2027 Audi A3MotorTrendPremium small-sedan feelStandard all-wheel-driveconfidenceThorough tech update expectedMerely adequate accelerationSmall trunk trails rivalsScreen-heavy cabin concernsThe Audi A3 has always been the small sedan that makes the brand's luxury formula feel more attainable. For 2027, the mission appears familiar: keep the compact size, tidy road manners, and sensible gas powertrain but freshen the cabin with enough new tech to keep Audi's entry-level model feeling current.AdvertisementAdvertisementSmall luxury car competitors include the Acura Integra, Cadillac CT4, and Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.What's NewAlthough Audi has not yet released full U.S.-market details for the 2027 A3, the compact sedan is expected to receive the same tech-focused update already announced for Europe. That would mean a much more digital cabin, larger displays, expanded driver assistance features, and updated lighting details, while the exterior design and U.S. gas powertrain are likely to remain broadly familiar.This page will be updated with more insights and photos as information becomes available.What We ThinkThe Audi A3 remains one of the most convincing entry points into small luxury car ownership. It looks sharp, feels properly premium, and delivers the tidy road manners and understated style we expect from Audi. It isn't the quickest or most emotional sedan in the segment, but its mix of refinement, efficiency, tech, and all-weather confidence gives it broad appeal.AdvertisementAdvertisementThat said, the A3 is still a gateway luxury car, and it occasionally shows. Acceleration is adequate rather than exciting, the ride can feel firm, and some cabin materials and noise levels remind you this is Audi's smallest sedan. The latest refresh should help keep it feeling modern, especially inside, but we hope Audi doesn't trade too much usability for bigger screens.For drivers who want more personality, the S3 is the lineup's sweet spot, while the RS3 remains the wild, five-cylinder halo car. But for most shoppers, the A3's appeal is simpler: It makes the Audi experience feel attainable without feeling cheap.Top-Ranked Competitors:Acura IntegraMercedes-Benz CLA-ClassCadillac CT4MotorTrend TestedEvery 2027 Audi A3 is expected to stick with the familiar 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, again assisted by a 48-volt mild hybrid system. Output will probably remain close to the current car's 201 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, which would keep the A3 in the "quick enough" rather than "genuinely quick" camp.AdvertisementAdvertisementThat said, the latest A3 could feel a bit stronger than early versions of this generation. MotorTrend recorded a 6.4-second 0–60-mph run in a 2022 A3, which made only 221 lb-ft of torque at launch. For current models, Audi claims a 6.0-second sprint to 60 mph.In comparison, the 2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 hybrid is offered with a 2.0-liter turbo-four and electric motor that churn out 221 hp and 258 lb-ft. Mercedes thinks this model should be capable of accelerating to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds—basically in the same ballpark as the A3.Buyers who want more punch can look to the S3 or RS3, which share the A3's basic footprint but add far more serious performance hardware.MPG and RangeOfficial 2027 Audi A3 fuel economy ratings aren't available yet, but if the sedan carries over mechanically, expect numbers close to the 2026 model's 24/34 mpg city/highway and 406 miles of driving range. Because the A3 now comes standard with all-wheel drive, those figures look solid for the segment, even if Quattro likely keeps it from matching the efficiency of some front-drive rivals.AdvertisementAdvertisementAgainst the CLA250 AWD, the Audi is close. The 2026 CLA250 4Matic is rated at 25/34 mpg and 392 miles of range, giving it a 1-mpg city advantage over the A3 while matching the Audi on the highway. The A3 counters with a slightly longer range estimate.The sportier A3 variants trade some efficiency for performance. The 2026 Audi S3 is rated at 23/31 mpg and 377 miles of range, while the RS3's larger turbocharged five-cylinder drops to 20/29 mpg and 334 miles. Those figures are still livable, but shoppers who care most about fuel economy will be best served by the standard A3.Safety Ratings and FeaturesThe current Audi A3 earns several Good ratings from IIHS, but a Poor grade for its seat belt reminders keeps it from receiving one of the institute's top safety awards. Audi otherwise does a good job equipping every trim with solid driver assists, which that include:Automatic emergency brakingBlind-spot monitoringLane departure warningAutomatic high-beamsAdvertisementAdvertisementThe updated European-market A3 previews a more advanced driver assistance package that could reach the U.S. for 2027. Newly announced features include:Adaptive Cruise Assist Plus with lane guidanceHighway lane change assist activated by the turn signalTraffic-light support that can brake for red lights and resume when the light turns greenEnhanced parking assistance, including remote parking and a trained-parking functionCargo Space and Interior RoomEvery A3 seats five and offers a little more rear legroom than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA and Cadillac CT4—more than an inch, in fact. The trade-off is cargo space: The A3's trunk is smaller than both rivals.TechnologyInfotainmentThe 2027 A3 is expected to adopt the updated European model's new curved display layout, pairing an 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit with a 12.8-inch MMI panoramic display. That replaces the cabin's previous 12.3-inch driver display and 10.1-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto should remain standard.AdvertisementAdvertisementA new 25-watt wireless charging tray angled toward the driver is also expected. Audi may bring over touchscreen-selectable digital daytime running light signatures, though U.S. availability hasn't been confirmed.Sound SystemThe 2027 A3 is expected to continue with a six-speaker base audio system, with higher trims likely offering the 15-speaker Sonos premium setup. Audi has also announced a new audio functions-on-demand package for the updated European A3, adding features such as bass optimization, source-volume balancing, compressed-audio enhancement, and virtual surround sound modes.It's not clear whether that upgrade will come to the U.S., but it could give buyers another way to enhance the A3's audio.Available UpgradesHigher trims and option packages should continue to provide available extras such as an auto-dimming rearview mirror, stainless-steel pedals, and a black cloth headliner in place of the lighter standard version.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe updated European-market A3 also points to a bigger role for smartphone-based features. Through Audi Connect and the myAudi app, drivers can check the car's parked location, parking brake status, lights, doors, and windows, along with vehicle information such as mileage, fuel level, remaining range, tire pressure, oil level, and service intervals.Remote locking and unlocking are also part of the expanded app functionality. U.S. availability has not been confirmed, but if these features come stateside, they should make the A3 feel more connected and convenient beyond the cabin.ValueStandard FeaturesAudi hasn't confirmed 2027 A3 pricing or U.S.-market equipment yet, but the updated European model suggests the base car could feel more upscale than before. Its redesigned cockpit layout, larger touchscreen-forward dashboard, and updated multifunction steering wheel with an integrated physical scroll wheel should help the entry-level A3 make a stronger first impression.If Audi carries over the 2026 model's generous standard equipment, the value story should remain solid. Current A3 models include a panoramic sunroof, three-zone climate control, heated front seats, and leather upholstery, giving the smallest Audi sedan a legitimately premium baseline even before stepping into higher trims.
+59 others
![Audi's most affordable EV revealed with 400 miles of range [Video]](https://cdn.topcarnews.net/thumb/id/aHR0cHM6Ly9pMC53cC5jb20vZWxlY3Ry-ZWsuY28vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRz-L3NpdGVzLzMvMjAyNi8wNS9BdWRpLUEy-LWUtdHJvbi1hZmZvcmRhYmxlLUVWLmpw-ZWc_dz0xNTAwJmFtcDtxdWFsaXR5PTgy-JmFtcDtzdHJpcD1hbGwmYW1wO3NzbD0x/95fea7db6b80513b81ab81b45bc6f477.jpeg?t=20260723&post_id=47205)