# Audi S3
The **Audi S3** is a high-performance version of the [Audi A3](https://www.edgepedia.org/audi-a3) compact car, built by the German automaker Audi with a turbocharged petrol engine, quattro all-wheel drive, and sport-tuned running gear. It was introduced in early 1999 as the first S-model of the A3 line and has been offered in three-door, five-door Sportback, and Sedan body styles across successive generations.
| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First shown | Geneva Motor Show, March 1999, with a 154 kW (210 hp) five-valve turbo engine and permanent all-wheel drive[1](https://www.audi-mediacenter.com/en/publications/more/audi-tradition-anniversary-dates-2024-1484/download) |
| Segment first | Audi brought quattro all-wheel drive to the compact segment in September 1998, ahead of the S3's introduction[2](https://www.audi.com/en/press-releases/30-years-of-the-audi-a3-three-decades-of-vorsprung-in-the-premium-compact-segment-18368) |
| Current engine | 1,984 cc inline four-cylinder petrol, 245 kW (333 hp), 420 Nm at 2,100–5,500 rpm[3](https://media.audi.com/is/content/audi/country/me/assets/brochures/en/s3-sedan.pdf) |
| Current drivetrain | quattro all-wheel drive with a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission[3](https://media.audi.com/is/content/audi/country/me/assets/brochures/en/s3-sedan.pdf) |
| Performance | 0–100 km/h in 4.7 s, top speed 250 km/h, combined fuel consumption 8.4–8.0 l/100 km[3](https://media.audi.com/is/content/audi/country/me/assets/brochures/en/s3-sedan.pdf) |
| Distinctive hardware | Torque splitter and standard progressive steering on the current S3[4](https://www.audi.com/en/audi-s3-sedan-20) |
## Origins and first generation
The S3 arrived shortly after Audi extended its quattro all-wheel-drive system to the compact class. In September 1998, Audi introduced quattro all-wheel drive to the compact segment for the first time, a step the company describes as a milestone in A3 history, and at the beginning of 1999 the sporty S3 was added to the lineup[2](https://www.audi.com/en/press-releases/30-years-of-the-audi-a3-three-decades-of-vorsprung-in-the-premium-compact-segment-18368). At the Geneva Motor Show in March 1999, the S3 drew attention with a 154 kW (210 hp) five-valve turbo engine and permanent all-wheel drive[1](https://www.audi-mediacenter.com/en/publications/more/audi-tradition-anniversary-dates-2024-1484/download). Audi's February 1999 press material positioned the car as another milestone in the history of its S-type performance models[5](https://www.audiworld.com/model/s3/news/020199.shtml).
## Powertrain
Across its generations the S3 has used a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. The third-generation car launched in 2012 with a 2.0-liter petrol engine developing 300 hp, which used additional indirect injection alongside direct injection to help reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions[6](https://elpais.com/elpais/2012/11/13/motor/1352821980_071640.html).
A later 228 kW (310 hp) version produced 400 Nm of torque and paired the engine with a 7-speed S tronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive[7](https://media.audi.com/is/content/audi/nemo/sea/bn/downloads/catalogue/Audi_S3_Catalogue.pdf). Its official technical data describe an inline four-cylinder spark-ignition engine with gasoline direct injection, an exhaust turbocharger with intercooler, four valves per cylinder, and double overhead camshafts, driving through quattro permanent all-wheel drive with an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch and an Electronic Differential Lock[8](https://uploads.audi-mediacenter.com/system/production/car_motorizations/439/file_en/ed0e4329e1710a81b69509d60445dbda4af93134/etd_S3_2_0_TFSI_quattro_S_tronic_228_kW_0817.pdf?1698933725=).
The current S3 Sedan carries a 1,984 cc inline four-cylinder petrol engine with fully electronic engine management, rated at 245 kW (333 hp) and 420 Nm between 2,100 and 5,500 rpm[3](https://media.audi.com/is/content/audi/country/me/assets/brochures/en/s3-sedan.pdf). Audi describes the car as having a 333 PS four-cylinder turbo engine with a torque splitter and standard progressive steering[4](https://www.audi.com/en/audi-s3-sedan-20).
## Transmission and chassis
The S3's transmission is a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch unit using two electrohydraulically controlled multi-plate clutches in an oil bath[3](https://media.audi.com/is/content/audi/country/me/assets/brochures/en/s3-sedan.pdf) • [8](https://uploads.audi-mediacenter.com/system/production/car_motorizations/439/file_en/ed0e4329e1710a81b69509d60445dbda4af93134/etd_S3_2_0_TFSI_quattro_S_tronic_228_kW_0817.pdf?1698933725=). The 228 kW car's documented gear ratios run from 3.190 in first to 0.661 in seventh, with a reverse ratio of 2.901[8](https://uploads.audi-mediacenter.com/system/production/car_motorizations/439/file_en/ed0e4329e1710a81b69509d60445dbda4af93134/etd_S3_2_0_TFSI_quattro_S_tronic_228_kW_0817.pdf?1698933725=).
The chassis combines McPherson struts with lower wishbones at the front and a four-link rear suspension with a separate spring and shock absorber arrangement, both on subframes with tubular anti-roll bars[8](https://uploads.audi-mediacenter.com/system/production/car_motorizations/439/file_en/ed0e4329e1710a81b69509d60445dbda4af93134/etd_S3_2_0_TFSI_quattro_S_tronic_228_kW_0817.pdf?1698933725=). Steering is electromechanical with speed-dependent power assistance and progressive ratio, with a turning circle of 10.7 m[8](https://uploads.audi-mediacenter.com/system/production/car_motorizations/439/file_en/ed0e4329e1710a81b69509d60445dbda4af93134/etd_S3_2_0_TFSI_quattro_S_tronic_228_kW_0817.pdf?1698933725=). Braking uses a dual-circuit diagonal-split system with Electronic Stabilization Control including torque vectoring, ventilated disc brakes front and rear, and an electromechanical parking brake[8](https://uploads.audi-mediacenter.com/system/production/car_motorizations/439/file_en/ed0e4329e1710a81b69509d60445dbda4af93134/etd_S3_2_0_TFSI_quattro_S_tronic_228_kW_0817.pdf?1698933725=). The 310 hp catalog version specifies S sports suspension and 19-inch wheels[7](https://media.audi.com/is/content/audi/nemo/sea/bn/downloads/catalogue/Audi_S3_Catalogue.pdf).
## Performance and consumption
Official figures for the current S3 Sedan list acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, a top speed of 250 km/h, and combined fuel consumption of 8.4 to 8.0 l/100 km, with the note that specifications may vary by market[3](https://media.audi.com/is/content/audi/country/me/assets/brochures/en/s3-sedan.pdf). The 310 hp version was listed at 4.8 seconds and 7.8 to 8.0 L/100 km[7](https://media.audi.com/is/content/audi/nemo/sea/bn/downloads/catalogue/Audi_S3_Catalogue.pdf), while the 228 kW technical data sheet records 4.5 seconds, a governed top speed of 250 km/h (155.3 mph), and combined consumption of 6.4 l/100 km (36.8 US mpg) on 98 RON Super Plus fuel[8](https://uploads.audi-mediacenter.com/system/production/car_motorizations/439/file_en/ed0e4329e1710a81b69509d60445dbda4af93134/etd_S3_2_0_TFSI_quattro_S_tronic_228_kW_0817.pdf?1698933725=). Independent testing has produced quicker results: [Car and Driver](https://www.edgepedia.org/car-and-driver) recorded a 4.2-second run for the S3, which it put in a dead heat with the BMW M235 Gran Coupe and ahead of the Integra Type S at 5.1 seconds[9](https://www.caranddriver.com/audi/s3).
## Equipment and infotainment
The S3's comfort equipment has included keyless entry, a Bang and Olufsen Premium Sound System with 3D sound, ambient lighting in 30 colors, MMI Navigation Plus with MMI touch, the Audi Virtual Cockpit display, a smartphone interface, and an electric tailgate with convenience opening[7](https://media.audi.com/is/content/audi/nemo/sea/bn/downloads/catalogue/Audi_S3_Catalogue.pdf).
The MMI operating concept of the current-generation S3 models runs on the third-generation modular infotainment platform (MIB 3), whose computing power is ten times higher than its predecessor's. It handles connectivity at [LTE Advanced](https://www.edgepedia.org/lte-advanced) speed, includes an integrated Wi-Fi hotspot, stores individual settings for up to six user profiles, and supports natural-language voice control, with a head-up display available as an option[10](https://www.audi-mediacenter.com/en/more-dynamic-than-ever-the-audi-s3-sportback-and-s3-sedan-13110/download). Its Audi connect services include car-to-X functions such as help finding roadside parking and communication with traffic lights in cities like [Düsseldorf](https://www.edgepedia.org/dusseldorf) and [Ingolstadt](https://www.edgepedia.org/ingolstadt)[10](https://www.audi-mediacenter.com/en/more-dynamic-than-ever-the-audi-s3-sportback-and-s3-sedan-13110/download).
## Market position
Audi markets the S3 as the sporty member of the A3 family, positioned below the higher-performance RS 3 within the brand's compact range, with the S3 Sedan sold in markets including Europe, North America, and Japan[4](https://www.audi.com/en/audi-s3-sedan-20) • [11](https://www.audiusa.com/en/models/sedan-models/) • [12](https://www.productinfo.audi.co.jp/models/s3/specifications/). The nameplate has run continuously since 1999, spanning the A3's three decades in the premium compact segment[2](https://www.audi.com/en/press-releases/30-years-of-the-audi-a3-three-decades-of-vorsprung-in-the-premium-compact-segment-18368).
## References
1. [Audi Tradition anniversary dates 2024, Audi MediaCenter](https://www.audi-mediacenter.com/en/publications/more/audi-tradition-anniversary-dates-2024-1484/download)
2. [30 years of the Audi A3, audi.com](https://www.audi.com/en/press-releases/30-years-of-the-audi-a3-three-decades-of-vorsprung-in-the-premium-compact-segment-18368)
3. [Audi S3 Sedan technical specifications, Audi MediaCenter](https://media.audi.com/is/content/audi/country/me/assets/brochures/en/s3-sedan.pdf)
4. [Audi S3 Sedan, audi.com](https://www.audi.com/en/audi-s3-sedan-20)
5. [Audi S3 press release, February 1999, AudiWorld](https://www.audiworld.com/model/s3/news/020199.shtml)
6. [Audi renueva su gama deportiva, El País (2012)](https://elpais.com/elpais/2012/11/13/motor/1352821980_071640.html)
7. [Audi S3 Specification catalogue, Audi MediaCenter](https://media.audi.com/is/content/audi/nemo/sea/bn/downloads/catalogue/Audi_S3_Catalogue.pdf)
8. [Technical data, Audi S3 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic (228 kW), Audi MediaCenter](https://uploads.audi-mediacenter.com/system/production/car_motorizations/439/file_en/ed0e4329e1710a81b69509d60445dbda4af93134/etd_S3_2_0_TFSI_quattro_S_tronic_228_kW_0817.pdf?1698933725=)
9. [2026 Audi S3 Review, Pricing, and Specs, Car and Driver](https://www.caranddriver.com/audi/s3)
10. [More dynamic than ever: the Audi S3 Sportback and S3 Sedan, Audi MediaCenter](https://www.audi-mediacenter.com/en/more-dynamic-than-ever-the-audi-s3-sportback-and-s3-sedan-13110/download)
11. [Audi Sedan Models, audiusa.com](https://www.audiusa.com/en/models/sedan-models/)
12. [Audi S3 specifications, Audi Japan product information](https://www.productinfo.audi.co.jp/models/s3/specifications/)
---
*Topic: Encyclopedia › Technology and the built world › Transport and spaceflight › Road transport › Automobiles › German automobile models › Audi models*
*Initially written Sep 17, 2026 · Reviewed: Sep 30, 2026; Oct 15, 2026 · Edited: Sep 30, 2026; Oct 15, 2026 · Last review: Oct 15, 2026*
*Copyright 2026 EdgeChat AI, a subsidiary of Biostate AI.*
License: Edgepedia Community License 1.0, https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license