While there are sports sedans, few are truly a performance sports sedan. But we found an exceptional one.
Audi’s 2022 RS 3 AWD sedan is a bona fide high-performance sports sedan that can do double duty on the track. But its doubtful many would abuse this beauty that way, even though it is more than capable.
The RS 3 is one exciting AWD sedan. It has excellent grip and stability in sharp turns and is powered by one of the last 5-cylinder engines on the market that performs like a V8.
But we’ll start with RS 3s exterior. The test car was painted a cool gray that contrasted ever so nicely with the shiny black grille, air vents and slivers of bright LED running lights in front. The theme follows through to the tail end that sports a low-profile spoiler on the trunk lid and large Ovid-shaped tailpipe extensions.
The interior is sporty and eye-grabbing with heated/cooled quilted leather front seats that are nicely supportive for spirited driving and the fronts have adjustable extended under thigh support.
The gauge cluster is digital and colorful plus it includes an enhanced driver information display for features, functions and alerts. And it complements the 10.1-inch infotainment display that serves a host of apps, audio, navigation, cameras and functions. But the most unique item is the console mounted chrome rocker switch for the quick shifting 7-speed S-tronic double-clutch automatic transmission.
Because of a low transaxle hump, three riders can fit in the comfy rear seats but the middle seat can be a squeeze. Leg and head room can be tight depending on how far the fronts are racked well rearward.
Back in the sizable trunk that has a large opening, it’s rated at 8.3 cubic feet and measures 36 inches deep with the 60/40 rear seatbacks. Flip them and cargo depth extends to 65 inches.
What makes the RS 3 extra special is it’s powered by a 2.5-liter inline turbocharged 5-cylinder that generates a potent 401-hp and 369 lb/ft of torque for EPA mileage estimates of 20 city, 29-highway mpg. It’s been independently 0-60 tested in a quick 3.9 seconds. That’s as quick as most electric cars. And the sensation is an awesome display of push-you-back-in-the-seat acceleration. RS 3 is a rocket. And we just love the trans as shifts are super quick and paddle shifters enhance the operation. All that is heard is a thump with a head snap as it changes gears under full throttle acceleration that gives goose bumps. It’s aided by a sweet rumble emanating from the twin exhaust tips. And this sound can be adjusted depending on the selected driving program or mode of Comfort, Auto and Dynamic. In Dynamic, the shift points show up as an S1on the gauge cluster and in Comfort, it changes to D1.
RS 3 has other enhancements such as Park Assist that essentially parks the car itself and a sport suspension with adaptive dampers, plus a torque splitter function that sends added power to the outside wheel when rounding a sharp turn. This helps keep the car planted. Then there’s Torque Rear mode that can send power to a single rear wheel.
To assist in stopping, RS 3 has front carbon-ceramic brakes that are painted red to simulate famed Brembo brakes.
Shod with Pirelli performance tires, RS 3 rides smoothly in comfort mode. Switch to Dynamic and the ride becomes taut and precise. But the two modes are nicely balanced.
For a performance sedan, RS 3 is priced competitively when compared to Benz and BMW. With a long list of standard items and safety features, options included Kamora Gray metallic paint ($595); RS Technology package ($2,750) that added Audi Connect Plus, Bang & Olufsen premium audio; navigation, head-up display with traffic sign recognition; RS Sport Exhaust ($1,000); Black Optics package ($750); Audi side assist w/cross traffic assist ($350); that took the base price of $58,900 to $65,440 with delivery.
Audi RS 3 comes with a 4 year/50k new vehicle warranty, 12-year corrosion protection and 4 years of Roadside Assistance.
With AWD, RS 3 is set for winter, inclement weather driving conditions. All I can say is Audi, please, please, please don’t turn this spectacular sports performance sedan into an EV. It would be a sin.
