Audi has also not confirmed any of the standard and optional features that would make its way to the 2022 S3, but typical to other Audi cars, we expect it to be offered in three different trims. Starting with the base Premium, then adding on some features for the Premium Plus, and then the top-end Prestige trim.

Since there is concrete data of the available features, we have shared the available features for the 2021 model year for reference. 

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As the prices and available features are yet to be finalized for our market, we would like to reserve our comments in this regard. That being said, as per the 2021 model year, we believe the Premium Plus trim would make for a better choice due to the added safety and convenience features. 

The 2022 Audi S3 is expected to be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine which now produces 306 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque as compared to the 288 hp and 280 lb-ft of the current generation. The Quattro all-wheel drive is standard, as is the 7-speed automatic transmission. As per Audi’s reports, the new S3 is expected to sprint to 60 mph in less than 4.8 seconds from standstill, which makes it quicker than the current model. 

The Alfa Romeo Giulia is the most affordable of the lot but does not match up to the performance standards of the German giants, offering the slowest acceleration timings amongst the cars present here. The Mercedes-AMG A35 is the priciest of the lot but is also the fastest car here. The popular BMW M235i is just marginally quicker than the S3 as it offers a higher torque output. 

How does the 2022 Audi S3 Sedan handle?

Since the 2022 S3 is yet to make it to the American shores, we can’t really comment about the exact details in this regard. That being said, considering the changes made to the suspension setup, the ride is expected to get firm with a tighter chassis. Audi has also lowered the S3 and with the higher performance output from the engine, expect the S3 to outperform its current counterpart which did feel on the softer side, similar to the basic Audi A3. 

The EPA is yet to test the new 2022 Audi S3, but Audi claims that the all-new S3 should return about the same fuel efficiency as the current model in spite of the higher power output. With an expected MPG figure of 25 for combined city and highway driving, the 14.5-gallon fuel tank should serve well, offering over 350 miles of driving range on a single tank of gas. 

In comparison, the BMW and the Alfa Romeo Giulia are both marginally more frugal than the Audi S3 and the Mercedes A35. Alfa Romeo offers a larger gas tank which aids in providing a much longer driving range while the BMW has the smallest fuel tank. Between the Audi and Mercedes, the S3 is expected to feature a larger fuel tank and thus offer one of the best driving ranges in the segment. 

Audi recently showcased the toggle-switch gear selector for the new 2022 Audi A3 and as per the released images of the S3, it is going to be carried forward for the S3. We are yet to see how those feel in the real world, but purists would definitely miss the gear shifter lever. Other than that, expect the cabin to be carried forward as it is from the A3 in terms of design.

That being said, Audi has made subtle yet noticeable changes for the 2022 S3 over the A3 to make it feel sportier. Grippy new sports seats are now standard with quilted leather seat inserts for the S3 while the flat-bottomed steering wheel adds a sporty touch. Audi is also additionally expected to feature a choice of aluminum or carbon fiber inlays for the cabin.

The trunk size of the 2022 S3 has increased from 10 cu-ft to now more usable 13.1 cu-ft. Only the Mercedes-Benz AMG A35 has a larger cargo space to offer as the BMW has a marginally smaller trunk capacity. There is not much to differentiate between these cars in terms of cabin space, although the BMW Gran Coupe does have a tighter headroom due to the coupe-like design. 

• Front Sport Heated Seats
• Leather Seating Surfaces
• Tilt/Telescoping Sport Leather Steering Wheel
• Dual Zone Front Automatic Air Conditioning
• Audi's Virtual Cockpit digital gauge display
• Head-up Display

2022 Audi S3 Sedan: Infotainment and Connectivity

Inside the cabin of the new Audi S3, Audi offers the large 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit that nicely merges with the even larger 12.3-inch infotainment system. Unlike the A3 which gets the 10.1-inch system as standard, the S3 offers a larger display which enhances the overall feel of the dashboard.

Smartphone integration is standard while navigation and satellite radio will also be part of the list of available features. 

• 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• 10-speaker audio system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• In-dash navigation system
• SiriusXM satellite radio
• Bluetooth

Audi has finally given a necessary makeover to the S3 to differentiate it from the lower-powered conventional A3 sedan. Dominating the front is an all-new grille with large air dams and the matrix LED headlights flanked on both sides. The rear gets an updated tail lamp setup with new quad exhaust tips that showcase the sporty intent of the car.

Overall, the design is smooth and fluidic in nature and the new sport suspension setup has lowered the stance of the car by over half an inch as compared to the current model.

The BMW M235i is the lightest car in this comparison as it is also one of the most compact sedans in this comparison. Add to that the high ground clearance and scraping over curbs should never be a concern. This is where the Alfa Romeo struggles as it rides lowest to the ground and also offers a considerably longer wheelbase than the other cars present in this comparison. It is also the longest and widest sedan here, which also affects the performance due to the additional weight. 

• Programmable Projector Beam LED Auto-Leveling Daytime Running Headlamps w/Washer
• Cornering Lights and Perimeter/Approach Lights
• LED Brakelights
• Lip Spoiler
• Speed Sensitive Rain Detecting Wipers w/Heated Jets
• Rocker Panel Extensions
• Express Open/Close Sliding And Tilting Glass Sunroof w/Sunshade

The current generation Audi S3 offers plenty of safety which can be proved with the perfect 5-star overall rating in the crash tests conducted by the NHTSA. The IIHS had not tested the car, but for the 2022 model year with the availability of all the modern safety and driver assistance features offered by Audi, there is no doubt that the S3 would come out with flying colors. The most prominent safety features expected to be on offer have been listed below. 

• Automated Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
• Lane-Departure Warning
• Lane-Keeping Assist
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Back-up Camera
• Low Tire Pressure Warning

The all-new 2022 Audi S3 finally manages to move out of the shadows of its A3 sibling with not just a meaty engine but in terms of aesthetics as well. The exterior design is now much more aggressive while the interiors see sporty inlays as well. The powertrain is finally expected to deliver performance on par with the market favorites and with Audi expected to price it very competitively as always, the 2022 Audi S3 should definitely be worth the wait.