Audi A3 Sedan 40 TFSI S line Premium (8Y facelift), rear 3/4 exterior, Mythos Black. Photo: Damian B Oh, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Audi A3 Premium is the entry trim of Audi’s compact luxury sedan; Premium Plus adds comfort and driver-assistance content. Below: Premium vs Premium Plus, 2024 and 2025 prices, 0-60 times, EPA mpg, the 2015, 2016 and 2024 models, and what to check on a used A3.
The Audi A3 Premium is Audi’s entry-level trim of its compact luxury sedan in the US. This page covers the 2015 and 2016 Audi A3 2.0T Premium, the 2024 A3 40 Premium and the current quattro-only A3, with Audi, EPA and NHTSA figures. NextCarReview has not driven these cars, so the specs and records below come from published sources.
Audi A3 Premium vs Premium Plus: What Is the Difference?
Premium is the base trim and Premium Plus is the middle step above it (Prestige sits on top). U.S. prices, excluding destination: for 2025, quattro became standard and the A3 started at $38,200 (Premium) and $40,800 (Premium Plus), plus $1,295 destination, per Audi’s MSRP disclaimer and as reported by TrueCar and J.D. Power. For 2026, Cars.com lists $41,395 (Premium) and $44,295 (Premium Plus) including $1,295 destination, which works out to $40,100 and $43,000 before destination (Cars.com). For 2024, Cars.com reported a starting price of $36,495 for the Premium including $1,095 destination, with Premium Plus about $3,600 more (Cars.com); other listings show slightly different 2024 MSRPs, so check the window sticker.
Model year
Premium
Premium Plus
Drive
2024
$36,495 incl. $1,095 destination (Cars.com)
about $3,600 more than Premium
FWD standard, quattro optional
2025
$38,200
$40,800
quattro standard
2026
$40,100
$43,000
quattro standard
Prices exclude destination, taxes and options. A price of $39,495 you may see for the 2025 Premium is the $38,200 base price plus the $1,295 destination charge, and $42,095 for Premium Plus is the same sum.
What Premium Plus adds: adaptive cruise control is listed as a Premium Plus feature by Edmunds and TrueCar. For 2026, Cars.com reports a 360-degree camera system and automated parking became standard on Premium Plus. Equipment changes by year, so check the build sheet of any specific car.
Audi A3 0-60 Times and Power: 2024 vs 2025
For the 2025 model, the 2.0-liter turbo four makes 201 hp and 236 lb-ft with a seven-speed S tronic and standard quattro, and Audi quotes 0-60 mph in 6.0 seconds, as reported by Carscoops. The 2024 car made 201 hp and 221 lb-ft. No 2024 0-60 figure is quoted here because we could not find one published by Audi.
The Audi A3 Premium: What Makes It Special?
The A3 Premium is a compact luxury sedan that mixes a high-tech interior with turbocharged power. Its small size makes parking easy, and quattro all-wheel drive helps traction in wet weather. It suits young professionals and city drivers who want luxury without moving up to a larger sedan.
Exploring the 2015 Audi A3 2.0T Premium
The 2015 Audi A3 2.0T Premium was the first of the sedan’s US generation and paired sporty performance with a luxury cabin.
Audi A3 Sedan 40 TFSI S line Premium (8Y facelift), side / front 3/4 exterior, Daytona Gray. Photo: Damian B Oh, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Performance and Engine
The 2015 model had a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine making 220 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, a six-speed dual-clutch transmission and quattro AWD. The AWD system gave good traction on wet roads and made the car composed in corners.
2022 Audi A3 (8Y), interior / dashboard. Photo: deathpallie325, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Interior and Features
The 2015 interior offered leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof and an MMI interface with a retractable display. Heated seats and dual-zone climate control added comfort.
Audi A3 Sedan 40 TFSI S line Premium (8Y facelift), rear exterior, Daytona Gray. Photo: Damian B Oh, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Why Choose the 2015 Model?
The 2015 A3 is now a used-car purchase, so prices depend on mileage and condition. The EPA rates the 2015 A3 quattro at 24 mpg city, 33 highway and 27 combined. Parts and repairs can cost more than on non-luxury brands, so a documented service history matters. The 2015 lineup also included a 2.0-liter TDI diesel, so confirm which engine a used car has.
Diving into the 2016 Audi A3 2.0T Premium
The 2016 Audi A3 2.0T Premium kept the 2.0-liter turbo with 220 horsepower and standard quattro on the 2.0T. The EPA rates it at 24/33/27 mpg (city/highway/combined). The 2016 interior kept the panoramic sunroof and leather seats. Used prices depend on mileage and condition, so compare several cars and check the recall history of each.
The 2024 Audi A3 40 Premium: Modern Luxury
Engine and Performance
The 2024 model has a 2.0-liter turbo with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, 201 horsepower and 221 lb-ft, a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, front-wheel drive as standard and quattro optional. The EPA rates the 2024 A3 at 29/37/32 mpg (city/highway/combined) with FWD and 27/34/30 with quattro, on regular gasoline (FuelEconomy.gov).
Technology, Safety and Space
The 2024 interior has a touchscreen and a 10.3-inch digital gauge cluster, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional Technology package adds a Bang & Olufsen sound system. Forward collision warning and automatic braking are standard, along with lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise is a Premium Plus feature. Check IIHS and NHTSA ratings for the exact model year.
Front seats are supportive, but rear seats are tight for taller passengers, and the trunk holds 10.9 cubic feet, which is modest.
Audi A3 Premium Plus: Elevated Features
Premium Plus is offered on the 2024 and 2025 cars and adds the features listed above. The Technology package upgrades the virtual cockpit to a 12.3-inch display. It is a good fit for tech-minded buyers, though the small trunk and tight rear seat remain. Buyers can choose wheel designs and interior colors such as black, beige and gray.
Comparing Audi A3 Models
Feature
2015 Audi A3 2.0T Premium
2016 Audi A3 2.0T Premium
2024 Audi A3 40 Premium
Engine
2.0L Turbo (220 hp)
2.0L Turbo (220 hp)
2.0L Turbo + mild hybrid (201 hp)
Transmission
6-speed dual-clutch
6-speed dual-clutch
7-speed dual-clutch
Drivetrain
Quattro AWD
Quattro AWD
FWD (quattro optional)
Torque
258 lb-ft
258 lb-ft
221 lb-ft
Fuel economy (mpg)
24/33 (city/highway, EPA)
24/33 (city/highway, EPA)
29/37 FWD, 27/34 quattro (EPA)
Buying today
Used
Used
Used or remaining new stock
Key features
Panoramic sunroof, leather
Panoramic sunroof, leather
Touchscreen, mild hybrid
The 2025 Audi A3: What Changed?
For 2025 the A3 got a redesigned grille and new LED headlights, torque rose to 236 lb-ft, quattro became standard, and the sedan started at $38,200 plus destination (Audi MSRP disclaimer). The EPA rates the 2025 A3 quattro at 24/34/28 mpg on premium gasoline (FuelEconomy.gov). The cabin gained new materials, lighting and reshaped air vents, and the electronic shifter was redesigned.
Audi A3 Sportback and Allstreet
The A3 Sportback is a hatchback variant and the Allstreet is a raised version, but neither is sold in the US as a 2025 model.
Is the Audi A3 Still Sold? 2026 and Newer
Yes. The EPA lists a 2026 A3 quattro at 24/34/28 mpg. Audi has not confirmed here what the Premium and Premium Plus names will be on later model years, so check Audi USA for the current lineup.
The A3 stands out for standard AWD and a premium interior. The Acura Integra can offer better value, while the BMW and Mercedes offer more power or newer designs. Compare current prices on the makers’ sites, because they change.
Why Choose a Black Audi A3?
A black Audi A3 looks sleek and timeless, and Audi offers a Black optic package that adds darker exterior trim. Mythos Black and Navarra Blue are among the paint choices.
Audi A4 Quattro vs. Audi A3 Premium
The Audi A4 is larger with more space and a bigger trunk. The 2025 A4 has a 261-hp engine, which is 60 hp more than the A3. The A3 is lighter, easier to park and feels nimble in town. Both offer quattro AWD.
Driving Experience, Price and Ownership
The A3 is compact and nimble, with a turbo engine that makes merging easy. Car and Driver lists lively handling among its strengths. Lease and finance offers change monthly, so compare current deals before you decide. Audi’s 4-year/50,000-mile new-vehicle warranty applies to new cars, but repairs outside warranty can be pricey compared with non-luxury brands, so budget for maintenance.
Buying a Used Audi A3 Premium? What to Check
Recalls: NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2015 A3 and 3 for the 2016 A3, and none for the 2024 or 2025 A3 (NHTSA recalls API). The main campaigns are 21V198000 (passenger occupant-classification sensor, which affects the front passenger air bag), 24V110000 (a fuel-system recall on certain front-wheel-drive 2015-2020 A3 sedans) and, for 2016, 22V543000 (passenger-side air bag inflator). Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, because campaigns apply only to certain cars.
Confirm every recall above is closed and ask for service records.
Check which engine is fitted: gas 2.0T or the 2015 TDI diesel, and FWD or quattro.
Confirm trim equipment, such as adaptive cruise or the Technology package, from the build sheet.
Test the MMI screen, sunroof and driver-assistance features.
Get an independent inspection at an Audi-experienced shop.
Audi A3 Premium FAQ
What is the difference between the Audi A3 Premium and Premium Plus?
Premium Plus is the step above Premium. Adaptive cruise control is a Premium Plus feature per Edmunds and TrueCar. For 2025 it started at $40,800 against $38,200 for Premium, before destination.
How fast is the 2024 Audi A3 0-60?
We could not find a 2024 0-60 figure published by Audi. For the 2025 A3 quattro, Audi quotes 6.0 seconds, as reported by Carscoops.
What does the 2025 Audi A3 Premium Plus cost?
Audi’s 2025 pricing shows $40,800 for the A3 Premium Plus quattro, plus $1,295 destination. The Premium started at $38,200.
Does the Audi A3 require premium gas?
The EPA lists premium gasoline for the 2025 and 2026 A3 and regular gasoline for the 2024 A3. Always check the fuel door and owner’s manual for your model year.
Is the Audi A3 Sportback available in the U.S.?
No. The A3 Sportback is offered in other markets as a hatchback with more cargo space, but it is not sold in the US.
How reliable is the Audi A3?
Reliability depends on the car’s history. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2015 A3 and 3 for the 2016, so check any A3 by VIN and ask for service records.
What is the fuel economy of the 2025 Audi A3?
The EPA rates the 2025 Audi A3 quattro at 24 city, 34 highway and 28 combined mpg, with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.
The 2015 and 2016 A3 2.0T Premium models suit budget buyers who check history carefully. The 2024 A3 40 Premium and Premium Plus offer modern tech, and the 2025 and newer cars add standard quattro. Choose Premium for the lowest price and Premium Plus if adaptive cruise and the extra comfort features matter to you.
Check the official data
Specs, prices and safety ratings change between model years and trims. Verify them for the exact Audi you are considering:
Morgan Reyes is the founder and editor-in-chief of NextCarReview, which Morgan launched in August 2024. A 2022 graduate of Columbia University, Morgan is based in New York and writes and edits the site’s reviews, comparisons and buying guides. Morgan does not road-test vehicles. Every article is built from published primary data: EPA FuelEconomy.gov ratings, NHTSA crash ratings, recalls and owner complaints, IIHS results, and manufacturer specifications and pricing, with each figure cited and checked before publication. Contact: admin@nextcarreview.com
