2025 RS3

[RudyH]

After driving an older RS3 recently I hope they have fixed the steering. Worst feel I have driven in quite some time. I feel like I read they tweaked the RS5/RS3 steering lately?

I was also hoping for Audi Exclusive colour. Has that been available on a RS3 in the USA recently or in Canada back in 2020? Seems like I have seen a few Excl RS3 out there.

I am #1 on my waitlist as well. I believe Audi Queensway mentioned in their post last year it might be limited to 200 in Canada, but that appears to not be the case per what came out today.

Ya I am told, I am on Audi Queensways wait list as #1 anyway.

Here's the article you mentioned: https://www.audiqueensway.ca/blog/20...a-for-2025.htm

Also in the letter to dealers that came today it says:
'Available with the RS 3 are two exclusive RS colours: Kyalami green and Kemora grey.'

You might need to wait until October when the order guides / pricing comes out to get that definitive answer on other colours, I am going to say otherwise same colours as the S3

[nicholascanada]

Ya I am told, I am on Audi Queensways wait list as #1 anyway.

Here's the article you mentioned: https://www.audiqueensway.ca/blog/20...a-for-2025.htm

Also in the letter to dealers that came today it says:
'Available with the RS 3 are two exclusive RS colours: Kyalami green and Kemora grey.'

You might need to wait until October when the order guides / pricing comes out to get that definitive answer on other colours, I am going to say otherwise same colours as the S3

Thanks, yes I am really only interested in an Exclusive Colour. Hopefully that option is possible on 2025 RS3.

[Rguy]

Thanks, yes I am really only interested in an Exclusive Colour. Hopefully that option is possible on 2025 RS3.

Usually there is a "window" for ordering. Only certain colors are approved for each model. It was a $5900 option on my car.

You need a dealer really with the game who knows how to get an AE color on an RS3.

[Gunnarrrrr]

Am I the only one with a lowered b9 sq5 that just went outside to hold up their phone with that side shot next to their car and is realizing that this looks exactly like a Q5 from the side

not a bad thing, but interesting. the rear just looks a lot more rounded and less aggressive from the side.

[RudyH]

Am I the only one with a lowered b9 sq5 that just went outside to hold up their phone with that side shot next to their car and is realizing that this looks exactly like a Q5 from the side

not a bad thing, but interesting. the rear just looks a lot more rounded and less aggressive from the side.

they are the RS3 Sportback pics haha

There is a lowered B9 SQ5 here in town (actually had to check if you were in town, black) but the SQ5 (184 inches) has more space anyway compared to the 8Y's (178 inches)...but with the 8Y sedan overhangs, I kind of would look up lengths on the vehicles and compare.

I don't get why the S4 / S5 (187 inches) needs to much overhang though...

[itsjustjed]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rlEEAviUxs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LN_ysil_5VQ

[RudyH]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rlEEAviUxs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LN_ysil_5VQ

well...
I will most certainly be looking at keeping my S3 flat bottom steering wheel at least...and I hope those seats are standard, because that would be pretty nice...

[grandpab]

well...
I will most certainly be looking at keeping my S3 flat bottom steering wheel at least...and I hope those seats are standard, because that would be pretty nice...

She said the seats were optional.

[StrongOnline007]

I hope we get those seats in the US!

I like almost everything about the new one except the steering wheel. Such a bummer they couldn't keep physical buttons there. We'll have to wait for hands-on reviews to see if it's a big deal.

[nitramdj]

That’s a no for me dog. Glad I got the 2023.

[rawpoly]

The only thing I like about the refresh is the new optional seats and the center tach option.
The steering wheel looks fugly and has capacitive buttons. No thanks!

Wonder how much they're going to bump up the price by.

[IanCH]

If you don't already have a confirmation from a dealer that you are high on the list and that dealer does exclusive often... you're probably not getting exclusive in this MY.

[LazyEvul]

I’m really hoping we get those bucket seats in Canada, but not getting my hopes up - if I recall correctly, even the RS6 GT doesn’t get the buckets on this side of the pond, for some odd reason.

[StrongOnline007]

I’m really hoping we get those bucket seats in Canada, but not getting my hopes up - if I recall correctly, even the RS6 GT doesn’t get the buckets on this side of the pond, for some odd reason.

Also crossing my fingers here in the US. That would be one of the biggest reasons to switch from my 8Y eventually.

[VWVW]

The 8Y facelift looks much better than the 8Y prefacelift RS3, especially the diamond grille pattern. I hated the ugly prefacelift 8Y's rounded iron chain grille pattern.

The 8Y facelift RS3 seems great except for 3 things:

- Steering wheel with capacitive buttons...the shape is good, but capacitive buttons? WTF Audi? Did you not learn from VW?
- The new logo looks cheap
- The lack of front RS3 badge

[IanCH]

Absolutely pumped for the new car.

Middle of next year can't come soon enough. (When I expect to actually get the car I order)

[IanCH]

[Jetdriver]

Those seats are pretty nice. Proper RS type seats instead of S-trim afterthoughts.

Sent from my SM-F721U using Audizine Forum mobile app

[RudyH]

She said the seats were optional.

I was hoping they could throw in those carbon seats to make up for the ugly steering wheel, standard...haha

Overall not a problem, it would be nice if they had the same fabric (likely alcantara) for the seats as they are using in the dash to bring things together. Optional green, white or red stitching

[Jetdriver]

The front end is a bit nicer, although still not a grand slam. The new badges are ugly. No RS badge on the front was a poor decision. Extra carbon bits on the outside is nice. I'm not sure how I feel about the rear, but I am glad they got rid of the cheap looking honeycomb crap I despise, but live with on mine. I don't like the center reflector. It's too Subaru WRX/BRZ for me (and my daily is a WRX). The wheels are awesome. I am a big fan of the BBS spoke look. These are pretty much straight off the Performance model they've sold in Europe. For the interior, the carbon buckets are awesome, but I have a feeling they're going to be a pricey option. Those are right out of the Performance model as well. Will they come with red stitching to match the interior? The steering wheel is hideous. Nuf said on that. New display graphics with old center tach is nice. I'm wondering if we pre-facelift peeps can get that MMI loaded on our cars. Sonos sound = could be promising, but as with most "premium" factory sound systems, they just about all leave little to be desired. Performance software tweaks? Meh... probably nothing that most of us driving this on the street will even feel, much less take advantage of. P-Zero R's? They couldn't be worse than the P-Zeros on the car now.

Sent from my SM-F721U using Audizine Forum mobile app

[nicholascanada]

As with others, those bucket seats would be top of my list. The fact that for Canada they are implementing a well-equipped one trim strategy makes me worry there will be no options and therefore no bucket seats. Also, weren't those seats on the performance edition that was only available in Europe before? I cannot fathom those seats would be included in the one trim strategy, but I also never thought in a million years we would get cloth seats and an Akrapovic exhaust in a Golf R but it's coming. Maybe lightning will strike twice in the same year here.

[AdamSheikh]

I wouldn't hold my breath for those seats in the US btw. They likely won't make it here due to crash safety regulations and homologation costs etc.

[Rguy]

Yea Audi would have to certify them here, and I can assure you they wont just for the RS3 model.

[LazyEvul]

Yeah, it does strike me as bizarre that they never bothered certifiying them in North America though - those seats have been in multiple RS cars now, and every time North America doesn't get them. Maybe some weird quirk of US law makes it harder/more expensive to certify them here?

[thejerseydon]

I wouldn't hold my breath for those seats in the US btw. They likely won't make it here due to crash safety regulations and homologation costs etc.

They are coming. Just check on Audiusa instagram people are asking and they have said this and all details on launch day for NA. Now cost will be crazy i suspect as BMW charges $4500 USD for some uncomfortable seats. The 25 with CC brakes and seats alone will be over 77k add in some other options this car will cross 80k easy. The M2 now coming in Xdrive and the S58 it will hard for shoppers to choice.

[Rguy]

Usually it has something to do with side seat air bags

[AdamSheikh]

They are coming. Just check on Audiusa instagram people are asking and they have said this and all details on launch day for NA. Now cost will be crazy i suspect as BMW charges $4500 USD for some uncomfortable seats. The 25 with CC brakes and seats alone will be over 77k add in some other options this car will cross 80k easy. The M2 now coming in Xdrive and the S58 it will hard for shoppers to choice.

Those are standard social/PR team replies. Those seats aren't making it here lol - they're not going to spend the resources required for homologating and crash testing for only 3-4,000 cars in the US and Canada.

[Alex D]

Thank god they brought back the big tach in the center of the virtual cockpit like the 8V model. That was my biggest gripe with my 8Y RS3 as i hated the hockey stick and the drag strip tachometer view.

[Yes2m3cs]

Don’t love or hate it, but I am very happy with my 2024 8Y.

[thejerseydon]

Those are standard social/PR team replies. Those seats aren't making it here lol - they're not going to spend the resources required for homologating and crash testing for only 3-4,000 cars in the US and Canada.

Standard replies are still replies and they didn't say no or ignore the topic. I'm a glass half full guy so ill circle back after launch. Either way i dont need them.

[RudyH]

They are coming. Just check on Audiusa instagram people are asking and they have said this and all details on launch day for NA. Now cost will be crazy i suspect as BMW charges $4500 USD for some uncomfortable seats. The 25 with CC brakes and seats alone will be over 77k add in some other options this car will cross 80k easy. The M2 now coming in Xdrive and the S58 it will hard for shoppers to choice.

the M2 also gets a similar type of seat - so you never know. It's in their carbon package, which is very pricey
The RS3 in Canada gets a 'Carbon optic package with a dark gray matte wheel finish'

In Canada, I am just happy to get a RS3, after waiting 3 years, I don't mind eventually getting the seats...
From all my complaining over the years, my wife doesn't even care I am dropping the S3 after only a year of owning it, as long as I shut up already. As does most of the VW / Audi community I am sure

[Rguy]

You cant really use BMW carbon seats as an example, because they homologated/tested them across what? 4 different models? M2, M3/M4, M5....?

If these seats were coming, they would have been seen in the RS6 GT first, which THEY DIDNT GIVE US....no WAY they say "ok RS3 you get them though".

[AdamSheikh]

You cant really use BMW carbon seats as an example, because they homologated/tested them across what? 4 different models? M2, M3/M4, M5....?

If these seats were coming, they would have been seen in the RS6 GT first, which THEY DIDNT GIVE US....no WAY they say "ok RS3 you get them though".

Bingo.

[thejerseydon]

You cant really use BMW carbon seats as an example, because they homologated/tested them across what? 4 different models? M2, M3/M4, M5....?

If these seats were coming, they would have been seen in the RS6 GT first, which THEY DIDNT GIVE US....no WAY they say "ok RS3 you get them though".

Correct. m2,m3,m4,m5,m8 however i didn't use the BMW seat to verify that Audi would bring its own version. If you read my statement i used it as a price comparison to gauge where the cost might be. Your use of the RS6 GT is also not useful as this was a very limited run car with only 85 examples coming into the US. I say lets wait for NA launch then we all can have a told you so moment. 🤞

[Rguy]

The options "trickle down"...They would homologate/.gov approval the seat first with the intent to release it in the RS6 Gt, then move it down to the RS6/RS7, then RS5, Then RS3...

[thejerseydon]

The options "trickle down"...They would homologate/.gov approval the seat first with the intent to release it in the RS6 Gt, then move it down to the RS6/RS7, then RS5, Then RS3...

I don't want to keep this going but the M3/M4 where the first with the Carbon seats not the bigger models. Options don't always "trickle" down. In the end you might be right but until we know we are both assuming.

[StrongOnline007]

Feels like no bucket seats for the US.

IMG_5719.jpg

[IanCH]

I love all the PFL owners screaming at the top of their lungs that there's no way we're getting the bucket seats. Like jealous children at a 5 year olds birthday party.

Porsche has seats like these. BMW has seats like these. Its entirely reasonable that audi would bring seats like these and just now got them to the point of being approved.

[StrongOnline007]

I love all the PFL owners screaming at the top of their lungs that there's no way we're getting the bucket seats. Like jealous children at a 5 year olds birthday party.

Porsche has seats like these. BMW has seats like these. Its entirely reasonable that audi would bring seats like these and just now got them to the point of being approved.

Who is screaming? Did you see the screenshot I just posted? Nothing is real until dealers say so, but all evidence so far points towards us not getting them. And I'm someone who wants them.

[RudyH]

Feels like no bucket seats for the US.

IMG_5719.jpg

Car and Driver (US major magazine) is claiming in their sub headline US will be: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a6...fresh-details/
Will be interesting to see

The 2025 Audi RS3 gets refreshed with new exterior and interior styling, which includes a fiercer face and available carbon-fiber-backed seats.