Audi Q5 vs Audi S3
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Audi Q5 | Audi S3 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 268 | 333 | -19.5% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 400 | 420 | -4.8% |
| Fuel economy (km/L) | 10.2 | 12.3 | -17.1% |
| Fuel type | Petrol | Petrol | — |
| Transmission | 7-Speed Automated Manual | DSG | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $54,500 | $60,048 | -9.2% |
- Audi S3 makes about 20% more power (333 vs 268 hp).
- Audi S3 is the more economical, at 12.3 km/L against 10.2.
- Prices are converted to USD from their home markets (US and Germany); taxes and availability differ by country.
Verdict: Q5 or S3?
Audi Q5 advantages
- Affordability (+9%)
Audi S3 advantages
- Engine power (+20%)
- Pulling torque (+5%)
- Fuel economy (+17%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Audi Q5 if you want the lower upfront cost.
- Choose the Audi S3 if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
Value for money
Audi S3 delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Audi Q5 vs Audi S3: which should you choose?
Audi Q5 (2026 Premium Plus 45 TFSI) — petrol suv with 268 hp and 400 Nm, rated at 10.2 km/L; priced near $54,500 in the US market.
Audi S3 (2024 S3 Facelift) — petrol hatchback with 333 hp and 420 Nm, rated at 12.3 km/L, 5-star Euro NCAP safety; priced near $60,048 in the Germany market.
Audi Q5 vs Audi S3: Audi S3 is more powerful. Audi S3 makes about 20% more power (333 vs 268 hp). Audi S3 is the more economical, at 12.3 km/L against 10.2.
Performance
The Audi S3 is the more powerful, at 333 hp against 268 hp, with 420 Nm of torque on tap. Its petrol drivetrain pairs with a dsg transmission.
Running costs
The Audi S3 is more economical at 12.3 km/L against 10.2 km/L on their certified cycles, which compounds meaningfully over years of ownership. Test cycles differ between markets, so treat cross-region figures as directional.
Price and value
The Audi Q5 lists lower at about $54,500 (USD-converted from the US market). Factor in insurance, fuel or charging, taxes and resale — not just the sticker price.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the car comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Audi Q5 better than the Audi S3?
Audi S3 takes the overall edge, though Audi Q5 wins in specific areas worth weighing. Audi S3 makes about 20% more power (333 vs 268 hp).
What is the main difference between the Audi Q5 and the Audi S3?
Audi S3 makes about 20% more power (333 vs 268 hp). Audi S3 is the more economical, at 12.3 km/L against 10.2.
Which is better value?
Audi S3 delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the Audi Q5 if you want the lower upfront cost. Choose the Audi S3 if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
Methodology
Cars are compared on manufacturer-rated maximum power and torque, certified fuel economy (km/L, converted from each market's test cycle: EPA, WLTP, CLTC, JC08/WLTC, ARAI) or EV energy use (kWh/100km), official NCAP crash-test ratings from the model's home-market programme, and list prices converted to USD at recent exchange rates. Each model shows its newest listed year and its highest-priority market trim. Test cycles differ between regions, so cross-market economy figures are directional rather than exact; prices exclude local taxes and incentives.