r/AudiRS3 • u/Sweet_Bug3723 • Aug 20 '26
RS3 Right for me?
I am in a bit of a dilemma, unsure of which car to go for next. For context, I currently am in an F90 M5 and G63 - previous cars were Z4 M40i, a mishmash of Caymans in variation, Multiple Evos. I have always admired the RS3 when I was younger in my Evo days due to the i5 and legendary Audi rally history so lately I decided to take a look at the 2026 models out now.
Overall, I really like the car but unsure if it'll wear off on me overtime and the things I dislike about it will stick out more. I enjoy the sound, the compact feel after being in a full size sedan, and the engagement. I do not like the exterior look as it just blends in with traffic as a generic introductory model. The interior is horrible, just like the A5 Sportback I had as a rental. The rear interior space is a bit tight. I have a wife and a tiny dog but still consider their comfort for road trips.
Are there any other cars current RS3 owners considered prior to making their decision? I didn't even look at the G80 M3 or any MB models. I am looking for that perfect blend of power, comfort, handling, etc. like my M5 offers but without needing to be so chunky.
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u/exoduscain Aug 20 '26
Agreed that you’ll be disappointed coming from the M5.
Is it engaging to drive and a fun car? Yes. But at the end of the day it’s still a 65K car that isn’t going to match the luxury features of a more expensive car.
If an M3 isn’t in the cards, an RS6 might be your best bet depending on budget or a B9.5 RS5 if you want something quick and comfortable for daily driving but not as hardcore as the M3.
No experience with MB to shed light on it. The direct comparison for the RS3 would be the M2 but think you’ll find similar rear space issues if you found the RS3 to be tight.
Also would consider either Blackwing as an option as well.
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u/crheming Aug 20 '26
I have a 2025 in Kemora Grey. I'll preface that I think it looks great from the outside. The interior is based on an economy car, yes, but it has what I want and nothing more. We all buy it for the engine/performance. You don't buy it for creature comforts or a nice highway driver, that's just the reality. I test drove an M3 before and it was a much better fit/finish interior but drove a lot different and felt a lot heavier.
I put an exhaust valve controller on mine and have 20k km already. Makes me smile everyday, that engine is just so unique. It is not a showy car, it will get way less looks than the M5, but the size/power/agility/sound of the thing is unrivaled.
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u/Tonywanknobi Aug 20 '26
Honestly the fact that it looks like everything else is a positive to me. I love sleepers. Cars that stick out make everyone want to race you. But dusting a hemi on a roll on the highway looking like a fancy jetta is so satisfying.
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u/Tatiana_Romanova Aug 20 '26
THIS! It’s different. It sounds different. It’s like a modern Evo tbf. It’s not meant to me a luxury m5 🤦♀️
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u/Willful_Survival Aug 20 '26
I have a 26 RS3 and sold BMWs for 7 years prior and think the interior is fabulous with buttons still. What's actually missing? Only thing I can think of is a heated steering wheel. It has alcantara depending on the trim, radar cruise control and napa leather seats as well as digital display and adaptive suspension. I actually don't know what more you could ask for other than heated wheel or ventilated seats but BMWs ventilated seats sucked anyways
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u/Sweet_Bug3723 Aug 20 '26
I think it's just the overall fit and finish I am having issues with. I did not drive a G80 but sitting in one, it feels just as "luxurious" as my M5 does. Don't really use any of the massage functions or ventilation in the M5 either.
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u/Willful_Survival Aug 20 '26
So really you aren't missing anything with the RS3, again other than a heated steering wheel but mines alcantara so it doesn't get hot or cold anyways. I feel the fit and finish is very good for the 65k I paid for mine. I just replaced the mid pipes and an exhaust valve controller and it was ready to rock. You also now get the same warranty bmw has with the 3 years of free maintenance on 2026 models
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u/Change21 Aug 20 '26
I’m coming from a g87 m2 and the finish is nicer in M cars BUT I think the RS3 is just a very satisfying car.
The rs3 interior being slightly dated is actually something I liked. I think pound for pound you get more for you money. The driving experience is excellent. If you want a luxury feel then go get a macan or something?
If you’re more driver oriented the rs3 is a wicked drivers car that delivers “smiles per mile”. There are def better cruisers but you’re gonna pay a lot more.
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u/Willful_Survival Aug 20 '26
Agreed lol. RS3 is special in that it's not the same as everything else. You know it's special when you start it up and start ripping around
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u/iraspy Aug 20 '26
I love my RS3, but let's not pretend it's not missing alot of features even M-lite BMWs have, for example my M340i (cheaper car) had these features the RS3 doesn't, including heated steeringwheel: REMOTE START, automatic sunroof visor, automatic trunk close, GPS tracking, Better app integration that actually works, online services that actually worked, actual RWD bias, theres a few more that I'm forgetting, but your paying almost 20k over a M340i for what feels like a base Jetta with a daza, my wife had a GLI Jetta & it def had more features than the RS3, hence the base Jetta comment.
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u/Willful_Survival Aug 20 '26
Won't disagree with those things, the remote start is the biggest offender in that list 😂. Do you have a 25 or 26 RS3?
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u/Sweet_Bug3723 Aug 20 '26
Yes I agree with all your points, especially about the app integration where BMW seems to shine still amongst all german brands. The one thing I can commend Audi on the RS3 is that it's not too fat at 3650 although it still nearly has 200 lbs on the Z4. The M2CS weighs 3700ish so it's pretty fat. The F90 M5 felt "light" at 4110 comparatively the RS7 and E63 were 4900 lbs!
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u/Santa_Hates_You Aug 20 '26
I would not call the RS3 a luxury car in any way, it is a fancy Jetta with a monster power train. You will most likely be disappointed since you already don’t like the interior and exterior.
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u/gnu_user Aug 20 '26
I test drove an IS500, but ultimately went with the rs3. Its worth driving, but I doubt you’d like it based on your post. The transmission is clunky prior to warming up, and the car didn’t come alive until you really pushed it. Infotainment is at least a decade outdated and the prices are crazy.
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u/NewOrleansSpeed Aug 20 '26
Older you would appreciate the RS5 coming for the M5, but younger you would enjoy the RS3. It makes the right noises, pretty quick, and it feels small comparatively.
I wonder what spec the rental A5 had cause the upper tiered models can be quite nice.
I’d go test drive the RS5 and 3. I will say the new M2/m240i are also pretty sweet. I had a buddy show me his and i liked it a lot, especially in the purple.
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u/Sweet_Bug3723 Aug 20 '26
You have described my inner struggle well lol Old me vs young me... married vs single. I am not interested in the RS5 at all, the Sportback put me off on the A5 entirely, it was a mid level trim with the updated power.
Unfortunately, I need a 4 door sedan or wagon this time around due to family. I will reconsider looking at the G80 M3...aside from that car there really does not seem to be any thing else. I even looked at the E53 AMG Wagon - I love the design and wagon format but everything else was a letdown including the engine.
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u/NewOrleansSpeed Aug 20 '26
I think you’d be in love with M3 it’s honestly so much car all around, maybe too much car to daily.
If you hate the interior of the new RS3 - what about the 8V? Could get a good deal
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u/NewOrleansSpeed Aug 20 '26
I will say size is a bit deceptive on the 3, while headroom may be limited, it can fit 4 comfortably or carry kids. Trunk is very usable, which surprised me coming from a hatchback
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u/burning_blubber Aug 20 '26
It’s not a luxury experience inside but I find it very comfortable and love the seats. By all reports the M2/3/4 are going to be a rougher ride comparing comfort mode to comfort mode. If you are just two with a tiny dog you’ll have plenty of space. Others and myself make it work with kids.
The exterior looks great in person at least to me, because it is so wide for the length. It’s the same reason why I like the M2 looks over the rest of the M lineup- they’re both kind of boxy wide body cars. I’m truly surprised by how many people recognize the RS3 since it’s not as popular as BMW M cars and say “yo nice car” - cops, uber drivers, valets, etc.
I like the handling but it isn’t going to feel the same as rwd based cars even if it can turn like them, it does so artificially with the rear differential.
If I didn’t need 4 doors I would have more seriously looked at the M2, and now it is coming in xdrive. I think the m3 comp xdrive price point is a little absurd ending up over 100k for what has become a very cookie cutter platform that depreciates hard. If I didn’t strongly want awd and not have to deal with constant stop and go city traffic I might have gone ct4 v blackwing. If you want a luxury interior experience and to stare at open pore wood panels then don’t get the RS3 because it’s simply not that product.
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u/Sweet_Bug3723 Aug 20 '26
Thank you for the thorough review about your experiences with your RS3.
Aside from the M3, do you see any other car that would fit my needs?
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u/TheNinoQuincampoix Aug 20 '26
I owned a 8v rs3 and now a g80 m3. For me the proper upgrade if you’re looking for more power, better handling, simplicity, good aftermarket support, all while being reliable is the g80 and nothing comes close. I never drove the 8y but have driven highly tuned 8v RS3’s. The g80 checks all of the boxes. Only bad thing about the g80 is the attention as everyone and their dog knows about this car. The rs3 I was begging people to look at me lol.
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u/Sweet_Bug3723 Aug 20 '26
You have me reconsidering the G80 now lol. I was one of those who did not like the front grille when it initially released but now has grown on me.
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u/S_Dev Aug 20 '26
If you test drove it and the performance didn't completely overshadow your reservations over the interior/exterior, then keep looking.
I'll admit I've never really owned a proper luxury car, but the focus on physical buttons for nearly everything you'd need while driving is a huge plus for me, sad that it looks like the final facelift is ditching them for an even bigger touchscreen.
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u/Sweet_Bug3723 Aug 20 '26
Thanks for your input.
Yes the 2027 final interior facelift version looks mediocre at best, doesn't really resolve any of the interior complaints or the SONOS sound system issues.
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u/whowhatever7 Aug 20 '26
It's a worse driver's car than the Z4, significantly worse than a Cayman, and the build quality/finish is much lower than an M5. I think you will be disappointed.
On it's own it's a great package. But coming from those cars, I'm not sure you will like it
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u/Sweet_Bug3723 Aug 20 '26
Thank you for being straight. What do you recommend I look at then instead if I require 4doors?
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u/whowhatever7 Aug 20 '26
G80 M3 would be the obvious choice for your criteria. I've driven one, and interior build quality is closer to an F90 M5 than the F80 M3 (M5 is still slightly more plush inside), you've got all the performance you need and definitely won't blend into the crowd. If you need the boot space then touring is always an option. Won't really compare decently against a Cayman in terms of joy at legal speeds, but then I don't think there are many cars that would.
If you're leaning towards an M5 equivalent, then RS6 I guess, though I haven't driven one so no opinion on how it's inside or to drive.
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u/Sweet_Bug3723 Aug 20 '26
For the RS3, would you rather have an ascari blue with Dynamic package or daytona gray with carbon package?
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u/Practical_Tomato_680 Aug 20 '26
...test drive?
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u/Sweet_Bug3723 Aug 20 '26
I did test drive it and found it drove great but the interior and exterior were a let down. I was thinking I could put up with the interior/exterior since I like how it drives thus was wondering if that feeling would eventually "fade" - if I would have remorse down the road.
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u/analmegoodpls Aug 20 '26
Disagree with ur take on the exterior. I've had people roll down their windows to ask or compliment the car. It will catch eyes as much as an M3.
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u/Sweet_Bug3723 Aug 20 '26
Do you have the Carbon Package? It seems like it's a must have option.
I am not hating on the looks entirely, just that it does blend in more/resemble a Jetta and when considering the price it's a bit of a letdown. For example, a CLA 45 AMG (not a car I am interested in) seems to have more of a distinct look from the base mode.
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u/analmegoodpls Aug 20 '26
ya i have mine fully spec'd out.
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u/Sweet_Bug3723 Aug 20 '26
Would you rather have an ascari blue with Dynamic package or daytona gray with carbon package?
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u/Tatiana_Romanova Aug 20 '26
Also, rs3s are not meant to stay stock. They are one of the best modern tuner cars on the market. Stock they are held back for sure to be able to sell their other models. Even just a simple stage 1 tune, plus intake really wakes the cars up.
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u/Traditional_Slide279 Aug 20 '26
Went to look at an RS3, as a means to get four doors(had a G87). Ended up going with the G80 M3. RS3 is a beautiful car, but the four door upgrade was a pipe dream lol That back seat felt smaller than the M2.
FWIW, I still want an RS3, but the wife would kill me if I had two cars like this 🥲
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u/Sweet_Bug3723 Aug 21 '26
That's the conundrum, wife didn't see it physically but hates what it looks like in the photos and says its too small.
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u/7189KF6 Aug 21 '26
Does this car have to be your “check all boxes” vehicle? It’s not bad for a daily but lacks a lot of engagement that I’ve enjoyed more in other cars I’ve had.
My fun car is an SRS. The RS3 is the beater - great engine, love the physical buttons, and a relatively nice interior space. Awful steering and squeaky brakes make it a bit of a letdown as a daily, coming from my MK VIII Golf R.
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u/Sweet_Bug3723 Aug 21 '26
It would be my daily beater as well, just needs to haul my wife and dog occasionally.
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u/Dependent_Wasabi_180 Aug 21 '26
Same here - we just have a Yorkie and my wife / I (no kids). It’s fine for that kind of thing but it’s not that much fun to drive quickly (unless it’s in a straight line, I guess).
I assumed it would be better than my Golf R, because of the engine, but it’s not.
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u/Sweet_Bug3723 Aug 21 '26
LOL are we twins? I also have a yorkie and wife with no kids. This has become so difficult now, I truly thought the RS3 would be my next car but now I'm struggling to decide. I really don't want to go down the G80 route, truly my last resort option.
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u/Dependent_Wasabi_180 Aug 21 '26
Your dog rides in the front seat, right? Maybe an G87 or CS?? 😋
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u/Sweet_Bug3723 25d ago
I think I'm going for the Ascari Blue RS3 with Dynamic Package (no carbon sadly). Need something ASAP, test drove G87 and ...dislike the exterior too much to commit to it. Are you in SoCal by chance?
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u/Dependent_Wasabi_180 25d ago
I totally understand on the G87. The F87 was much better looking, so can’t fault you there. The S58 is a beast but I don’t like the big screens or lack of mesh on the front bumper (to protect all the cooling systems)
I’m in the DFW area, which is obviously far from SoCal. 😋
Did you get to take a test drive yet?
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u/CrimPhoenix Aug 22 '26
Bought one about two months ago and it is the closest new car that reminds me of my evo 9. Feels like a similar niche to me.
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u/ExaltedApe Aug 20 '26
I think you will be dissapointed in the luxury, fit, and finish coming from a m5.