Audi's $10,000 option on its cheapest performance car

The 2025 Audi S3 compact performance car has just been detailed for Australia, with more equipment and higher pricing – it also brings an expensive new option for those wanting a heartier soundtrack.

Like the related Cupra Formentor in Australia – and the likes of the Volkswagen Golf R overseas – the S3 Sportback (hatch) and sedan offer the option of a factory-fitted titanium exhaust system by well-known supplier Akrapovic.

But it’ll cost you…

While Cupra charges ‘only’ $6300 for the titanium exhaust in the Ateca and Formentor SUVs, Audi is asking for a hefty $9900 to fit the titanium rear silencer and quad exhaust tips.

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For context, the Porsche 911 Carrera is offered with a non-Akrapovic sports exhaust system with titanium tips for $7700.

That’s on top of the base price increase for the facelifted 2025 Audi S3 range, with the Sportback now $3400 dearer and the sedan $4427 more expensive than before, starting from $78,800 and $81,800 before on-road costs, respectively.

For the extra spend there’s more power and torque (up 17kW/20Nm to 245kW/420Nm), the ‘torque splitter’ rear axle from the even hotter RS3, a revised front suspension setup as well as a new dynamic plus mode to go with the “sportier tuning” of the engine and transmission.

That sees the new S3 hit 100km/h from rest one-tenth of a second quicker than before (4.7 seconds) on its way to a top speed of 250km/h.

The new S3 also carries over a number of minor interior changes from the A3, including a new surround for the drive-by-wire gear selector and a revised steering wheel centre.

You can read our full 2025 Audi S3 price and specs breakdown here

Would you pay $10,000 for a better exhaust from factory? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

MORE: Everything Audi S3