2025 Audi RS Q8 Performance Debuts With More Power Than R8 Supercar

Nearly a year after the 2025 Audi Q8 and SQ8 broke cover, the Ingolstadt-based brand is finally whipping the covers off the high-performance RS Q8. This model arrives with sharper looks, more power, new options, and an exciting driving experience. As with the outgoing RS Q8, the sprightly behemoth is powered by a monstrous 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, but unlike the Urus SE with which this motor is shared, there’s no hybrid boost.

In standard trim, it produces 592 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 0-62 mph time of 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph. Customers can request that the limiter be raised to 174 or 190 mph. But if you want to keep up with the Lamborghini Urus and Cayenne GT, the new RS Q8 performance is the one to have. With increased power (631 hp) and torque (627 lb-ft), the SUV can reach 62 mph in a scant 3.6 seconds. The automaker notes that this is the most powerful combustion engine in Audi Sport’s history, taking over from the R8 GT. The most powerful Audi yet was unveiled last week; the new RS e-tron GT performance has 912 horses.

More Power, Sharper Handling

The RS Q8 performance benefits from a new exhaust system that is lighter and increases power outputs. A bonus is the amplified V8 growl. Should you require an even throatier soundtrack, an RS sport exhaust system with a deeper note and gloss black tailpipe finishers is available. It may be an SUV, but the RS Q8 should easily dance around corners. All-wheel steering is standard and allows the rear wheels to turn up to 1.5 degrees opposite to the front axle. This is increased to five degrees at lower speeds.

Of course, quattro all-wheel drive and a mechanical center diff are standard. This distributes power between the front and rear axles at 40% and 60%, respectively. This rear-wheel bias should make the RS Q8 feel more lively when pressing on. Should you overdo it, the drive system can send up to 70% of torque to the front wheels and 85% to the rear. Audi says this results in less understeer, more precise steering, and crisper handling. The RS Q8 and RS Q8 performance receive adaptive air suspension as standard. Tuned specifically for the RS models, the system can adjust the ride height by 3.5 inches.

All Sorts Of Clever Trickery To Improve The Dynamics

For an even more dynamic experience, both models are available with electromechanical active roll stabilization (eAWS) as standard. This, says Audi, reduces lateral movements, contributing to a greater feeling of stability. With this system fitted, the axles are connected via a small electric motor that sits between the two halves of the stabilizer. When driving in a straight line, the halves are disconnected, which minimizes body movements on rough roads. In corners, the stabilizers are pushed in opposite directions, which reduces lateral tilt. This system also forms part of the dynamic package plus option, which includes a quattro sport differential, a 190-mph top speed, and RS ceramic brakes (standard on performance models).

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Exclusive Styling Touches For RS Q8 Performance

The new RS Q8 visually differentiates itself from the outgoing model (and lesser Q8 and SQ8 trims) with a new front bumper with revised air intakes. The signature honeycomb grille finish has been redesigned and now features high gloss black (matte gray for the performance) trim, marking the RS Q8 out as the top dog. Round back, two oval tailpipes denote the SUV’s status in the lineup, while a new diffuser with a reflector adds a sporting touch to the rear fascia. There are also new colors:

• Ascari Blue
• Chili Red
• Sakhir Gold

RS Q8 performance customers receive unique styling touches, including matte gray side mirror caps, rear diffuser, and front spoiler trim. The performance model is also available with a package that adds matte carbon exterior trim. The standard RS Q8 makes do with gloss black exterior finishes. Audi has also introduced new 23-inch wheels for the RS Q8, although they are available exclusively for the performance variant. Finished in metallic black, burnished silk matte gray, burnished metallic black, or matte Neodymium Gold, the light alloy wheels are wrapped in 295/35 tires. In total, they reduce unsprung mass by 44 lbs.

If they’re not to your liking, ten-spoke light alloy wheels are also available. Pirelli P Zero 295/35R23 rubber can also be specified. As mentioned, ceramic brakes are optional, with 17.3- and 14.5-inch discs positioned behind the front and rear wheels, respectively. The standard braking system is nothing to scoff at, with ventilated composite discs bringing the RS Q8 to a stop. Lastly, the RS Q8 now benefits from the advanced Matrix LED headlights, with the HD Matrix LED items available with Audi laser light (optional). With the laser light, owners can choose unique lightning signatures, including a checkered flag design exclusive to the range-topper.

Interior, Pricing, And Availability

The tasteful interior can be enlivened with blue, gray, or red design packages. The blue package is only offered on the RS Q8 performance. It receives Ocean Blue-colored seatbelts, an Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, and a gear knob and center console side blade trimmed in Dinamica microfiber. The chosen color package is represented in the color of the interior stitching and is found on the steering wheel, seats, floor mats, and the center console. An RS design package plus is also available and introduces a blue, gray, or red inlay for the seat center panel, along with embossed RS logos on the headrests.

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The RS Q8 and RS Q8 performance has several interior trim finishers, including sporty matte brushed aluminum, aluminum Race Anthracite, and matte Carbon Twill. More traditional buyers can specify the classy Gray Oak inlays. RS Q8 performance customers have an extra option with brushed black aluminum. Other performance-specific features include a special LED entrance light that projects “RS performance,” launch control, and a shift light indicator for the manual mode.

As for pricing, the refreshed RS Q8 lineup starts at €141,900 ($152,000) and goes up to €155,700 ($167,000) for the more powerful RS Q8 performance. We expect US pricing and availability to be announced later this year. Cost increases are anticipated, but the local MSRPs should be considerably lower than Europe’s high prices.