2025 RS3

[fzr100098]

Yep I think the M2 is actually a better value for 2025 - I sat in one with the carbon buckets, they are sweet but don't fit my back very well

2025 RS3 pushing $70+k US is a hard no....maybe a future performance edition with more power (unlikely)

[Crowlski]

Yep I think the M2 is actually a better value for 2025 - I sat in one with the carbon buckets, they are sweet but don't fit my back very well

2025 RS3 pushing $70+k US is a hard no....maybe a future performance edition with more power (unlikely)

Some local (NE USA) dealers have the 24 RS3 for sale ranging anywhere from $67k to $71k. I mean my wife's 4D RUBICON 4xe fully loaded was $74k!!!

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[nicholascanada]

2025 Audi S3 configurator is up for Canada...
$72,000 CDN!!! lol WTF I bought my 2023 for almost $15k less with similar options, minus the below I wish I got / weren't available.

Improvements
1) Exterior headlights (I do have the Matrix though, but like the new design)
2) Rear bumper
3) Sports Diff

Wish I had, but could always order
1) Carbon atlas

Of course, this is a 2025 RS3 thread, and for Canada, I have a feeling it's going to be low $80's. BMW M2 is in around $85-87 depending on how crazy you go. The CLA 45's configurator is currently down.

Personally I set a limit to $80k where I would order no questions asked, below $85k I would think about it...$90k, you have got to be kidding me / walking away. Unless they did something incredibly remarkable with interior materials, because at the end of the day it is still a pretty cheap/bad interior.

I agree on all points. Not a good sign to see S3 at that price point. With no TTRS, assumed the RS3 might be $90k with those buckets! Low $80s is $30k more than a Golf R, and I am not sure its worth $30k more..prob more like $15k.

[Gunnarrrrr]

I wouldn’t compare the golf R to an rs3. The golf R is a pre-facelift S3 sportback with a slightly cheaper interior and no hood strut. big S3 price bump makes sense because the S3 chassis is basically the same as the RS3 now for the facelift, I would hope the RS is only slightly more expensive than the S3. honestly $10k more for the 5 cylinder is worth it without a doubt.


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[Jetdriver]

Still a good value. Similarly equipped M3 is $95k.

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[kornsined]

My dealer contact in Alberta said to expect $74-85k CDN range. Ouch.

[Gunnarrrrr]

must be nice, 85cad is 62usd. 62usd is what they run here without a single option


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[ZRated_]

Are we thinking they’ll go on sale in the US before end of the year?


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[steve111b]

Canada has a free trade agreement with the European Union. That means that the price here is 6% lower than the US. US price will be $5000 higher because of US import tax.

[RudyH]

I wouldn’t compare the golf R to an rs3. The golf R is a pre-facelift S3 sportback with a slightly cheaper interior and no hood strut. big S3 price bump makes sense because the S3 chassis is basically the same as the RS3 now for the facelift, I would hope the RS is only slightly more expensive than the S3. honestly $10k more for the 5 cylinder is worth it without a doubt.


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That's not really true...

The MK8 R is more RS3 then the pre-fl S3, where the pre-fl S3 is more MK7 / 8Y...I have one. The suspension on the S3 is pretty soft and floaty, chassis is blah, it also has the old Haldex system. I don't have a RSB like I did in my MK7.5, and I feel like that might make a large difference.

The Golf R is missing the same motor and bullet proof transmission of the RS3 drivetrain wise, but I agree it is a slightly cheaper interior (where I found both the MK8 and 8Y has a cheaper interior then my old MK7.5). I hope that changes in the 8Y.5 at the very least. That $30k price difference for the Golf R vs RS3 is pretty tough to look at, especially since in 2018 it was only $15-20k...but the difference between the Gen3 EA888 and the DAZA was significant in performance. That has changed with the new EA888 EVO4 and the DAZA easily has you thinking twice.

Loosely the numbers are so close now, EVO4 < DAZA = EVO4 Stage I < DAZA Stage I = EVO4 Stage II < DAZA Stage II = EVO4 Stage III turbo drop in - when you start looking at it that way, unless you are going to be looking for some ridiculous 1,000hp, you better love the engine noise in the 2.5T to pay an extra $30k! The only catch right now is the TCU tunes are holding back the S3 / R's, but the 2022's (pre TCU revision) have been proving they are totally capable.

[RudyH]

Canada has a free trade agreement with the European Union. That means that the price here is 6% lower than the US. US price will be $5000 higher because of US import tax.

This, plus we get taxed to death compared to Americans, which leaves us with less buying power. We lose out on some small options that Americans get, and I think that will include ability to choose.

[RudyH]

Are we thinking they’ll go on sale in the US before end of the year?


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Order yes, arrival next year - I know Audi USA still has 2024's on their site, but I have a feeling before Black Friday (seems late this year, but I was thinking November)

[IanCH]

This, plus we get taxed to death compared to Americans, which leaves us with less buying power. We lose out on some small options that Americans get, and I think that will include ability to choose.

Canadians pay, on the whole, less taxes than we do in the US once you factor in healthcare costs which are nearly double for us just for insurance never mind if you get sick.

[Crowlski]

Are we thinking they’ll go on sale in the US before end of the year?


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According to my Audi dealer, they said pre-orders likely in Nov, with delivery in 1st Q 2025 as a true 2025 model.

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[Rguy]

So did they do anything performance wise at all? I know i saw mention of front torque vectoring somewhere but then nothing?

[Crowlski]

So did they do anything performance wise at all? I know i saw mention of front torque vectoring somewhere but then nothing?

Tinkered with the algorithm that controls the suspension, and a refresh of the front/rear faces. They added some goodies in the interior but the new steering wheel seems to be a love/hate thing, though the carbon fiber seats look wicked. Just hope these adds make it to the states.

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[Crowlski]

So did they do anything performance wise at all? I know i saw mention of front torque vectoring somewhere but then nothing?

Here's a good write up if you haven't read about the changes..

https://www.caranddriver.com/audi/rs3

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[Rguy]

So no. Just upgraded chassis software...which isn't probably much

[Crowlski]

So no. Just upgraded chassis software...which isn't probably much

Maybe. But apparently enough to wack 5 seconds off the world record at the Ring for cars in its segment (which I believe previously held by an M2)? So outside of the facial changes, New rims and stickier tires, and potentially a choice of seats... not much.

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[nicholascanada]

I wouldn’t compare the golf R to an rs3. The golf R is a pre-facelift S3 sportback with a slightly cheaper interior and no hood strut. big S3 price bump makes sense because the S3 chassis is basically the same as the RS3 now for the facelift, I would hope the RS is only slightly more expensive than the S3. honestly $10k more for the 5 cylinder is worth it without a doubt.


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I def agree the RS3 is a better car than the R, especially for that 5cyl engine, but based on pricing up here I don't think its worth $30k more (and a $50 after market hood strut can fix one of your arguments) But hey thats the price to play if you want something above the R etc. with a special engine to boot. There really is nothing filling that void, which makes me wonder why MB didn't price that A35 hatch better AND bring the A45 beast up here, as there certainly are some people interested in that level of performance in a compact car.

[Jetdriver]

This, plus we get taxed to death compared to Americans, which leaves us with less buying power. We lose out on some small options that Americans get, and I think that will include ability to choose.

Yeah, don't want to get into a tax debate, but I highly doubt the cost of living in CA is more than the US when it comes to how far your dollar goes. I take home about 70-72% of my paycheck after fed/state income taxes, social security, medicare, benefits (health/dental/life insurances), union dues, etc and not including my 401k (retirement contributions). However, states vary when it comes to property and sales tax, so here in NJ, I pay $21k per year in property tax and another 6.625% on everything else I buy in state. Yes... $21,000... but, my wife and I bought a 5,500 sq. ft. house with her parents, so they live with us and help out, but even our previous house, which was 2,500 sq ft cost us $10k per year in property tax. That's what it takes to live in a town with "good" public schools.

[IanCH]

Yeah, don't want to get into a tax debate, but I highly doubt the cost of living in CA is more than the US when it comes to how far your dollar goes. I take home about 70-72% of my paycheck after fed/state income taxes, social security, medicare, benefits (health/dental/life insurances), union dues, etc and not including my 401k (retirement contributions). However, states vary when it comes to property and sales tax, so here in NJ, I pay $21k per year in property tax and another 6.625% on everything else I buy in state. Yes... $21,000... but, my wife and I bought a 5,500 sq. ft. house with her parents, so they live with us and help out, but even our previous house, which was 2,500 sq ft cost us $10k per year in property tax. That's what it takes to live in a town with "good" public schools.

70% of my gross pay here as well but I don't get totally owned on property taxes... 21k is insane if the state has sales tax.

My property taxes in MA (on a smaller house, given) were only $4k this year

[Jetdriver]

70% of my gross pay here as well but I don't get totally owned on property taxes... 21k is insane if the state has sales tax.

My property taxes in MA (on a smaller house, given) were only $4k this year

Yep, well, NJ, one of the smallest states in the country, has about 550 municipalities, and most of them have their own cop shop, fire department, school systems, etc... and they all have their redundant positions amongst them that pay $150k+/yr so the cost ends up being on the tax payer (home/property owner).

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[ZRated_]

The 2025 A3 & S3 configurators are now up on the Audiusa site. Not really relevant to the RS3 other than there’s finally some movement in the US for the FL A3 line.


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[993140]

The 2025 A3 & S3 configurators are now up on the Audiusa site. Not really relevant to the RS3 other than there’s finally some movement in the US for the FL A3 line.

I don't see a configurator for these. Just "search inventory."

[grandpab]

I don't see a configurator for these. Just "search inventory."

Weird. It was definitely up earlier. I built a loaded S3 with every option and the highest trim and it was over $60k.
I checked just now and it's gone.

[AdamSheikh]

I don't see a proper configurator, but there's a basic wheel and color selection on the main product page.

[Rguy]

Just noticed the RS3 gets 3 more MPG on the highway than the S3.

[993140]

Just noticed the RS3 gets 3 more MPG on the highway than the S3.

Which years? My '23 S3 gets much better mileage than my '24 RS3 both city and highway. As it stands, all time average is 27 for the S3 and 21 for the RS3.

[IanCH]

Pretty common for them to accidentally enable the configurator when they launch the page, then disable it. It'll come back soon though.

[Rguy]

Which years? My '23 S3 gets much better mileage than my '24 RS3 both city and highway. As it stands, all time average is 27 for the S3 and 21 for the RS3.

Im just looking at the rated numbers from audi usa for the 2024s.

[993140]

Im just looking at the rated numbers from audi usa for the 2024s.

Ok, but the '24 S3 is gone and the '25 highway EPA is stated to be 31 mpg while the '24 RS3's is 29 mpg.

[kornsined]

The Audi Canada site starts the very top trim S3 at $65k! That’s just wild to me. Car prices are ridiculous right now.

[IanCH]

The Audi Canada site starts the very top trim S3 at $65k! That’s just wild to me. Car prices are ridiculous right now.

That's 48k usd. Fkin steal of the century.

Also....

$50,000 in 2016 is equivalent in purchasing power to about $65,527.26 today, an increase of $15,527.26 over 8 years. (Source google)

[RudyH]

Yeah, don't want to get into a tax debate, but I highly doubt the cost of living in CA is more than the US when it comes to how far your dollar goes. I take home about 70-72% of my paycheck after fed/state income taxes, social security, medicare, benefits (health/dental/life insurances), union dues, etc and not including my 401k (retirement contributions). However, states vary when it comes to property and sales tax, so here in NJ, I pay $21k per year in property tax and another 6.625% on everything else I buy in state. Yes... $21,000... but, my wife and I bought a 5,500 sq. ft. house with her parents, so they live with us and help out, but even our previous house, which was 2,500 sq ft cost us $10k per year in property tax. That's what it takes to live in a town with "good" public schools.

definitely research and maybe do a spreadsheet, but 30-32% which includes everything you listed including Medicare!!!! On top of making more money for the same job in the US, it's no wonder why most Canadian professionals move to the US! Difference is of course maybe lower minimum wages (which factors in cost of living). I do agree property tax is about double in the US - where you pay for the city that you live in. Just don't look at house pricing in Canada, especially around sq ft. Also look at gas prices which is handed down in the supply chain, and the fact that when we have things like final product imported to Canada, there is an extra middle man on everything we purchase.

That's one factor too to add in...6.625% sales tax vs 13% in Ontario for example, which includes of course your RS3
Where US has the tariff on Audi USA, Canada taxes the customer. Build calculators are all over the place right now until October....so M2!!!

2025 M2 - $67,375 US + 6.625% = $71,838.60 US vs $86,504 CAD + 13% = 97,750 (to US at current rate $72,273 US)

https://www.bmwusa.com/build-your-ow...sbx6cm/summary
https://configure.bmw.ca/en_CA/configid/ndoqpdxd

so yes we pay higher taxes lol case closed...almost hit the luxury sales tax in Canada too - tack on another 10% if that price went over $100k!!!

[IanCH]

definitely research and maybe do a spreadsheet, but 30-32% which includes everything you listed including Medicare!!!! On top of making more money for the same job in the US, it's no wonder why most Canadian professionals move to the US! Difference is of course maybe lower minimum wages (which factors in cost of living). I do agree property tax is about double in the US - where you pay for the city that you live in. Just don't look at house pricing in Canada, especially around sq ft. Also look at gas prices which is handed down in the supply chain, and the fact that when we have things like final product imported to Canada, there is an extra middle man on everything we purchase.

That's one factor too to add in...6.625% sales tax vs 13% in Ontario for example, which includes of course your RS3
Where US has the tariff on Audi USA, Canada taxes the customer. Build calculators are all over the place right now until October....so M2!!!

2025 M2 - $67,375 US + 6.625% = $71,838.60 US vs $86,504 CAD + 13% = 97,750 (to US at current rate $72,273 US)

https://www.bmwusa.com/build-your-ow...sbx6cm/summary
https://configure.bmw.ca/en_CA/configid/ndoqpdxd

so yes we pay higher taxes lol case closed...almost hit the luxury sales tax in Canada too - tack on another 10% if that price went over $100k!!!

You only get medicare if you are poor or retired, but everyone pays for it.

You said that taxes are higher, they are objectively not higher. If you make less money in Canada that has nothing to do with the tax rate. Stop moving goalposts.

percentage taken from your paycheck before you see the money in the US is significantly higher, full stop.

Also in MA we have excise tax and if I own the car for 4 years I will pay about 7% of the value of the car in taxes on top of sales tax and registration. (14% total)

[LazyEvul]

definitely research and maybe do a spreadsheet, but 30-32% which includes everything you listed including Medicare!!!! On top of making more money for the same job in the US, it's no wonder why most Canadian professionals move to the US! Difference is of course maybe lower minimum wages (which factors in cost of living). I do agree property tax is about double in the US - where you pay for the city that you live in. Just don't look at house pricing in Canada, especially around sq ft. Also look at gas prices which is handed down in the supply chain, and the fact that when we have things like final product imported to Canada, there is an extra middle man on everything we purchase.

That's one factor too to add in...6.625% sales tax vs 13% in Ontario for example, which includes of course your RS3
Where US has the tariff on Audi USA, Canada taxes the customer. Build calculators are all over the place right now until October....so M2!!!

2025 M2 - $67,375 US + 6.625% = $71,838.60 US vs $86,504 CAD + 13% = 97,750 (to US at current rate $72,273 US)

https://www.bmwusa.com/build-your-ow...sbx6cm/summary
https://configure.bmw.ca/en_CA/configid/ndoqpdxd

so yes we pay higher taxes lol case closed...almost hit the luxury sales tax in Canada too - tack on another 10% if that price went over $100k!!!

That's not how the luxury sales tax works - it's the lesser of 10% of total price or 20% of the amount above the $100k threshold. In other words, it doesn't hit 10% until the price hits $200k. It's also based on the pre-tax price, meaning that an $86k M2 is not "almost" hitting it.

As for your M2 example, the US car appears to be missing multiple options that are either standard or part of the Premium Package you chose on the Canadian car - HUD, parking assistant, wireless device charging, heated steering wheel. Those put the US car back above the Canadian price, by about $1400 US ($69,075 + 6.625% = $73,651.21): https://www.bmwusa.com/build-your-ow...sfd6gt/summary

[fzr100098]

Still a good value. Similarly equipped M3 is $95k.

Not sure why you're comparing to M3 (yes it's a sedan but different class), similarly equipped M2 is $68k and they are putting down 600+ to the wheels with a flash. Could care less about 4 doors

The RS3 is a decent value in the $60k range or less imo

[Jetdriver]

Not sure why you're comparing to M3 (yes it's a sedan but different class), similarly equipped M2 is $68k and they are putting down 600+ to the wheels with a flash. Could care less about 4 doors

The RS3 is a decent value in the $60k range or less imo

I would never cross-shop two door coupes and sedans. Buying anything but a sedan is not an option for me right now. Two door coupes/hatchbacks would feel very 1980s for me, and I would never subject my passengers to squeezing into the back of a small vehicle. The next two door I buy will be a 911.

If you're just into the cheapest speed you can find, then sure, the M2, if you live with its ugliness and an iPad for a guage cluster/MMI display, only choice out there right now. If I were looking to drop $90-100k on a sedan, it'd be the M3 xDrive.

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[IanCH]

I would never cross-shop two door coupes and sedans. Buying anything but a sedan is not an option for me right now. Two door coupes/hatchbacks would feel very 1980s for me, and I would never subject my passengers to squeezing into the back of a small vehicle. The next two door I buy will be a 911.

If you're just into the cheapest speed you can find, then sure, the M2, if you live with its ugliness and an iPad for a guage cluster/MMI display, only choice out there right now. If I were looking to drop $90-100k on a sedan, it'd be the M3 xDrive.

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Anyone who has spent enough time on a small turbo platform knows there is such thing as too much speed. The new m2, with a tune, is very much in that zone of way too much power for public roads.

Slow car fast > fast car slow.... not that anyone would call an RS3 slow.