2026 Audi S3 Precision Meets Everyday Ease — Why Premium Plus Hits the Mark around Visalia, CA
Audi Bakersfield - 2026 Audi S3 Precision Meets Everyday Ease — Why Premium Plus Hits the Mark around Visalia, CA
There is a sweet spot in every performance lineup — the point where hardware, tech, and everyday usability align. For many drivers, the 2026 Audi S3 Premium Plus is exactly that point. It builds on the S3’s fundamentals — turbocharged punch, standard quattro® all-wheel drive, and the torque splitter — and folds in driver assistance and design options that make life simpler without dulling the car’s engaging edge.
Under the hood, the S3’s 2.0-liter turbo delivers 328 HP and 295 lb-ft through a 7-speed S tronic® transmission. The torque splitter stands out because it actively apportions power side to side across the rear axle, helping the S3 rotate with confidence and put down traction when it counts. Pair that with Audi drive select — Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, Individual, and Dynamic Plus — and you can choose how assertive or relaxed the car feels, from freeway cruise to back-road flow. Standard S sport suspension completes the balanced chassis set, while the panoramic sunroof adds airiness for daily drives.
Technology is a Premium Plus calling card. The standard Audi virtual cockpit plus puts a 12.3-inch digital cluster directly in your line of sight with configurable performance and navigation views. The MMI® touch display layers in acoustic feedback and quick access to essentials. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ bring your playlists, podcasts, and contacts into easy reach, and the standard 680-watt Sonos® system fills the cabin with crisp, detailed sound. When you want more poise, opt for the S sport package’s damper control and red brake calipers — a tasteful performance and visual upgrade you will appreciate every day.
Design flexibility is another reason Premium Plus stands out. Keep the classic S3 look with standard 18-inch 10-spoke wheels, or go bolder with available 19-inch bicolor 5-arm star or Multispoke-S-design wheels. The available Black optic package deepens the stance with black exterior trim, mirror housings, exhaust tips, and anthracite Audi rings. Full LED headlights with customizable DRL signatures and animations set a distinct tone at every start and shutdown.
Premium Plus also enables available driver assistance features that address real-world routines. Available adaptive cruise assist with lane guidance helps ease fatigue in traffic by maintaining a time-distance setting and helping keep you centered in your lane. Available Park assist plus can assist with throttle, braking, steering, and gear changes to maneuver into parallel or perpendicular spaces. Standard lane departure warning, Audi pre sense® front, and Audi side assist with rear cross traffic assist provide a safety foundation you will appreciate everywhere you drive.
- Powertrain and traction: 328 HP turbo 2.0-liter, 7-speed S tronic®, standard quattro® with torque splitter
- Chassis balance: S sport suspension standard, available damper control with S sport package
- Everyday tech: Audi virtual cockpit plus, MMI® touch display, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
- Sound and style: Standard 680-watt Sonos® audio, available Black optic package, optional 19-inch wheels
For shoppers weighing how Premium Plus compares across the S3 range, think of it as the well-judged middle — the one that keeps the S3’s athletic personality intact while adding assistance and personalization that you will use every week. It is the configuration that feels right whether you are threading morning traffic or carving a favorite byway.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does Premium Plus include the same performance hardware as other S3 trims?
Yes. You get the 328 HP turbocharged 2.0-liter, 7-speed S tronic®, standard quattro®, and the torque splitter across the lineup, so Premium Plus starts with identical performance fundamentals.
Which options do S3 Premium Plus shoppers choose most often?
Popular picks include the S sport package for damper control and red calipers, the Black optic package for a darker exterior look, and 19-inch wheels for a stronger stance.
Is adaptive cruise assist with lane guidance part of Premium Plus?
Premium Plus enables the available system, letting you add adaptive cruise assist with lane guidance along with available Park assist plus for easier daily commuting and parking.
From selection to delivery, our team focuses on tailoring your S3 to your roads and routines. You will find us meticulous about the details that shape everyday enjoyment — from how the torque splitter feels in Dynamic Plus mode to the soundstage you prefer from the Sonos® system. Audi Bakersfield is serving Tulare, Visalia, and Lancaster with a thoughtful approach to test drives, feature demos, and configuration guidance, so you can build a Premium Plus that fits like a custom glove.
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* Vehicle images may not show trim level described.