Audi S3 Sedan Facelift: Elevates Performance, Precision Seamlessly, Setting New Standards

Apr 26, 2024 01:34 AM EDT

BLACK SEDAN CAR PARKED ON A CONCRETE ROAD AUDI S3 — (Photo : PEXELS/Ibrahim Bilgin )

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Audi enhances the regular A3 for 2024 and seizes the opportunity to inject extra excitement into the S3 during its milestone year. Initially, the 2025 Audi S3 sedan appears to be an evolutionary rather than revolutionary model, representing a practical mid-cycle enhancement of the fourth-generation vehicle.

Facelift Revealed: Audi S3 Sedan

As reported by The Irish News (US), the majority of updates to the recently introduced 2024 model are aligned with those of the A3 sibling. Noteworthy alterations include a flatter and wider grille, redesigned front and rear bumpers, an upgraded color selection, fresh alloy wheel designs, and intricate configurable options for the daytime running lights.

Interior enhancements are subtle yet effective, featuring ambient lighting enhancements across the door panels, center console, and cupholders. Enhancements in power output and brake size are evident in the latest iteration, yet the key highlight lies in the commitment to increased driver engagement facilitated by the integration of a new torque-splitter on the rear axle.

Upgrades, Power

As per MotorTrend's report, the revised seven-speed dual-clutch transmission can handle increased initial torque levels, allowing the Audi S3 to launch with greater aggression. With a tenth of a second less in the 0-60 mph race than its 2024 predecessor, the Audi S3 sedan is said to have better acceleration thanks to its upgraded powertrain layout

Thus, indicating a lightning-fast zero-to-60 time of 4.5 seconds. Even with these improvements in performance, the maximum speed of 155 mph is still electronically limited. The Audi S3 facelift has larger 14-inch front brake rotors as well as a newly engineered front suspension knuckle that improves negative camber at the front axle to 1.5 degrees.

But the biggest improvement is the addition of the rear axle torque-vectoring technology, which is taken from the fast RS3 sedan. This system employs two multi-plate clutches positioned adjacent to the rear differential to adjust the torque distribution to each rear wheel dynamically.

Each clutch is equipped with its electronic control unit, which processes various data inputs such as wheel speed, acceleration forces, steering and throttle positions, selected gear, and yaw rate to determine the optimal torque allocation for enhanced handling and agility.

AsiaOne highlighted that beyond the usual updates applied to the new A3 lineup, the refreshed S3 demands a more pronounced attention shift with its chrome-adorned L-shaped accents, now present on both the front grille and rear bumper.

Audi's move to subtly awaken the S3 from its previously understated image is evident in these design elements. Rather than opting for the conventional cosmetic enhancements like larger fenders or aggressive spoilers, the focus is on more captivating details: the chrome embellishments on the redesigned grille's L-shaped accents, which are mirrored at the back of the vehicle. Additionally, the updated S3 shares visual refinements in line with the facelifted A3 model.

AsiaOne also highlighted that the additional power and enhanced engineering intricacies introduced in this update represent valuable enhancements that provide the S3 with the extra flair needed to distinguish itself more effectively.

Equally notable is Audi's ability to maintain the versatility that has been a crucial aspect of the car's appeal. Through these dual aspects, the revamped S3 emerges as a more dynamic vehicle that exudes increased confidence within its family lineup.