Our Specialist RS3 Stock!

Get ready for an adrenaline-fuelled driving experience like no other with the Audi RS3…

Take a look

Audi RS3 8Y Facelift – New Features, Enhanced Power

Available for the first time ever in Daytona Gray Matt finish, this RS3 upgrade is a nod to the legendary models that came before it whilst designing itself as a top contender in the Audi Sport collection. At a top speed of 180 MPH, the classic 5-cylinder 2.5TFSi engine (400 PS) uses its signature 1-2-5-4-3 firing sequence to produce a powerful note, scored by the twin RS exhaust system with variable flap control. Furthermore, proving its capabilities (and for many surpassing expectations) the 2025 RS3 bested its predecessor by 7.3 seconds during a lap around the Nürburgring Nordschleife!

Improved precession of the chassis control systems (partnered with the new standard tires surrounding the 10-spoke, motorsport design rims) makes way for higher cornering speeds that are complemented by the luxurious feel of the new flat-top and flat-bottom steering wheel – which has subsequently caused a dispute amongst the community! Additionally, evolved oversteer allows the driver to achieve those sharp turns without the need for increased load requirement.

Audi has also given other interior components a redesign. Carbon features, sporty displays, and RS Sport seats: all elements are crafted for performance. Initially, these carbon-backed bucket seats were not part of the UK market offering due to equipment differences in regional configurations. However, as part of the facelift’s updates, the UK models now include these seats as a £2,000 optional upgrade, praised for their combination of support, comfort, and aesthetics with honeycomb Alcantara trim. These seats feature carbon fiber rear panels and enhanced bolstering for improved support, catering to enthusiasts looking for a sportier experience. This upgrade complements the RS3’s dynamic appeal and can be selected during configuration of the vehicle.

Technological Innovation in the Audi RS3 8Y Facelift

Upon further exploration, we can see that the centre console has also undergone minor changes, along with the illuminated door cards. The shift from Bang & Olufsen sound systems to Sonos ones was also a topic of conversation between Audi fantatics way back in 2021-2022 when fans first started to notice this alteration. Some say that the Sonos systems lack presence and frequency response, others claim that the Bang & Olufsen speakers have muddy mid-range. But where do you stand on the matter?

Among the latest technological advancements from Audi is the new Technology Pack Pro. Available as an optional extra on the standard RS3 or Carbon Black, you can now enhance your RS3 Sportback with Matrix LED Highlights; Adaptive Cruise with Emergency Assist; Panoramic Sunroof; Comfort Key with SAFELOCK; and Electrically Adjustable Front Seats with Memory Function.

Exterior Evolution of the RS3

The composition of the exterior features are among the more prominent changes that Audi have made to the new RS3 model. With the considerably wider front bumper and side blades that have been pushed further apart, you may notice that the front end of the car appears to take inspiration from the RS6, whereas the previous model was closer to the old RS4. The addition of three openings above the front splitter also contributes to a wider appearance, giving the Audi RS3 8Y Facelift a more invasive stance.

One of the first things we noticed here at Automotive Addiction, along with many others, is the evident absence of the front RS3 badge on the now more angular, diamond-design grille. Much like the wheels, the rear end of the car also features motorsport easter eggs and shouts much louder than that of the previous model. The bold RS diffuser holds a red reflector in the centre and oval tailpipe trims of the RS exhaust system on its sides.

With the former RS3 models, owners had to choose between that sleek, carbon fibre exterior (Carbon Black) or the latest Audi technology (Vorsprung). Now, thanks to the introduction of the Carbon Vorsprung, loyal RS3 enthusiasts can get the best of both worlds. The RS details of this 2025 model include the side blades, rear diffuser insert, front spoiler, and the grille; on the Carbon Black and Carbon Vorsprung trims, this lustrous exterior styling is in Carbon and Black Gloss. The Carbon Vorsprung trim also features the Matrix LED Headlights which exhibit personalisable light signatures.

The Audi RS3 8Y Facelift Configuration

With the new RS3 configuration recently going live on the Audi website, no doubt pursuers of the Facelift model have began placing their orders. This newly-introduced configuration allows you to customise major aspects of your RS3 “8Y.5”, including the trim level: enabling you to choose the version that best reflects your preferred styling, driving experience, and equipment level. Other customisable elements include the body paint finish, seat upholstery, stitching, materials, and the technological features of your RS3.
Unlike the pre-facelift RS3, Audi’s 2025 iteration does not give buyers the option to add Y-Spoke Wheels, exclusive colour paintwork, or Carbon Ceramic Brakes to their configuration (not as of yet anyway, so let’s keep our fingers crossed!).

Standard vs. Carbon Black Trim

With a price difference of £4,650, what additional benefits does the Carbon Black specification hold over the standard RS3’s head?

10-Cross-Spoke Matt Grey Alloy Wheels: Darkened Matrix LED Headlights with Dynamic Light Sequencing and Dynamic Indicator • LED Rear Lights with Dynamic Light Design and Dynamic Indicators • Carbon Door Mirror Housing • RS Exterior Features in Carbon and Gloss Black • Carb Roof Spoiler • Engine Compartment Cover with Carbon Trim • Interior Inlay in Carbon Atlas Structure

Carbon Black vs. Carbon Vorsprung Trim

One rung up the ladder from Carbon Black is the all-new Carbon Vorsprung trim: combing track-inspired, carbon fibre exterior styling with the latest innovative technology that Audi has to offer. Having been priced £4,490 above Carbon Black, what extra benefits will Facelift seekers be enjoying in 2025 if they choose this specification?

Exterior Mirrors: Electrically Adjustable, Heated and Folding, Automatically Dimming on Both Sides, and with Memory Function • Comfort Key with SAFELOCK • Advances Key • Electrically Adjustable Front Sears with Memory Function for the Driver’s Seat and Door Mirrors • Adaptive Cruise Assist with Emergency Assist • Proactive Passenger Protection System for Front, Sides and Rear • Lange Change Assistant with Exit Warning System and Rear Cross Traffic Alert • Drive and Park Assist Package Pro and Protection and Warning System, Package Plus • Adaptive Suspension with Audi Drive Select • Top Speed Increase to 174 mph • RS-Specific Sport Suspension • 10-Cross-Spoke Black Metallic Alloy Wheels • Panoramic Glass Sunroof • Power Front Seats with Memory Function for the Driver Seat

New VS Previous Model Comparison

So what do you think? Have Audi developed a successful upgrade of the RS3, or do you prefer the previous?

The post 2025 Audi RS3 8Y Facelift Model New Features: A First Look appeared first on Automotive Addiction.

Our Specialist RS3 Stock!

Get ready for an adrenaline-fuelled driving experience like no other with the Audi RS3…

Take a look

At present, you cannot order an 8Y RS3 Sportback directly from the factory! Order books are officially closed for the foreseeable future due to all factory allocations being fulfilled, so our stocked and road-ready model means you can jump the queue and get behind the wheel of this incredible brand-new sportback without the wait, while still benefitting from a comprehensive manufacturer’s warranty until May 2026.

Drenched in a flawless coat of Audi’s Mythos Black Metallic – this particular RS3 has been specified with almost £7,700 of desirable optional extras such as the Comfort and Sound Pack, which adds a high-fidelity Bang & Olufsen Premium sound system, rear view camera and advanced keyless entry, as well as RS Adaptive Suspension. The latter allowing you to tailor the ride and handling to perfectly suit your driving environment, whether that be a typical UK B-road or the glass-smooth tarmac of a race circuit, including the infamous Nurburgring, where the RS3 was developed and is the holder of the current class lap record.

As a highly sought-after Audi RS3 Carbon Black Edition it comes equipped with motorsport-inspired 19in forged wheels, an RS Sport exhaust system and flat-bottom steering wheel. Of course, it’s also dripping in the lightweight weave courtesy of interior, exterior and engine bay carbon-fibre packs and features the latest Audi Digital Matrix LED headlights with Dynamic Light Sequencing LED Animation.

Whether it’s sedate family outings, high-profile business meetings or whitening your knuckles with some hot laps around your local race circuit, Audi’s range-topping RS3 models have the breadth of abilities to deliver mind-blowing performance in every scenario. And this truly stunning sportback variant represents the very pinnacle of RS3 ownership, offering practical performance motoring with real driver engagement.

Just like its 8V predecessor, a potent 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine lies under the bonnet and delivers its 400bhp and 500NM of torque through the legendary quattro all-wheel drive system. However, a brand new RS torque splitter, which can distribute up to 50 per cent of the available torque between the two rear wheels, has transformed the handling dynamics over the outgoing model and makes this latest RS3 the truly engaging driver’s car that enthusiasts have been craving. 

This is an excellent opportunity to own what is regarded as one of the fastest and most technologically-advanced real-world usable cars on the road, combining highly aggressive yet restrained styling, genuine supercar-levels of performance and luxurious refinement in one complete package. 

The post Audi RS3 Carbon Black 8Y Sportback in Mythos Black – Brand New on Delivery Mileage appeared first on Automotive Addiction.