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Updated on 6/22/2023 for freshness.

German automobile manufacturer Audi AG is one of the world’s leading producers of luxury vehicles. The Audi A3 and S3 sedans are two of the famed automaker’s greatest creations because of the combination of luxury and convenience that they provide. The wait is finally over, as the specs and release dates for both vehicles are now unveiled.

A brief Audi A3 and S3 history lesson

Blue Audi S3 car on the sidelines of the Audi AG annual general meeting in Ingolstadt, southern Germany, on May 9, 2018.
The Audi S3 | Christof Stache/AFP via Getty Images

The original Audi A3 was manufactured and distributed in the mid-’90s. After the less-than-stellar sales performance of Audi’s supermini economy car, the Audi 50, in the ’70s, Audi dove back into the small car game. The nameplate has survived for decades because of the evolution of its luxury sedan.

The biggest change to the vehicle came in the form of the five-door hatchback in 2005, the second generation of the A3. The aesthetic of the vehicle transitioned from practical to sporty, and the rest is history. The Audi A3 made a name for itself because of its great handling, powerful engine options, and comfortable interior. The S3’s rise to popularity and timeline is extremely similar, making an inseparable duo.

The first Audi S3 was released about three years after the A3, in 1999. It was introduced as the A3’s cooler cousin, a more performance-focused design. Like its predecessor, the S3 really came into its own in the mid-2000s. In 2006 the second generation of the S3 was released with a more modern and exciting-looking exterior. This model year sold extremely well and signaled the rise of the A3 and S3 to the forefront of the market. Next, the A3 and S3 would emerge as premium luxury sedans.

When can you order the 2022 Audi A3?

The 2022 Audi A3 sedan will be available for purchase in America in Fall 2021. The price range is $34,945-$42,245. All trims come with a Quattro all-wheel-drive option for an extra $2,000. The 2022 Audi A3 continues to offer luxury at a reasonable price.

The base model includes a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Every trim features an engine start-stop and a 48-volt hybrid system. Under the hood of the base Premium trim sits a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 201 hp. The 2022 sedan is a welcome addition to the A3 lineage, delivering a quality base model with several options to upgrade performance and tech through the Premium Plus and Prestige trims.

When does the 2022 Audi S3 arrive?

An orange 2022 Audi S3 sedan is parked.
The Audi S3 | Audi

The 2022 Audi S3 sedan lives up to its history of being the superior performance vehicle to the A3. Luckily for consumers, the 2022 S3 also arrives in Fall 2021 alongside the A3. Though the S3’s base model is pricier than the 2022 Audi A3 Premium Plus. It delivers on both performance and comfort.

According to Audi, all-wheel drive is standard for all 2022 S3 models. S3 models also include better brakes than the 2022 Audi A3 models. It uses a 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder engine that makes 306 hp, over 100 more horses than the A3. The Premium trim starts at $45,945. Audi’s S3 Premium Plus trim costs $48,745, and the final trim, the Prestige, will cost $52,545.

Both the A3 and S3 models have transformed completely since their creation in the late 90s when Audi was looking to break into the small vehicle market again after the Audi 50. The nameplates have each earned their own recognition and fan base. The 2022 Audi A3 and S3 will continue Audi’s rich history of producing small luxury vehicles that perform well enough to retain strong followings.

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