About This Audi S3 Premium Plus 2020 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Audi S3 Premium Plus 2020 sits on a set of 19×8.5 / 19×8.5-inch ESR RF2 wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose ESR for a reason. This brand delivers serious quality and a design language that turns heads at every car meet. We see hundreds of Audi S3 Premium Plus builds come through WheelFront every month, but this one stands out. The combination of the exterior with the ESR RF2 creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: ESR RF2 on the Audi S3 Premium Plus 2020
I walked around this S3 for twenty minutes yesterday, and the stance is spot on. We are looking at a square 19x8.5 setup with a plus 30 offset all around. That low offset pushes the wheels out just enough to kill the sunken-in factory look.
The ESR RF2 uses a rotary forged process, which keeps the weight down significantly compared to the heavy stock rollers. I checked the hub bore clearance, and the fit is tight without needing any annoying centering rings. Everything sits perfectly flush with the fenders.
Because the offset is a 30, the spokes have a decent amount of concavity that you don't usually see on an 8.5-inch width. The caliper clearance is generous, so you do not need to worry about the spokes hitting those factory S3 brakes. You have plenty of room to breathe in there.
The lowering springs on this car are the real hero for the final look. They bring the body down over those 19s and close that ugly wheel gap that Audi leaves from the factory. It gives the car a hunkered-down, aggressive profile that makes the S3 look ready to pounce.
You need to watch out for rubbing if you carry passengers, though. That plus 30 offset pushes the tire right to the edge of the fender liner. On big dips, the front tires might kiss the plastic liners if you are running wide rubber.
The barrel lip depth is subtle but adds a nice sense of dimension when the car is rolling. It breaks up the side profile perfectly. This is the kind of fitment that balances street drivability with a sharp, track-ready aesthetic.
What We Recommend for Audi S3 Premium Plus 2020 Owners
If you want this look, stick to the 19-inch diameter. Anything smaller looks lost, and anything larger ruins the ride quality on these short-wheelbase cars. We think 8.5 inches wide is the perfect sweet spot for the S3 chassis.
Watch your offset carefully if you go wider than 8.5. If you push into the 20s or lower, you will be rolling fenders or dealing with constant rubbing issues. A 35 to 40 offset is usually safer, but the 30 offset here really nails the flush aesthetic.
Do not even bother with a staggered setup on this platform. The Haldex all-wheel-drive system hates mismatched rolling diameters. Keep your wheel and tire sizes identical at all four corners to save your drivetrain from a expensive headache.
For tires, I recommend a 235/35R19 to get a clean, square sidewall look. If you want a bit more protection against potholes, you could try a 245, but check your clearance first. A little bit of stretch can help clear the fenders, but don't overdo it.
The biggest mistake I see is guys buying cheap wheels that weigh a ton. The ESR RF2 is light enough that you won't kill your acceleration or your suspension bushings. Invest in quality hardware so you don't have to worry about your wheels bending on a rough commute.
Style and Build Analysis
That Hypersilver finish is a classic choice for a reason. It pops against darker paint and looks sophisticated on lighter colors like silver or white. It has a high-end, metallic shimmer that changes depending on how the sun hits the spokes.
The split-spoke design of the RF2 is timeless and clean. It mimics the style of high-end European performance wheels without the ridiculous price tag. It suits the sharp, angular body lines of the 2020 S3 perfectly.
Proportions are everything in this game. By matching the 19s with the lowered stance, the car looks like a cohesive piece of engineering. The wheels don't overpower the design, but they definitely anchor the visual weight of the car.
I have seen a lot of S3s, but most guys go for boring black wheels that lose all the detail in the shadows. This Hypersilver setup keeps the wheel design visible and clear even at highway speeds. It’s a bright, crisp look that commands attention.
This car feels like a complete build rather than just a set of parts thrown together. Every piece complements the factory Audi aesthetic while adding just enough edge to stand out at any local meet. You can tell the owner cared about the details.
Why We Love This Build
We absolutely love how this S3 carries itself with the ESR RF2 wheels. The Hypersilver finish catches the light in the parking lot and makes the wheels look like they are moving even when the car is parked. The fitment is aggressive, the stance is tight, and the proportions are spot on.
It takes a good car and turns it into a head-turner without going over the top. The springs pull the body low enough to make those 19s look massive in the arches. It is clean, functional, and looks like something Audi should have shipped from the factory.
This is the blueprint for a perfect daily driver. Drive it hard, look great, and keep it classy. This build defines the modern enthusiast spirit.
Full Specs Breakdown
Here is exactly what this owner is running. We break down every detail so you can replicate this build or use it as a starting point for your own setup.
- Car Make & Model: Audi S3 Premium Plus 2020
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: ESR RF2
- Wheel Size: 19×8.5 / 19×8.5
- Offset: 30 / 30
- Wheel Finish: Hypersilver
- Tires: Toyo Tires Extensa A/S 235/35 25.5″x9.3″ / 235/35 25.5″x9.3″
- Suspension: Lowering Springs
Before You Buy: Fitment Checklist
We talk to Audi S3 Premium Plus owners every day. These are the questions we hear most before they pull the trigger on new wheels.
Will 19×8.5 / 19×8.5-inch wheels fit my Audi S3 Premium Plus? Yes, but fitment depends on width, offset, and tire size working together. A wrong offset means rubbing. A wrong tire size means poor handling. Always verify all three.
Do I need to modify my fenders? That depends on your offset and suspension. A conservative offset with stock ride height usually fits without modification. Go aggressive and you may need to roll or pull your fenders.
Can I daily-drive this setup? Absolutely. Thousands of Audi S3 Premium Plus owners run 19×8.5 / 19×8.5-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
