2025 Audi A3 Premium Plus S Line Compact Luxury Sedan

The 2025 Audi A3 Premium Plus S Line, launched last year, offers advanced technology, a sporty design, and faster performance than the previous models. And it continues to impress me with its sporty features and spirited handling.

New for 2025: The 2025 Audi A3 has been enhanced with a redesigned front grille, side intakes, and a new rear bumper. Overall, the design is much more aggressive. Updates include customizable LED lights, Quattro all-wheel drive (AWD) is standard now on all three models, and the engine torque has increased. Additional tweaks include contour lighting, an updated center console with adjustable armrest, and ambient lighting with 30 colors.

Other interior upgrades include a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, virtual cockpit digital instrument cluster, wireless charging, and a SONOS 15-speaker premium sound system in the Premium Plus model.

Power/Performance: The enhanced turbocharger on the A3 Premium Plus S Line produces 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque from the 2.0L TFSI inline-four engine. It is paired with a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission that delivers smooth and quick acceleration.

Models/Price: The 2025 A3 offers two different configurations: The base model Premium ($38,200 MSRP), with Quattro AWD, 10.1-inch touchscreen, and synthetic leather seats; and the Premium Plus ($40,800 MSRP) with Adaptive Cruise, Virtual Cockpit, and more premium interior touches. The S Line package, which adds sportier styling, unique wheels, and interior accents, is available on the Premium Plus model. A fully loaded model can cost up to $46,000 with all the bells and whistles.

Competition: The A3 faces stiff competition from similarly priced compact luxury sedans that offer comparable features, performance, and brand recognition. They include the Cadillac CT4, Volvo S60, Acura Integra, Mercedes CLA250, and the BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe. However, the A3 is more compact and efficient, with a sportier design and lower starting price.

While not as fast as some of its rivals, the A3 is more engaging and balanced in city driving and has excellent behavior on the highway. The Audi Quattro AWD system, engineered to tackle all road conditions, is supported by the Drive Select mode, which helps balance power and traction while providing precise steering.

Safety Tech: The 2025 A3 has the latest advanced safety and driver assist features, including Adaptive Cruise Assist with Lane Guidance, Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind-Spot Monitoring, and Lane Departure Warning. Additional driver aides include Park Assist Plus, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Traffic Sign Recognition.

Fuel Economy: The A3 Premium Plus S Line balances fuel efficiency and performance by delivering an average of 28 mpg, with 24 city and 34 highway mpg.

Visit Decisive Media Network for a complimentary subscription to my auto blog, where you can find updated car-buying tips and reviews on new cars, SUVs, and trucks. Randi Payton, Decisive Media Network.