Audi RS 3 Facelift Revealed Globally, Last Audi with 5-cylinder Engine

The updated Audi RS 3 compact performance car gets mild styling tweaks, a better-smelling interior, as well as a torque splitter (first-ever in an Audi).

The Audi RS 3 is back in a new avatar. Revealed in both Sportback and sedan versions, the 2025 RS 3 compact performance car gets mild styling tweaks, a better-smelling interior, and a torque splitter (first-ever in an Audi). The iconic 2.5-litre 5-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, meanwhile, remains as is. In the updated RS3, the engine continues to offer 395bhp and 500Nm of peak torque, allowing the car to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds before reaching a top speed of 290km/h. Power is transmitted to all four wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Since Audi plans to introduce only pure electric cars globally from 2026, the 2025 Audi RS 3 is the last Audi to offer an inline-five engine. Though the power output remains unchanged, Audi says the RS 3 facelift 'performs better in bends, avoids understeer at the entrance to the corner, and turns in more willingly', courtesy of fine-tuning, including brake torque vectoring for higher cornering speeds. Even oversteering is now easier than before.

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Audi RS 3 Facelift: Handling, Interior

Audi RS 3 Facelift Interior

Adjustments to adaptive dampers, electronic stability control, and wheel-selective torque control add to the car's improved handling as well. The interior too has undergone an overhaul, with around 200 components – polymers, high-quality leather, and tanning agents – being chemically analysed and evaluated to ensure 'they smell nice in combination', irrespective of climatic conditions. For that, Audi has deployed a team of five chemists to evaluate the resulting odour of the interior components, so that 'the driving experience in the sporty compact model becomes an experience for all the senses'.

Each part is heated in a special chamber, and the air is then analysed. This lasts two to three hours per component. And finally, the 'interplay of the various materials' is tested inside the Audi RS 3 facelift. The feature list includes new ambient lighting; a flat-top, flat-bottom steering wheel; optional carbon fibre RS bucket seats; and contrast stitching. The standard sports seats in Nappa leather are also available.

Audi RS 3 Facelift: Exterior

Audi RS 3 Facelift Sedan and Sportback Versions

Outside, the Audi RSv3 facelift has a revised grille, front splitter, air intakes and LED signatures. The digital signatures feature 24 elements with a chequered flag design. At the rear, the updated car gets vertical side reflectors; a large, RS-specific diffuser; two oval tailpipes with black frames; and vertical side reflectors. While 19-inch matte black aluminium wheels are standard, Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R semi-slick units are optional.

Also Read: Audi Q8 Facelift Bookings Open at Rs 5 Lakh Ahead of August 22 Launch in India

Exterior colour options are RS-specific Kyalami Green and Kemora Gray as well as new Ascari Blue, Progressive Red, and Daytona Gray with a matte finish. There is no word on Audi bringing the RS 3 facelift to the Indian market. Nevertheless, Audi is set to launch the Q8 facelift here on August 22, the bookings for which are underway for Rs 5 lakh.