Skip to Content

2026 Audi RS 3 Specs, Trims, & Features

The 2026 Audi RS 3 remains an automotive anomaly, providing a level of performance and character that is simply unavailable from its competitors. At the center of its legendary status is the award-winning 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine, which provides a unique soundtrack and a power delivery that is as visceral as it is effective. For 2026, the RS 3 receives a styling refresh and further refinements to its revolutionary torque splitter technology, making it even more predictable at the limit. For Riverside enthusiasts, the RS 3 is the ultimate compact performance icon, offering a level of engagement and exclusivity that honors its Audi Sport heritage while delivering modern executive luxury. It stands as a masterclass in automotive engineering, providing a visceral connection to the road that few other vehicles can match.

The RS 3 delivers a staggering 401 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, enabling it to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 3.6 seconds. This power is sent through a seven-speed RS-tuned dual-clutch transmission to a quattro® system that features a specialized rear-axle torque splitter, allowing the car to actively rotate into corners and provide a more neutral handling feel. The 2026 RS 3 isn't just about speed; it is about the feeling of precision and unshakeable confidence it provides to the driver on every Southern California road. Whether you are navigating Riverside city traffic or exploring the limits on a local track, the RS 3 provides a driving experience that is as memorable as it is exhilarating, ensuring that performance and luxury remain in perfect harmony.

View New Audi RS 3 Inventory

Audi RS 3 Trim Levels

The 2026 RS 3 is offered in a singular, high-performance trim level that includes nearly every available Audi luxury and performance feature as standard for the U.S. market. Riverside owners will enjoy standard 19-inch wheels, RS-specific honeycomb-stitched Nappa leather sport seats, and the immersive Bang & Olufsen® sound system for a premium audio experience. For those who want to take their RS 3 to the next level, the available RS Dynamic Package adds ceramic front brakes and an increased top speed of 180 mph for the ultimate track experience. This focused offering ensures that every RS 3 is an uncompromising example of Audi Sport engineering, providing an elite and highly exclusive experience for its owner with no compromises made on technology, comfort, or track-ready hardware.

Performance Specs and Driving Dynamics

Performance in the RS 3 is managed by an array of specialized systems designed to maximize both cornering speed and driver feedback across any road surface. The standard RS-tuned sport suspension provides a lower ride height and firmer damping, while the available RS adaptive suspension allows the driver to adjust the car's personality for various Riverside road conditions. The torque splitter system has been updated for 2026 to react even more quickly to steering inputs, effectively eliminating understeer and making the car feel incredibly balanced. Massive standard steel brakes or optional ceramic units provide immense and consistent stopping power, ensuring the RS 3 remains composed during high-performance Southern California driving. The result is a compact sedan that handles with the precision of a dedicated race car while maintaining the refinement expected of a luxury brand.

Interior Features and Technology

Inside the RS 3, you'll find an interior that is a masterclass in athletic luxury, featuring a cockpit wrapped in fine materials like Alcantara® and honeycomb-stitched Nappa leather. The RS-specific Audi virtual cockpit plus provides specialized displays for lap times, G-forces, and turbo pressure, keeping the driver intimately connected to the car’s vitals during spirited Riverside drives. Despite its extreme performance, the RS 3 remains a sophisticated luxury sedan with a quiet cabin and ample room for daily Southern California use. Key interior technology and features include RS sport seats with massage and ventilation, as well as the Bang & Olufsen® 3D Premium Sound System. The MBUX-rivaling MMI® touch response system with RS Monitor app ensures that you have all the data and connectivity needed for a modern, high-performance lifestyle, providing a truly immersive digital experience.

Exterior Design and Customization Options

The 2026 RS 3 is defined by its wide, muscular stance and aggressive front fascia, featuring massive air intakes and a specialized RS Singleframe® grille that emphasizes its performance mission. The rear is distinguished by two large oval exhaust tips and an athletic diffuser that emphasizes the car’s performance pedigree, while providing a visceral five-cylinder soundtrack to your Riverside drive. Riverside owners can further personalize their RS 3 with various wheel designs and the Black Optic Plus package, which darkens the exterior trim and Audi rings for a more menacing aesthetic. With exclusive paint colors like Kemora Gray and Kyalami Green, the RS 3 can be tailored to be as bold as its performance suggests. From its redesigned digital light signatures to its flared wheel arches, every detail of the RS 3 is engineered to project a sense of modern luxury and high-performance dominance on any Southern California road.

Explore New Audi RS 3 Models

Contact Us: 951-389-3034

Back to top

© 2026 Audi of America. All rights reserved.

    Audi of America takes efforts to ensure the accuracy of information on the general vehicle information pages. Models are shown for illustration purposes only and may include features that are not available on the US model. As errors may occur or availability may change, please see dealer for complete details and current model specifications.

    Loading..