In June, Audi Sport’s latest RS 3 sedan prototype, still camouflaged but unmistakably aggressive, tackled the Nürburgring Nordschleife with one mission: to dethrone the BMW M2 as the class lap record holder. Mission accomplished. The pre-production 2025 Audi RS 3, powered by its iconic five-cylinder engine, blazed through the Green Hell in 7:33.123 minutes, securing a new homologated record. This achievement, piloted by the experienced Frank Stippler, shattered the previous benchmark set by Jorg Weidinger in the BMW M2, who had clocked a time of 7:38.71 minutes.
Audi attributes this record-breaking performance to an optimized chassis setup that significantly improved cornering speeds, giving it the edge needed to outpace its rival. With the record now in the bag, Audi has officially pulled the wraps off the 2025 RS 3 in both Sportback and sedan forms, showcasing a blend of cutting-edge performance and refined styling.
The refreshed RS 3 sports a bold, dynamic design, featuring a reworked grille, sleek matrix LED headlights with customizable daytime running light graphics, and more pronounced air intakes. The rear end is just as striking, with updated taillight graphics and a new diffuser. Audi has also introduced fresh color options, including metallic Ascari Blue, Progressive Red, and the first-ever matte finish for Daytona Gray.
On the performance front, the RS 3 retains its 2.5-liter TFSI five-cylinder engine, delivering 395 hp in Europe and 401 hp in the United States. The American market continues to receive only the sedan version, while European buyers can choose between the sedan and the versatile Sportback. The car’s handling has been fine-tuned with more precise chassis control systems and new standard tires, ensuring it remains a top contender on both the road and track.
Inside, the 2025 RS 3 offers a blend of luxury and sportiness, with optional carbon fiber bucket seats and a flat-top and flat-bottom steering wheel. The standard 19-inch wheels can be swapped for those from the RS 3 performance edition, adding an extra layer of customization.
Pricing for the 2025 Audi RS 3 Sportback in Germany starts at €66,000 (approximately $73,000), with the sedan commanding a slight premium at €68,000 (around $75,210). As Audi continues to push the boundaries of performance and design, the new RS 3 stands as a testament to the brand’s relentless pursuit of automotive excellence.
