In the interior, many RS-specific features also underscore the sporty character of the two models. Standard-equipped illuminated door sill trims with RS 3 lettering and a door sill LED with RS projection onto the floor welcome the driver. Many elements in the interior are finished in aluminum, and the instrument panel trim is made of carbon. RS sport seats with RS embossing and anthracite contrast stitching also contribute to the racing atmosphere. The seat upholstery is optionally available in fine Nappa leather with RS honeycomb stitching and glossy black, red, or, for the first time, green contrast stitching. RS Design packages in red and green are available to match. They include special floor mats with contrast stitching and RS embroidery, as well as seatbelts with colored edges. The Design package plus includes seat corners in red or green and colored accents on the air vents.
Everything in the palm of your hand – with RS Mode button and high-quality shift paddles
The RS 3 is standard-equipped with a three‑spoke RS Sport multifunctional leather steering wheel with a flattened bottom. It features high-quality shift paddles made of polished die-cast zinc. Those who opt for the Design package get, in addition to the RS badge, a 12 o’clock stripe for faster indication of the steering wheel position during dynamic driving.
Alternatively, a perfectly round RS steering wheel is available with hands-on detection, i.e. capacitive grip recognition, for assisted steering functions. In the optional RS design package, the Alcantara-covered steering wheel is trimmed with red or green contrast stitching. Both steering wheels feature the new RS Mode button on the right‑hand steering wheel spoke. This button can be used to select the Audi drive select modes RS Performance, RS Individual, or the last mode used.
RS-specific indicators
The standard 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus offers a completely new look with the new “RS Runway” design of the tachometer. It displays the values in the opposite direction in a manner that visually resembles an airplane runway – the highest number of revolutions in the foreground and the lowest in the background. The second option is to display the revolutions per minute in the form of a bar graph. Power and torque also appear as percentages. In addition, the Audi virtual cockpit plus includes displays for g-forces, lap times, and acceleration from 0 – 100 km/h, 0 – 200 km/h, quarter mile, and eighth of a mile.
The RS-specific blinking shift indicator in manual transmission mode changes the rpm display from green to yellow to red, blinking in a manner identical to that used in motorsports, to indicate the optimal time to change gears. Launch Control, which fully exploits the acceleration potential of the RS 3, signals the ideal moment to accelerate off the line with its new traffic light icons. Also available for the first time for the Audi RS 3 is a head-up display that projects relevant information onto the windshield in the driver’s direct line of sight in addition to a blinking shift indicator and the Launch Control display.
10.1 inch touch display with RS monitor standard
The RS 3 is standard-equipped with a 10.1-inch touch display that can be used to control all of the functions. Thanks to the flat menu structure, operating the MMI is extremely intuitive. Users can configure the display’s interface themselves by saving frequently used features on the start page – just like how you can organize apps on a smartphone. The 10.1-inch touch display includes what is referred to as the “RS Monitor,” which shows the coolant, engine, and transmission oil temperatures, as well as the g-forces and, optionally, the pressure of the tires.
In addition, voice control is also included standard, turning the new Audi RS 3 into an intelligent assistant you can talk to. Commands can be worded freely thanks to the dialog manager. Two USB-C ports with data and charging functionality in front of the S tronic shifter, a DAB+ digital radio, and a Bluetooth interface round out the equipment that comes standard.
MMI Navigation plus and Audi connect
The MMI Navigation plus system also features handwriting recognition, ensuring that drivers can easily enter their destinations. Route calculation is performed both onboard and online by the map service provider HERE. Predictions about how the traffic situation will develop make route guidance even more accurate. As part of MMI navigation plus, Audi connect online services complement route planning, including traffic information online and several car-to-x services. These connect the new RS 3 with other vehicles and the surrounding infrastructure. This makes it possible, for example, to find available parking spaces on the side of the road or to “ride the green wave” via traffic light communication, provided the necessary infrastructure is in place. Additional services are bundled in the optional connect plus package. These include online radio, hybrid radio, Amazon Alexa integration, as well as navigation with Google Earth and a highly detailed 3D city display.
Yet another highlight of the RS 3** is “Functions on demand”: for the first time, customers can order additional features online as needed – after they have purchased the car and at any time they choose. These include, for example, MMI navigation plus including connect services, camera-based traffic sign recognition, as well as the Audi smartphone interface.
Extensive infotainment offering
The optional Audi connect key offers even more connectivity in the new RS 3**. It makes it possible to unlock and lock the car and to start the engine via a start-stop button using an Android smartphone. The standard version allows up to six vehicle users to save their personal settings in individual profiles, such as those relating to frequently selected navigation destinations or the air-conditioning system. The free myAudi app also offers many other functions, such as the ability to seamlessly continue navigation from the car on your smartphone.
Hardware components complement the infotainment offering – the Audi phone box couples the smartphone with the car’s antenna and charges it inductively. The Audi smartphone interface connects an iOS or Android smartphone to the RS 3** and brings Apple Car Play or Android Auto to the MMI display – and does so wirelessly. The Bang & Olufsen premium sound system with 3D sound delivers an immersive sound experience. It controls 15 speakers with 680 watts of power.
All terms marked in the text are explained in detail in the technology lexicon at www.audi-mediacenter.com/en/technology-lexicon. The equipment, data and prices specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.