The 2025 RS Q8 Performance Is the Most Powerful SUV Audi Has Ever Made

Nine months after Audi unveiled the facelifted Q8, the Ingolstadt-based brand rolls out the brand-new RS Q8 in two variants: standard, which is an updated RS Q8, and Performance, which is entirely new to the lineup. Both are powered by Audi's most powerful series production ICE to date.

That would be the brand's 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8, which throws to the ground 592 horsepower (600 metric horsepower and 590 pound-feet (850 Newton meters) of torque in the standard version for a run from 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 kph) in 3.8 seconds on its way to a top speed of 155 mph (250 kph).

For those who think that is not enough, Audi has made the performance variant. That V8 pumps out 632 horsepower (640 metric horsepower) and 627 pound-feet (850 Newton meters), steered to all four corners by Audi's eight-speed Tiptronic transmission and permanent quattro all-wheel drive system.

If those numbers sound familiar, you might remember them from Lamborghini's Urus. Those are the parameters that make the super-SUV flash from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.6 seconds, while the needle of the speedometer goes all the way to 174 mph (280 kph). The all-new RS Q8 is equipped with Launch Control.

Both variants are equipped with all-wheel steering as standard and a mechanical center differential and ride on adaptive air suspension, which can adjust the ride height by up to 3.5 inches (90 millimeters). They also sport the electromechanical active roll stabilization. Powered by two small electric motors, located between the two valves of the stabiliser, the system disconnects the two halves to reduce body roll and tilt in corners.

The range-topping performance version (no capital P in that designation because that is what Audi does) has just set a new record at the Nurburgring, completing a lap at the infamous track in 7 minutes and 7.36 seconds.

Massive front discs of 420 millimeters (16.5 inches) with ten-piston calipers and 370-millimeter (14.5 inches) rear discs provide the stopping power. However, the performance version can also be specced with front and rear carbon ceramic discs and 23-inch Y-spoke light-alloy wheels. As standard, both versions feature 22-inch ten-spike light alloys.

Customers can choose from an updated color palette. There are three new metallic paint options in the lineup: Sakhir Gold, Ascari Blue, and Chili Red. The standard version gets gloss black elements such as side mirrors, front splitter, window trims, and rear diffuser. Audi prepared matte carbon elements for the RS Q8 performance, as well as a diffuser in matte grey. The diffuser is flanked by two oval tailpipes.

At the opposite end sits the huge singleframe reinterpreted honeycomb grille, where each honeycomb cell is now three-dimensional.

Meanwhile, three design packages are available for the interior of the RS Q8: red, grey, and blue. A steering wheel wrapped in Alcantara, Dinamica microfiber made from recycled PET fibres, and sports seats covered in perforated leather are on the menu.

The driver will receive all the necessary information through Audi’s 12.3-inch virtual cockpit, featuring a light indicator in manual mode. It changes the rpm display from green to yellow and red and flashes identically to that operating in motor racing to indicate the right time to change gears.

The standard Audi RS Q8 starts at 141,900 euros on the European market, which would translate to $152,394, while the top-of-the-line RS Q8 performance starts at 155,700 euros ($167,215).