Our First Drive: The 2025 Audi S3 Isn’t Just a Facelift—It’s a Statement

The compact sport sedan that’s long bridged the gap between everyday comfort and performance precision just got a serious upgrade. In this special bonus episode of All-Wheel Driven, we hit the road in Southern California—thanks to an exclusive invitation from Audi of America—for a first look and first drive of the newly-refreshed 2025 Audi S3.

While the S3 has always embodied balanced performance in Audi’s lineup, the 2025 model takes things further with more power, sharper handling, and bold design refinements that pull cues from the RS 3. It’s still the understated sedan we know and love, but now with noticeably more bite.

In this episode, we walk through the key design updates—from the wider, frameless Singleframe grille and aggressive front spoiler to the quad tailpipes and new digital light signatures. Inside, tech upgrades and subtle styling enhancements elevate the driver experience before the engine even starts.

But the biggest story is what’s happening under the skin. With 328 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque now available across a wider rev range, the S3 delivers stronger throttle response and more consistent power. Add in RS 3-inspired components like a new torque splitter and revised suspension, and the result is sharper cornering, improved traction, and noticeably more dynamic behavior on the road.

From an exterior and interior deep dive to real-time driving impressions, this episode breaks down what’s new, what stands out, and how Audi continues to evolve the S3’s performance identity.

Presented by XPEL, the official paint protection film of Audi Club North America.

Watch the complete YouTube review now.