The new top-spec RS Q8 comes equipped with optional 23-inch forged alloys and standard carbon-ceramic brakes, in addition to 40 additional horsepower. A twin-turbo V-8 engine has always been shared by the Lamborghini Urus and the Audi RS Q8, but up until now, the Italian-badged SUV has had a significant power edge. In addition to receiving a minor redesign for 2025, the RS Q8 also gets a new top-of-the-line Performance variant with 631 horsepower, which is 40 more than the standard RS Q8 and only 26 less than the 657-hybrid Urus. Naturally, the 789-horsepower plug-in hybrid Urus keeps everything as they are. Quattro all-wheel drive, an eight-speed automated gearbox, and a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine remain standard on the 2025 Audi RS Q8. On the standard RS Q8, the engine still produces 591 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. By upgrading to the Performance variant, you can get a new exhaust system that raises peak production to 631 horsepower and 627 pound-feet, according to Audi. It is also lighter, louder, and has less back pressure. RS sport exhaust is an optional feature that provides access to an even more powerful audio.
As the last RS Q8 we tested reached 60 mph in 3.2 ticks, we wouldn’t be shocked to see a sub-3.0-second run with the RS Q8 Performance. It is promised to accelerate from zero to sixty mph in 3.5 seconds. In addition to the increased power, the Performance model and the standard RS Q8 also have height-adjustable air suspension, but with different settings. Both versions come equipped with four-wheel steering, which increases stability and agility by enabling the rear wheels to swivel up to 1.5 degrees, and standard 48-volt anti-roll bars.
The RS Q8 Performance is available with bigger 23-inch forged wheels as an option in addition to the normal 22-inch wheels. According to Audi, the larger rollers lower unsprang mass by around 44 pounds overall. Ten-piston front brake calipers are used for stopping, and the Performance and RS Q8 come standard with a set of 17.3-inch front and 14.6-inch rear carbon ceramic rotors.
The Audi RS Q8 has a redesigned front end with a new bumper that has larger air intakes. Every honeycomb cell on the grille has a three-dimensional form, and the mesh pattern is redesigned to appear more porous than previously. The grille has a bolder bezel as well. The Performance variant stands apart from the standard RS Q8 due to its matte finish.
The SUV also has the recently updated Audi Q8’s Matrix LED headlights as standard equipment; an HD set with high-beam laser lights is an optional feature. There are five distinct signatures available for the daytime running lights, one of which being a checkered flag-like design. For the first time, the RS Q8 has OLED taillights with five changeable light characteristics.
The side mirrors, front spoiler, and rear diffuser are all painted matte gray on the Performance trim, which also has distinct standard paint colors and external trim. Those parts are available in glossy black or matte carbon for an additional fee.
Audi provides two options for the RS design kits inside: red or gray. The contrast stitching on the floor mats, seat belts, center console, and seats is made of the selected color. Vibrant microsuede encases the RS Q8’s shifter, steering wheel, and center console sides. With the RS design package plus, which also comes in two color options, that material may be extended to other surfaces like the door panels and center armrests. The selected color will color the embossed RS emblem on the seatbacks and show through the center of the perforated seats.
The Performance model’s 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, which Audi refers to as the “Virtual Cockpit,” is identical to that of the standard RS Q8, with the exception that, when in manual mode, it sports an additional shift-light indication.
Audi has only released information on the European RS Q8, which goes on sale this month, thus far. However, we anticipate learning more about the US model in the upcoming months. That’s when we’ll probably find out about price. The base price of the 2024 Audi RS Q8 is $126,995.