The exotic crossover world has just become bigger with the addition of the all-new Audi RS Q8 Performance. The punchy model is part of the lineup's mid-cycle refresh and joins the regular and lesser RS Q8, packing the brand's most powerful internal combustion engine ever.
The 4.0-liter V8 packs quite a punch. In the lesser model, the twin-turbocharged unit produces 600 ps (592 hp/441 kW) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque. The 2025 Audi RS Q8 Performance is even more powerful, with the updated V8 kicking out 640 ps (631 hp/471 kW) and 850 Nm (627 lb-ft).
Two-tenths of a second separate the two from 0 to 100 kph (0 to 62 mph). The acceleration is dealt with in 3.8 seconds in the RS Q8 and 3.6 seconds in the RS Q8 Performance, and they top out at 250 and 280 kph (155-174 mph), respectively. That certainly sounds very good, especially when it comes to the latter, but how does it stack up next to its biggest rivals in the segment?
Well, the BMW X6 M Competition is less powerful and a bit slower. Its 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 produces 626 ps (617 hp/460 kW) and 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque. This model can reach 100 kph (62 mph) in 3.8 seconds and maxes out at 250 kph (155 mph). The Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S 4Matic+ Coupe is just as fast and enjoys 612 ps (603 hp/450 kW) and 850 Nm (627 lb-ft) from its 4.0L bi-turbo V8.
Photo: Audi
As a result, it's clear which of these three premium mid-size crossover coupes holds the upper ground in terms of performance. Other highlights of the 2025 Audi RS Q8 include the adaptive air suspension that can adjust the body height by up to 90 mm (3.5 in), a mechanical center differential, reduced lateral movements courtesy of the anti-roll stabilization, uprated brakes with larger discs at the front on the Performance, and a set of exclusive 23-inch wheels that are lighter than the smaller 22-inch alloys.
Everything sounds good on paper, doesn't it? Well, it sure does, especially when comparing it to two of its biggest challengers, the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 Coupe and the BMW X6 M Competition. But can the 2025 Audi RS Q8 Performance make a difference among other fast high-riders? Well, the answer is obviously no. You see, it may still share its underpinnings with the Lamborghini Urus and other similarly-sized SUVs from the VW Group (it's a facelift and not a new generation), but its parent company wasn't going to allow the four-ring brand to step on the Raging Bull's toes.
The Lamborghini Urus Performante takes just 3.3 seconds to 100 kph (62 mph) and taps out at 306 kph (190 mph). Its 4.0L twin-turbo V8 develops a devilish 666 ps (657 hp/490 kW) and 850 Nm (627 lb-ft) of torque. The Urus S also boasts the same numbers, but it takes 3.5s to 100 kph and maxes out at 305 kph (189 mph). As for the top dog in the Urus lineup, the SE (PHEV), its V8 lump and electric motor produce a total of 800 ps (789 hp/588 kW) and 950 Nm (701 lb-ft). The electrified model needs 3.4s to 100 kph, has a 312 kph (194 mph) top speed, and a 60-kilometer (34-mile) electric range.
Photo: Audi
As for one of the hottest blue-blooded crossovers out there, the Ferrari Purosangue, it stays true to the V12 recipe. And it's not your run-of-the-mill 6.5L unit, as it features no turbocharging and no electric assistance. Thus, it produces 725 ps (715 hp/533 kW) and 718 Nm (530 lb-ft) of torque and can be revved up to 8,250 rpm. Ferrari quotes a staggering (for a crossover) 3.3 seconds required to push to 100 kph and a top speed exceeding 310 kph (193 mph). And we don't know about you, but a V12-powered high-rider is the go-to option over a V8-powered one.
Thus, no matter how much it may try, the 2025 Audi RS Q8 Performance cannot even dream of tackling the superior class, not with the stock firepower anyway. Still, rest assured, as various tuners out there are already considering launching all kinds of power boosts for the facelifted model. The engine is basically the same one powering the pre-facelifted iteration, so enabling it to breathe more freely and developing a jaw-dropping amount of thrust should be a walk in the park for the most renowned tuners out there.
On a more positive aspect for Audi Sport's latest toy, the 2025 RS Q8 Performance, it can always pass as a Lamborghini Urus for the not-so-rich dressed in different attire, as it shares the same underpinnings. And as far as the looks are concerned, we think it's a more appealing proposal compared to its exotic cousin. So, if you had to choose between an RS Q8 and an Urus, what color would your Purosangue have?
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
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