VS
At a Glance
Power
294 kW
245 kW
Torque
500 Nm
480 Nm
Fuel
8.9 l/100km
13.5-18.5 kWh/100 km l/100km
Towing
—
1600 Kg
0-100 km/h
3.8 s
6.6 s
Engine
2480 cc
electric cc
Choosing between the Audi RS3 and the Volvo ES90 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Audi RS3 delivers 294 kW while the Volvo ES90 produces 245 kW. On fuel, the RS3 returns 8.9 l/100km while the ES90 uses 13.5-18.5 kWh/100 km l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 528 200 for the RS3 and R1 655 000 for the ES90. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
294 kW
245 kW
Torque
500 Nm
480 Nm
0-100 kph
3.8 s
6.6 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2480 cc
electric cc
Engine Layout
inline
—
Cylinders
5
—
Fuel Type
petrol
electric
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
—
Drive Wheels
all
rear
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.9 l/100km
13.5-18.5 kWh/100 km l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
92 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
202 g/km
—
Dimensions
Length
4533 mm
5000 mm
Width
1851-1984 mm
1942-2120 mm
Height
1412 mm
1550 mm
Wheelbase
2631 mm
3102 mm
Kerb Weight
1565 Kg
2410 Kg
Doors
4
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
321 l
446 / 1427 + 27 front l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1600 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6 (opt 8)
7
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
—
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
5 vehicle / 8 battery
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000 vehicle / 160000 battery Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 30000)
30000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Audi RS3
2 / 4 categories
Performance
RS3
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
RS3
Practicality
ES90
Pros & Cons
Audi RS3
More powerful engine (294 kW)
Lower starting price (R1 528 200)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.8 ss)
Few notable weaknesses
Volvo ES90
Well-rounded specification
Less power than rival (245 kW vs 294 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the RS3 or ES90?
The RS3 uses 8.9 l/100km and the ES90 uses 13.5-18.5 kWh/100 km l/100km on the combined cycle. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the RS3 or ES90?
The RS3 produces 294 kW and 500 Nm of torque while the ES90 delivers 245 kW and 480 Nm of torque. The RS3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the RS3 and ES90?
The RS3 starts from R1 528 200 and the ES90 from R1 655 000. The RS3 is cheaper by R126 800 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the RS3 or ES90?
The RS3 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the ES90 can tow 1600 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the RS3 or the ES90?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.