The Audi A3’s been a part of the Audi group of sedans for decades. The A3 is the most affordable sedan in the brand’s lineup and offers six different trim options. The trims include the A3 Premium, A3 Premium Plus, S3 Premium, S3 Premium Plus, S3 Prestige, and the RS 3. Here’s what to know about each option:

2023 Audi A3 40 Premium

MSRP: Starting at $34,900

The base model for the 2023 Audi A3 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 201 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. It gets a combined 32 miles per gallon (mpg). Autotrader states this trim gets you in the door but lacks some luxury features.

The Audi A3 trims start here with a list of driver aids, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warnings, and low-speed automatic emergency braking. The 2023 Audi A3 is styled with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and dynamic LED turn indicators, and rain-sensing wipers.

In the cabin, both the driver and front passenger can enjoy eight-way adjustable power seats with four-way power lumbar support. The tri-zone climate control means there’s a control panel for the rear seats and two USB-C charging ports. 

The 10.1-inch touchscreen is used for the backup camera, systems display, driver select customization, and the infotainment system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.

Upgrades-wise, the Convenience Package is available for the Audi A3 Premium for $1,900. That gets you keyless entry with a proximity key fob and safety aids like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and an alarm system with motion sensors. Audi Park Assist and a wireless charging pad are also included.

The Black Optic Sport Package adds a black exterior trim, lowered sport suspension, and 18-inch alloy wheels. All-wheel drive is optional for this trim for an additional $2,000.

2023 Audi A3 40 Premium Plus

MSRP: Starting at $38,500

This Audi A3 trim makes the Convenience Package and adaptive cruise control standard. Inside, LED interior lighting and birch wood inlays are standard.

The Technology Package is available for the Audi A3 Premium Plus. It includes a 12.3-inch virtual cockpit that is also a navigation display. Traffic sign recognition and a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system are included as well. All-wheel drive is a $2,000 option for this trim as well.

2023 Audi S3 Premium

MSRP: Starting at $45,900

This Audi A3 trim takes a big jump in power. The 2.0-liter engine is now turbocharged and generates 306 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is standard for the Audi S3 Premium. This trim keeps the standard features included on the A3 Premium but adds sport front seats, black brake calipers, a black headliner, and a lowered sport suspension.

The Audi S3 Premium gets 18-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires or 19-inch wheels with non-run-flat summer tires. Stainless steel pedals, revised steering ratios, and the Audi A3’s Convenience Package are all standard.

The Black Optic Package is also available for the Audi S3. 

2023 Audi S3 Premium Plus

MSRP: Starting at $48,800

The Audi S3 Premium Plus combines the features from the A3 Premium Plus with the power of the S3 Premium. The Technology and Black Optic packages and Nappa leather upholstery are available for the Audi S3 Premium Plus. The S Sport Package is also added, which includes red brake calipers and an adaptive sport suspension.

2023 Audi S3 Prestige

MSRP: Starting at $52,800

The Audi S3 Prestige trim takes all of the S3 Premium plus features and adds the Technology Package. A head-up display and LED Matrix design headlights are also included. The Black Optic Package, S Sport Package, and Nappa leather upholstery are all optional upgrades.

2023 Audi RS 3 

MSRP: Starting at $59,000

The top-line Audi A3 trim is the most powerful, with a 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder engine providing 401 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The 2023 Audi RS 3 has the same features as the S3 Premium Plus, in addition to an adaptive sport suspension, special paint options, and sport seats. 

Upgrades include the Technology Package, the RS Design Package Green that gives a special interior look, a blind-spot monitor, carbon-fiber styling, and a sport exhaust. The Dynamic Plus Package – which includes ceramic front brakes, steel rear brakes, and a carbon fiber engine cover – is also available.

Which Audi A3 trim is the best? 

Autotrader recommends the 2023 Audi A3 or S3 Premium Plus trims with the Technology Package. That combination gives customers lots of technology and luxury upgrades without pricing out many buyers. 

The power and all-wheel drive benefits of the S3 trim make it a top choice among compact performance cars. TrueCar named the 2022 Audi S3 second-best in that category. If you’re looking for an all-wheel drive performance sedan, the Audi S3 is tough to beat. 

Drivers looking for entry-level luxury should go with the base A3 trim. It’s an excellent option for a relatively low price. TrueCar named the 2022 Audi A3 the best luxury compact car on the market. It’s less expensive than competitors like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and BMW 2 Series for comparable power and luxury.