It's been a while since we last saw the facelifted Audi RS 3 Sedan testing in the open, as the latest sightings were all about its hot hatch sibling, the RS 3 Sportback. But the four-door model is back in a new set of scoops that show it in the open with camouflage wrapped around certain elements.
Retaining the same shape, the headlamps have new graphics and flank the shrunken grille. The side vents in the bumper were reshaped, and the integrated apron seems to be fatter.
The rear bumper doesn't seem to feature the fake vents anymore, and that's a great visual improvement, as it would make the car appear much cleaner. The oval exhaust trim carries over, and the diffuser is brand new. We should also note that the taillights also feature fresh graphics.
Elsewhere, the trunk lid spoiler is identical to the current Audi RS 3 Sedan. There were no changes made to the profile, which is not a surprise, considering that it's a mid-cycle refresh. Nonetheless, at least some new wheels could be added, even as options, though they're not part of the novelties for now.
Photo: Baldauf
We don't think Audi's technicians will mess around with the suspension or brakes. The same goes for the engine, which is a 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbocharged unit yanking out 394 hp (400 ps/294 kW) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque in the Old Continent. At 401 hp (407 ps/304 kW), the US-spec is a bit punchier, yet it retains the same torque level as its overseas sibling.
The 2024 model tops out at 155 mph (250 kph) and needs 3.6 seconds to go from zero to sixty mph (0 to 97 kph). Since we don't think the four-ring brand will make it punchier for the 2025 model year, the facelifted iteration, which will likely still use a seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, should be equally fast.
Its Lamborghini-esque driver-centered cockpit is expected to carry over with the same design. Chances are the carmaker will give it new software for the two main screens and perhaps fresh trim and upholstery before rounding things off. The same will apply to the facelifted RS 3 Sportback, too, which will benefit from the same firepower that puts it just behind the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S, whose 2.0L four-pot is good for 416 hp (421 ps/310 kW).
Since the current RS 3, which is only marketed in the sedan body style in our market, with the hatch being sold overseas, is already in the 2024 model year, we expect its mid-cycle refresh to make its way to US showrooms for the 2025 model year, subsequent to the global unveiling that'll likely take place in a few months.
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
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