Audi RS3 vs Lexus ES
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Audi RS3 starts from $101,515 before on-road costs, while the Lexus ES opens at $65,540. That makes the Lexus ES the more affordable entry point by $35,975.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $111,667 and $72,094 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Lexus ES by roughly $4,130 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Audi RS3 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Lexus ES gets a 12.3-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi RS3 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Sonos 3D Premium audio that you will not find on the Lexus ES. The Lexus ES counters with Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, panoramic roof and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Audi RS3 gets nappa leather upholstery while the Lexus ES offers synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The Audi RS3 uses a 5-cylinder petrol with direct fuel injection, turbocharging producing 294kW and 500Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed s tronic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.8 seconds.
The Lexus ES responds with a Hybrid making 160kW and 221Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.9 seconds.
The Audi RS3 has the clear power advantage at 294kW vs 160kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi RS3 is 5.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Audi RS3 measures 4,548mm long on a 2,630mm wheelbase, 427mm shorter than the Lexus ES at 4,975mm (2,870mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lexus ES generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 321L in the Audi RS3 and 473L in the Lexus ES, giving the Lexus ES a 152L advantage.
For towing, the Audi RS3 leads with a 1,900kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 900kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.1m to 11.4m
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,337/year for the Audi RS3 and $1,511/year for the Lexus ES. That is a $826 annual difference in favour of the Lexus ES.
Estimated annual total: $2,337 (Audi RS3) vs $1,511 (Lexus ES). The Lexus ES saves you roughly $826 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi RS3) vs 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus ES). The Audi RS3 has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —4yr (Lexus ES).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi RS3 if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus ES if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Audi RS3 takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. The Lexus ES will save you roughly $826 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Lexus ES has a clear edge. The Audi RS3 adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Audi RS3 and Lexus ES?
The Lexus ES is the cheapest at $65,540 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi RS3 by $35,975.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus ES uses the least fuel at 5.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Audi RS3 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Lexus ES has the largest boot at 473L.
Which can tow the most?
The Audi RS3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,900kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Audi RS3 has the longest warranty at 5 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Audi RS3 makes the most power at 294kW. The Audi RS3 is quickest to 100km/h in 3.8s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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