Crossover enthusiasts and fans of the Ingolstadt car manufacturer have a single model on their lips these days: the facelifted Audi RS Q8.
Unveiled earlier this week, the 2025 Audi RS Q8 follows in the footsteps of the latest iteration Q8, which is approximately nine months old, and besides the regular model, a punchier variant joins the family, which adds the Performance suffix.
A V8 motor with dual turbos and a 4.0L displacement powers both versions. The base one enjoys 592 horsepower (600 ps/441 kW) and 590 pound-foot (800 Nm) of torque, enabling 0-62 mph (0-100 kph) in 3.8 seconds and allowing it to push up to 155 mph (250 kph).
In the 2025 Audi RS Q8 Performance, the tweaked V8 motor unleashes 631 horsepower (640 ps/471 kW) and 627 pound-foot (850 Nm). This model is two-tenths of a second quicker than the lesser one and can keep going up to 174 mph (280 kph). It is worth noting that this engine is the brand's most powerful combustion unit ever.
Photo: Instagram | Kelsonik
An 8-speed Tiptronic transmission delivers the thrust to the quattro all-wheel drive system in both models. The two feature a mechanical center differential and come with adaptive air suspension that can adjust the ride height by up to 3.5 in (90 mm). The electromechanical anti-roll stabilization is said to reduce lateral movements, and uprated brakes with larger front discs on the Performance are also included, and the latter gets exclusive 23-inch alloys said to be lighter than the 22-inch ones.
The three fresh metallic hues were added to the palette, and interested parties can also opt for other extras both inside and out. Nevertheless, they will have to pay a hefty price to buy a fresh RS Q8, as the base model starts at €141,900 (equal to $152,085) and the RS Q8 Performance at €155,700 ($166,875) in Europe.
As you can imagine, the latest iteration Audi RS Q8 has already fallen victim to the rendering world. But these digital illustrations do not portray it in a different body style (ahem, pickup) or with a wacky body kit that Mansory would approve. Instead, they focus on the super crossover's running shoes. The CGIs came from Kelsonik on Instagram and reveal what it would look like on larger alloys.
The wheels in question have an intricate pattern and a larger diameter compared to the stock ones. The side-by-side comparison with the real 2025 Audi RS Q8 shows that they fill the arches much better, and while they'd obviously ruin the high-rider's driving comfort, they certainly make it look better. So, if you owned such a model, would fresh wheels be on your shopping list, or would you enjoy it with the OEM ones?
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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