prices

Audi S3 sedan quattro S tronic Premium Plus

$43,650

Audi S3 sedan quattro S tronic Prestige

$48,950


2017 Audi S3 Sedan prices

Model

Price

Audi S3 Premium Plus

$42,900

Audi S3 Prestige

$48,400


Competition

Mercedes-AMG CLA45

Bolder, brasher, and faster – that’s what you get when you drop the extra coin for AMG’s four-door compact. Making the go is a turbo four-cylinder with 375 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, which mates to a seven-speed Speedshift dual-clutch transmission and standard 4Matic AWD for a 4.1-second 0-to-60 mph time. If speed is a chief concern when looking for a luxurious compact sedan, then this is where you need to look first.

Read the full review here.

BMW M235i Coupe

Yes, I know it’s not a four-door, but it doesn’t matter, because this Bimmer is worth your consideration. Behind the kidney grille is a twin-turbo inline-six cylinder good for 320 horsepower, while the handling speaks to the classically-minded thanks to superb chassis tuning and RWD as standard (AWD is available, too). Long story short, it’s a more traditional take on performance than the Audi or Benz, and it’s all tied up in a handsome compact package.

Read the full review here.

Conclusion

This latest refresh from Audi is pretty standard fair for the brand. While not necessarily mind-blowing, the updates are all greatly appreciated and well executed. Probably the biggest changes are in the cabin, where the virtual cockpit system and new driver;s assistance features make for an up-to-date technology package. The extra horsepower and torque ain’t bad either. The new exterior is, well… typical Audi. Nothing ventured, nothing gained there. But that’s ok. The S3 already looks pretty good, and it’s not like anyone was expecting a major overhaul in the aesthetics department.

As it was before, the S3 looks as though it’ll soldier on as the more sober choice when placed alongside its competition. It looks the part outside, it feels the part inside, and it won’t break the bank, all with decent performance if you decide to put your foot down.

We’ll have to see what Audi has planned for the U.S., but for now, things are as they should be.