Five-cylinder engines once ruled Audi’s performance lineup, but they’ve fallen out of favor as V6s, V8s, and even turbocharged four-cylinders took over. The automaker still offers a funky five in the RS 3, and the car got a major overhaul for 2023. The new model is sharper, more powerful, and more tech-filled than its predecessor, and its performance numbers are off the charts. On top of that, it sports a reasonable starting price and solid standard equipment that helps it live up to its luxury nameplate.

Audi says the new RS 3 is its most powerful yet. The car’s 401 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque propel it to 60 mph from a standstill in just 3.6 seconds, and it can go on to a top speed of 155 mph. Optional upgrades open the top speed to 180 mph, though it’s hard to imagine how or where anyone would use all of the available speed. The turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Audi’s excellent Quattro all-wheel drive (AWD) system.

That AWD uses a system of electronically controlled clutches to send torque to either of the rear wheels, depending on the situation. The system sends torque to the rear outside wheel to help reduce understeer, and the behavior changes based on the selected drive mode. For example, the Dynamic Mode sends as much torque as possible to the rear wheels, while the RS Torque Rear Mode allows drifting.

The car rides on 19-inch wheels, and Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires are available. Audi offers a carbon package that adds carbon fiber exterior trim, a unique rear spoiler, and aero bodywork. Matrix LED headlights come standard, and the system displays a welcome lighting sequence when the driver approaches the vehicle.

A 12.3-inch configurable digital cockpit comes standard. Audi’s Virtual Cockpit allows the driver to select maps, vehicle information, and other displays within the gauge cluster. It’s paired with a 10.1-inch infotainment display that runs Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The center touchscreen also functions as a performance information display, with information on coolant, engine, and oil temperatures, g-forces, and tire pressures.

Though it’s a performance car, Audi still needs to equip driver aids to keep everyone as safe as possible. Standard equipment includes adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warnings, automatic emergency braking, and a parking assistance system. The new RS 3 hasn’t been crash tested yet; the standard A3 scored a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) when it was last rated in 2019. The new car comes with more and better driver aids, so the results should be at least similar to, if not better than, the previous car’s.

Audi says the 2023 RS3 will go on sale in summer 2022. The car carries a starting price of $59,925, which includes a $1,095 destination charge. Buyers may also consider the Volkswagen Golf R, BMW M235i, or a Hyundai N-branded vehicle.