Key Points:
- The Audi A3 lineup now comes with complimentary scheduled maintenance for the first three years or 30,000 miles.
- Previously optional Technology Packages are now standard.
- The 2026 Audi A3 starts at $41,395 (all prices include $1,295 destination charge).
Coming off a thorough update for the 2025 model year that saw its exterior styling and interior technology revised (as well as engine outputs increased and all-wheel drive made standard), the Audi A3 family is getting yet more standard equipment across the board for 2026, as well as up to three years of complimentary maintenance.
Related: 2025 Audi A3 and S3 Review: Dynamic Duo
What’s New?
The A3, S3 and RS 3 all now include their previously optional Technology Packages, and a 360-degree camera system and automated parking are now included in the A3’s uplevel Premium Plus trim. Additionally, scheduled maintenance is complimentary for all 2026 Audis under the Audi Signature Care program for three years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first.
The S3’s trim-level lineup has been pruned, from three for 2025 to just one, but the range-topping Prestige trim’s equipment remains available in option packages. While the A3 family does include more standard features for 2026, base prices rise commensurately over the 2025 models’.
Pricing and Release Date
The 2026 Audi A3, S3 and RS 3 are on sale now. Full line pricing is as follows:
- A3 Premium: $41,395
- A3 Premium Plus: $44,295
- A3 Premium Plus S Line Plus: $46,995
- S3 Premium Plus: $53,295
- RS 3: $67,395
Safety Features and Trim Levels
The entry-level A3 Premium rides on 17-inch alloy wheels and features LED exterior lighting, a panoramic moonroof, remote keyless entry and push-button start. Its cabin is upholstered in leather and includes heated front seats, tri-zone automatic climate control and a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen. Now that last year’s Technology Package is standard, the A3 Premium also includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and navigation.
The A3 Premium Plus adds a Bang & Olufsen sound system and more standard safety tech. The Premium Plus S Line Plus features unique exterior styling, sport front seats and a sport suspension.
The S3 includes the same equipment, plus a more powerful engine, 18-inch wheels, synthetic leather seating, a head-up display, metal pedals and carbon-fiber interior trim.
In addition to the S3’s standard equipment and a still-more-potent engine, the RS 3 includes a lowered sport suspension with adaptive dampers, 19-inch wheels wearing summer performance tires, upgraded Matrix-design LED headlights and Nappa leather upholstery.
Standard safety technologies on the 2026 A3 include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot monitors and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control is optional on the Premium and standard on the rest of the A3 family. The A3 Premium Plus, S3 and RS 3 also include a 360-degree camera system and automated parking. The S3 and RS 3 feature standard adaptive cruise control and lane-centering steering.
Powertrain Specs and MPG
The A3 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 236 pounds-feet of torque. The S3 also gets a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, but with output cranked up to 328 hp and 295 pounds-feet. The RS 3 packs a turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder generating 394 hp and 369 pounds-feet. All three engines are backed by a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard AWD.
Official EPA ratings for 2026 are not yet available, but for 2025, the A3 returns an EPA-estimated 24/34/28 mpg city/highway/combined. The S3 is rated at 23/31/26 mpg and the RS 3 at 20/29/23 mpg.
Read More Audi A3 News:
- 2025 Audi A3: Standard AWD for Brand’s Cheapest Sedan
- How Do Car Seats Fit in a 2023 Audi A3?
- Which Cars Under $40,000 Offer Heated Exterior Mirrors?
- 261,000-Plus VWs, Audis Recalled Over FWD Fuel Leak Fire Risk
- Research the Audi A3
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