Mercedes-Benz has been building supercars for over 50 years. The German
brand created the world’s first, the Mercedes 300SL in 1955, seventy
years after Karl Benz is credited with inventing the automobile. Famous
for its Gullwing doors that open up instead of out, the race car for the
street was the fastest thing on wheels during the age of bobby socks
and poodle skirts, and restored 300SLs now sell for north of a million
dollars.
Well, Mercedes is still at this supercar thing. Its
latest is the 2019 Mercedes-AMG GT S Roadster, which will be introduced
later this year. Built in Germany, the two-seat convertible will be the
newest version to join the AMG GT supercar lineup of coupes and convertibles, which have been on the market since 2015. It will also be the second most powerful version of the GT Roadster.
1. It was developed solely by AMG.
AMG is Mercedes’ in house
tuner or hot rod shop. It competes with BMW’s M division, known for cars
like the M3 and M5. Since the 1970s, AMG’s engineers have been
reengineering Mercedes mainstream models into some of the fastest cars
on the road, adding sport-tuned suspensions, bigger brakes and of course
horsepower.
In 2010 AMG began developing its own models and
introduced the SLS AMG, a two-seat supercar with a massive V8 engine and
Gullwing doors just like the 1955 300SL. It was a hit and five years
later its successor, the Mercedes-AMG GT debuted. Smaller, lighter and
less expensive than the SLS, the turbocharged AMG GT was no less potent
and became an immediate rival to the Porsche 911 Turbo, the Audi R8 and the BMW i8.
2. The supercar now comes in twelve flavors.
With the unveiling of the 2019 Mercedes-AMG GT S Roadster, the AMG GT lineup of sports cars
now includes twelve versions of the front-engine supercar. By the end
of this year Mercedes will offer four two-door Coupes, three Roadsters
and two customer sports racing cars, as well as three four-door Coupes,
which is a high-performance sedan version of the sports car that debuted
earlier this year. It will compete with the Porsche Panamera Turbo models.
The ever growing line up starts with the GT Coupe, which costs about
$113,000 and packs a 469 hp version of the Biturbo 4.0 liter V8. Another
twenty grand or so gets you the GT S Coupe with 515 hp, and $145,000
will buy you the GT C with 550 hp. The top dog is the $157,000 GT R with
575 hp.
There is no GT R Roadster model, but the GT, the GT C and now the GT S
are offered with the power retractable soft top. Mercedes says pricing
will be announced closer to launch, but other roadster models cost about
$12,000 more than their corresponding coupe so we expect the new GT S
Roadster to start around $144,500.
3. It’s packing a handcrafted turbocharged V8.
Every AMG model, even the
$50,000 AMG CLA 45, gets a handcrafted turbocharged engine. Each one is
built by a single technician from beginning to end. And that
technician’s signature is placed atop that engine before it is installed
in the vehicle.
Under its long aluminum hood, the new 2019
Mercedes-AMG GT S Roadster is powered by the same 515 hp version of the
all-aluminum 4.0-liter biturbo V8 used in the AMG GT S Coupe. The engine
puts out 494 lb-ft of torque and relines at 7,000 rpm. The sports car also gets a seven-speed dual clutch transmission with paddle shifters. A manual transmission will not be offered.
Mercedes
says the combination will get the convertible from 0-60 mph in 3.7
seconds and to a top speed of 192 mph. That’s the same performance as
the GT S Coupe. The more powerful AMG GT C Roadster can hit 60 mph in
3.6 seconds. Unfortunately for Mercedes the Porsche 911 Turbo S will blow their doors off. The 580 hp Porsche hits 60 mph in just 2.6 seconds and can touch 205 mph.
4. It’s not available with all-wheel drive.
Like the other AMG GT models,
the 2019 Mercedes-AMG GT S Roadster uses a lightweight aluminum
spaceframe, a locking rear differential, massive brakes, huge 19-inch
front and 20-inch rear wheels and a fully independent sport suspension
with aluminum components. And like the other AMG GT models, the 2019
Mercedes-AMG GT S Roadster will be rear-wheel drive. That’s
significant. Most other AMG models have gone to all-wheel drive for
improved traction, especially in wet or snowy weather. All-wheel drive
is also now standard on many of the AMG’s competitors including the
Porsche 911 Turbo, Audi R8, the BMW i8 and the Acura NSX.
And buyers in the northeast and other cold climates have made it clear
to manufacturers that they want that technology and they’ll pay for it. The
EPA rates the standard GT S Coupe at 16 mpg city and 22 mpg on the
highway, while we expect the Roadster to be rated 16 mpg city and 21 mpg
on highway due to the less favorable aerodynamics of the convertible.
These are good numbers for the supercar class. Even the hybrid powered
Acura NSX is rated 21 mpg city and 22 mpg highway.
The 2018 Audi A3 delivers spirited performance. Despite its low price,
the A3 has features and high-quality materials found in higher-priced
Audi stablemates. However, the A3 ranks in the lower half of our list
because it has less rear-seat and trunk space.
Pros & Cons
Lively acceleration, especially with upgraded engines
Dynamic handling balanced with a smooth ride
High-tech infotainment system and available virtual cockpit
Spacious front seats
Small back seat
Limited cargo space in all-wheel-drive, hybrid, and convertible models
New for 2018
Heated front seats and two USB ports now standard
Safety technology added to Premium Plus trim
New RS 3 high-performance model introduced
Is the Audi A3 a Good Car?
The A3 is a great car because it's sporty, fuel-efficient, and comes
loaded with technology and upscale touches. For 2018, heated front seats
and two USB ports became standard, and higher trims get extra advanced
safety features. The brand also introduced the high-performance RS
3. The A3 competes well with more expensive competitors, and it has the
best combination of quality and value in the class, which is why it's
our 2018 Best Luxury Small Car for the Money.
However, if you're looking for space or utility, the A3 really isn't
that good of a car. The back seats are short on space, especially for
tall riders. While the A3 features standard amenities like leather
seats, driver assists, and intuitive technology, other luxury sedans
give you more choices for increased opulence.
Should I Buy the Audi A3?
The A3's roughly $32,000 price tag makes it one of the least expensive upscale small cars.
That alone makes it worthy of your consideration, especially since
you'll get the premium interior and technology expected from a luxury
brand at a bargain cost.
The A3 has some competition from other cars on the lower end of the class's price range, like the entry-level Mercedes-Benz CLA and Acura ILX.
In general, the A3 is better than those two. If you need more passenger
room than what the A3 offers, stroll across the showroom floor to the Audi A4. Compare the A3, A4, and 3 Series »
Should I Buy a New or Used Audi A3?
The current A3 generation launched with the 2015 model year, and
there have been changes every year since then. 2016 saw the introduction
of the e-tron plug-in hybrid model, as well as standard parking sensors
and a rearview camera. For 2017, Audi replaced the 170-horsepower base
engine with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 186
horsepower. The MMI infotainment system was also refreshed to include
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as a retractable screen. The
2017 model saw the introduction of the Audi Virtual Cockpit display as
an available feature.
For 2018, heated front seats and two USB ports are standard, while
safety features like rear cross traffic alert and blind spot monitoring
have been added to the midrange Premium Plus trim. You can still find
these features in earlier A3s, but you may have to look a little harder.
The high-performance RS 3 also debuts for the 2018 model year. It
features an exclusive five-cylinder, 400-horsepower engine, along with
RS-specific sport design elements.
If these additions aren't important to you, consider shopping for an
older A3 to save some money. To further research the used models in this
generation, read our reviews of the 2015, 2016, and 2017 Audi A3. If you decide that an older model is right for you, check out our Used Car Deals page for savings and incentives on used vehicles. Compare the 2016, 2017, and 2018 Audi A3 »
We Did the Research for You: 35 Reviews Analyzed
We analyzed 35 Audi A3 reviews – along with safety and reliability
ratings, fuel economy estimates, and more – to help you decide if the
2018 A3 is the right new car for you. This 2018 Audi A3 review
incorporates applicable research for all model years in this generation,
which spans the 2015 through 2018 model years.
How Much Does the Audi A3 Cost?
With its starting price of $31,950, the 2018 Audi A3 sedan is one of the least expensive luxury small cars
you can buy. Pricing for the cabriolet (convertible) models start at
$38,350. High-performance editions include the S3 ($43,650) and the RS 3
($54,900). Audi also sells a hatchback version with a plug-in hybrid
powertrain: the A3 Sportback e-tron. Prices for this model start at
$39,500, though some shoppers may be eligible for a $4,502 federal tax
credit.
Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great deals at your local Audi dealer. You can also find excellent manufacturer incentives on our Audi deals page.
Audi A3 Versus the Competition
Which Is Better: Audi A3 or Audi A4?
The Audi A4
is a better car than its little sibling in almost every way. The A4 can
comfortably ferry adults in the back seat, and its larger trunk makes
long travels much easier. You'll also get more standard equipment in the
A4, like advanced safety technology, Apple CarPlay, and tri-zone
automatic climate control. The main reason to go with the A3 is its
lower price, but you'd still probably only be saving a few thousand
dollars.
Which Is Better: Audi A3 or Mercedes-Benz CLA?
Though both these cars are entry-level models from their respective brands, the A3's interior outshines that of the Mercedes-Benz CLA.
The Benz has features like leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof
on its options list, while they come standard in the A3. The Audi
infotainment system is more user friendly and straightforward than the
one in the CLA.
Which Is Better: Audi A3 or Acura ILX?
The Acura ILX’s
price is in the same ballpark as the Audi A3. However, it's not as
upscale, and it doesn’t deliver the same fun performance as the A3. The
ILX's cabin materials feel cheaper, and it has a stiff ride over uneven
pavement. Lastly, it comes with fewer standard features than the A3. Compare the A3, CLA, and ILX »
A3 Interior
How Many People Does the A3 Seat?
You can seat five people in sedan and hatchback configurations of the
A3 and four people in the convertible. Leather seats are standard, and
those sitting in the front get 12-way power adjustments and heated
seats. These, along with comfortable cushioning, will have everyone
clamoring over the front seats. Like many other vehicles this size, the
rear seats are best left for your prodigy and not your peers. If you
frequently use your back seat, it's worth noting that the A3 has more
leg- and headroom than a Mercedes-Benz CLA and Acura ILX.
A3 and Car Seats
All Audi A3s come with a tether anchor and a set of lower anchors on
the rear outboard seats. Body styles with a middle seat include a third
tether anchor for this seating position. For the most part, caregivers
will have little trouble locating and using the LATCH hardware, though
the lower anchors are a little tight to move around.
A3 Interior Quality
This is the cheapest model you can buy new from the Audi dealer, but
even with the low starting price, it doesn't feel as though the interior
has been shortchanged. Everything feels solid and durable, and
materials include high-grade selections like genuine leather and
aluminum inlays. Though you can find a few swankier interiors in the
luxury small car segment, you have to spend about $5,000 more for them.
A3 Cargo Space
Cargo space varies depending on the model, but all A3s come up short
in this area. The sedan has 12.3 cubic feet of cargo room, which is less
than most compact sedans.
Still, some test drivers found it large enough to carry four
carry-on-size suitcases, plus a couple of small bags. The hatchback body
of the A3 e-tron is a little larger, at 13.6 cubic feet.
All-wheel-drive sedan models and convertible models measure around 10
cubic feet.
A3 Infotainment, Bluetooth, and Navigation
No matter which A3 trim you choose, you'll get an infotainment system
that's responsive, straightforward, and easy to use. The base system
features a 7-inch touch screen and a control knob, with two USB ports, a
10-speaker audio system, and a rearview camera in every model.
The technology options list has a couple items that turn up the wow
factor, starting with Audi's virtual cockpit – a 12.3-inch driver's
gauge cluster display screen that's also found in models like the A4 and TT.
A little more subtle, but still state-of-the-art, is the enhanced
infotainment system. Its handwriting recognition lets you trace letters
and numbers to quickly input an address into the navigation system, and
smartphone integration (through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) gives
you quick access to your favorite apps. Read more about interior »
A3 Performance
A3 Engine: From Plug-In to High Performance
There's a rich selection when it comes to powering your new Audi A3.
Most come with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. In the
standard setup with front-wheel drive, this engine pairs with a
seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and has a rating of 186
horsepower. Upgrade to Quattro all-wheel drive and you'll get a
six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and a 220-horsepower
rating. This 2.0 turbocharged engine is lively, and both transmissions
feel smooth and responsive.
The S3 has the same engine, tuned to crank out 292 horsepower. If you
really want to shake things up, you can achieve blistering acceleration
times with the 400-horsepower Audi RS 3. It comes with a turbocharged
2.5-liter five-cylinder engine, which bears a unique exhaust sound.
On the other end of the spectrum is the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron.
This plug-in hybrid uses a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine and an
electric motor that together produce 204 horsepower.
A3 Gas Mileage: One of the Most Economical
The A3 manages to be both energetic and economical. Its base
2.0-liter engine has one of the highest fuel economy ratings among
luxury small cars, at 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
Opting for all-wheel drive drops this to 24 mpg city/31 mpg highway, and
as you move up in horsepower, gas mileage decreases even further.
Expect 21/28 mpg for the high-performance S3, and subtract 2 mpg in the
city for the RS 3 rating.
The Sportback e-tron also does an excellent job of delivering peppy
performance in a fuel-sipping package. When powered by both electricity
and gasoline, it gets 83 mpg-equivalent and can drive about 16 miles on
all-electric power.
A3 Ride and Handling: Light and Lively
Front-wheel drive is standard in the A3 sedan, but if you pony up
around $3,000 more, you can get Audi's highly praised Quattro
all-wheel-drive system in all models but the A3 e-tron. This system,
which is standard in the S3 and RS 3, brings extra grip, an increase in
horsepower, and a six-speed automatic transmission. The steering is
precise, and you can adjust it (along with throttle response and
transmission shifts) by setting the car in Comfort, Dynamic, Auto, or
Individual mode. Read more about performance »
A3 Reliability
Is the Audi A3 Reliable?
The 2018 A3 hasn’t received a predicted reliability rating yet, but
the current generation A3 has received predicted reliability scores of
three out of five. While that's about average for all new vehicles, it’s
lower than what most cars in this class get. Among the baker's dozen
with a higher reliability score are the Lexus RC and Mercedes-Benz CLA.
Audi A3 Warranty
All Audi A3s come with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty. Read more about reliability »
A3 Safety
A3 Crash Test Results
Though the 2018 model hasn’t been tested yet, older A3 models of this
generation have performed exceptionally well in crash tests. For
example, every model year in the current generation has earned the
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick+ designation,
and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has given the A3
an overall safety rating of five out of five stars for the past three
years.
A3 Safety Features
Standard safety equipment includes Audi Pre Sense Front (front
collision warning and brake assist), Audi Pre Sense Basic (a system that
prepares the car for an impact by rolling up the windows and sunroof,
activating the hazard warning lights, and tightening seat belts), a
rearview camera, and rain-sensing wipers and headlights. Optional safety
features include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capabilities,
front and rear parking sensors, lane keep assist, blind spot
monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. Read more about safety »
Which Audi A3 Model Is Right for Me?
There's a bevy of choices to sort through when selecting the right A3
for you, including front-wheel or all-wheel drive, three trim levels,
three body styles, two high-performance editions, and a plug-in hybrid
variant. For the drivetrain, a few trims come standard with the Quattro
all-wheel-drive system. All others have front-wheel drive, with the
option to upgrade to all-wheel drive for between $2,700 and $3,000.
For its excellent value, we recommend the base Premium trim. Its starting price of $31,950 makes it one of the least expensive luxury small cars
you can buy, but it doesn't feel like Audi skimped on luxury features.
Leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and a 10-speaker audio system
give the car a high-class feel. Goodies like heated front seats,
dual-zone automatic climate control, a 7-inch touch screen, two USB
ports, a rearview camera, and advanced safety assistance features are
also included. The Premium trim level is also available as a convertible
(the A3 cabriolet) for $38,350.
Audi A3 Premium Plus
For an extra $3,250, you can add smartphone integration (via Apple
CarPlay and Android Auto), a proximity key, and push-button and remote
start to your new A3 sedan. These tech treats are part of the Premium
Plus trim, which also grants you a power-adjustable passenger seat and
Audi Side Assist (a safety package that includes rear cross traffic
alert and blind spot monitoring). The sedan's MSRP starts at $35,200,
and pricing for the cabriolet version starts at $41,600.
Audi A3 Prestige
The Prestige sedan ($40,700) and Prestige cabriolet ($46,800) are the
highest trim levels of the A3. In addition to standard features from
the Premium Plus trim, you also get an upgraded infotainment system with
navigation, voice commands, handwriting recognition, and a 14-speaker
Bang & Olufsen audio system. Standard safety features include lane
keep assist and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capabilities.
Audi A3 Sportback e-tron
The Sportback e-tron is the plug-in hybrid edition of the A3. Its
solitary configuration includes front-wheel drive, a hatchback body
style, and a hybrid powertrain (a 1.4-liter gasoline engine and a single
electric motor). The A3 e-tron is available in all three trim levels:
Premium ($39,500), Premium Plus ($42,600), and Prestige ($48,100).
Audi's performance-tuned models are the S3 and the all-new RS 3. With
the S3, you get the same size engine as the A3, but horsepower
increases to 292. A six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission,
all-wheel drive, heated front sport seats, and a sport suspension are
among the enhancements. Pricing also gets a boost, to $43,650 for the S3
Premium Plus and $48,950 for the S3 Prestige.
The RS 3 comes with a 400-horsepower five-cylinder engine mated to a
seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and has a starting price
of $54,900. Other standard features include all-wheel drive, Nappa
leather seats with diamond-patterned stitching, and a specially tuned
magnetic ride suspension system.
Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great deals at your local Audi dealer. You can also find excellent manufacturer incentives on our Audi deals page.
Alfa Romeo Giulia's bigger brother set to go on sale by 2018 and will take on the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class
Alfa Romeo is planning a new executive saloon to rival the BMW 5 Series, Auto Express can reveal – and our exclusive images show how it’s likely to look.
The
new model will feature a range of powertrains, including a plug-in
hybrid and the company’s first-ever six-cylinder diesel. As it will be
based on the same rear-wheel-drive platform as the recently launched Giulia saloon, it should share the engine range, including the four-cylinder diesel and petrol units, too.
• Best executive cars on sale right now
“We owe our investors a constant stream of new, fresh global products that can be sold,” Fiat Chrysler
chief technology officer Harald Wester told Auto Express. “It will be a
relatively fast sequence of relevant and saleable products like saloons
and SUVs.”
The Giulia uses a 2.2-litre diesel with either 148bhp
or 178bhp and a 2.0-litre petrol with 197bhp – and both are likely to
appear in the larger saloon. Wester told us that the petrol engine has
plenty of tuning potential, so it could even get a power boost to
improve performance in the larger model.
Alfa’s tech chief also hinted that the Giulia Quadrifoglio’s
503bhp twin-turbo V6 engine could make an appearance, alongside the
company’s first-ever six-cylinder diesel. These additions would help it
compete with the likes of the Mercedes E-Class and 5 Series.
Alfa’s tech chief also hinted that the Giulia Quadrifoglio’s
503bhp twin-turbo V6 engine could make an appearance, alongside the
company’s first-ever six-cylinder diesel. These additions would help it
compete with the likes of the Mercedes E-Class and 5 Series.
As with the Giulia, it’s likely to get an eight-speed automatic
gearbox and a six-speed manual, although the UK-market version will be
auto only. It’ll be priced in line with rivals, kicking off from around
£35,000 for an entry-level diesel. The 5 Series rival is expected to
follow the upcoming Stelvio SUV, as part of the brand’s rebirth over the next four years.
The
platform is brand new and is able to support many applications, which
means the new model will also get a plug-in hybrid version. Alfa Romeo
Europe boss Fabrizio Curci told us we’ll start to see electrification
around 2018. “The platform is built to support whatever kind of
electrification we do,” he said. “It can support everything from plug-in
hybrid to full electric.” The platform also supports four-wheel drive,
and even semi-autonomous driving, which is set to appear on the large
saloon.
The 5 Series rival will be a core part of Alfa Romeo’s
plan for a new model range by 2020 (see below). We’re unlikely to see
the new big saloon until around 2018, as the next car from the brand
will be the Stelvio SUV. That car will also get the same range of
engines as the Giulia, which could even include the hot 503bhp V6.
Wester
told us that “speciality models have to be part of the plan, as they
are what made Alfa Romeo iconic. It’s possible for the Quadrifoglio
engine to fit into the SUV. There is a market for it, but it’s very
small.”
Alfa bosses are tightlipped on what other speciality models are on the way, but Curci is interested in developing the 4C.
He said: “We are thinking of how to do a special version, but not a
Cloverleaf. We are thinking of what to do, but it won’t change the DNA –
a different look and feel, maybe.
The ever growing line up starts with the GT Coupe, which costs about
$113,000 and packs a 469 hp version of the Biturbo 4.0 liter V8. Another
twenty grand or so gets you the GT S Coupe with 515 hp, and $145,000
will buy you the GT C with 550 hp. The top dog is the $157,000 GT R with
575 hp.
Like the other AMG GT models,
the 2019 Mercedes-AMG GT S Roadster uses a lightweight aluminum
spaceframe, a locking rear differential, massive brakes, huge 19-inch
front and 20-inch rear wheels and a fully independent sport suspension
with aluminum components. And like the other AMG GT models, the 2019
Mercedes-AMG GT S Roadster will be rear-wheel drive. 
