- Audi will offer the updated 2025 RS Q8 in both standard and Performance trims.
- The Performance trim features Audi’s most powerful series-production combustion engine to date.
- The flagship model has 632 hp and accelerates to 62 mph in just 3.6 seconds.
Roughly nine months after the facelifted Audi Q8 was unveiled, two flagship versions of the SUV have been added to the range. First is a refreshed RS Q8, while new to the range and sitting above it, is the even more potent RS Q8 Performance. This flagship model has just set a new lap record around the Nurburgring Nordschleife, lapping the legendary circuit in 7:36.698.
Both Audi RS Q8 versions are driven by a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8, which, in the case of the base model, is rated at 592 hp and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) between 2,200 rpm and 4,500 rpm of torque. That’s enough to launch it to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.8 seconds and through to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).
Read: 2024 Audi Q8 Facelift Breaks Cover With High-Tech Lighting Units
Those seeking a little more grunt would be wise to opt for the new RS Q8 Performance. This model is rated at 632 hp and 627 lb-ft (850 Nm), allowing it to hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.6 seconds while powering through to a 174 mph (280 km/h) top speed. Audi notes this is the most powerful series-produced combustion engine in its history, and alongside engine changes, the RS Q8 Performance has a bespoke exhaust system to make it sound even meaner.
Mated to the powerful V8 on both RS Q8 models is an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission and a permanent Quattro all-wheel drive system. Both models also have a mechanical center differential and sit on adaptive air suspension that can adjust the ride height by as much as 90 mm (3.5 inches).
Big SUVs like this need to handle well so Audi has equipped them with electromechanical active roll stabilization to reduce lateral movements of the body. This system consists of two small electric motors positioned between two halves of the stabilizer and, in a straight line, the two halves are disconnected to reduce body movements on uneven roads. When the car turns, the motor turns the stabilizers in the opposite direction of each other, reducing tilt. In addition, all 2025 RS Q8 models have standard all-wheel steering.
Audi has equipped the standard model with huge 420 mm (16.5-inch) front discs with 10-piston calipers and 370 mm (14.5-inch) discs at the rear. The RS Q8 Performance gets 440 mm (17.3-inch) front and 370 mm (14.5-inch) rear carbon ceramic discs as standard. The Performance is also available exclusively with a set of 23-inch light-alloy wheels that are lighter than the standard 22-inch shoes.
From a visual standpoint, the two models get three new metallic paint options of Sakhir Gold, Ascari Blue, and Chili Red. The standard RS Q8 also includes gloss black across the wing mirrors, front spoiler, window trims, and rear diffuser, while the RS Q8 Performance gets matte carbon wing mirrors, front spoiler elements, and a matte grey rear diffuser.
Customers will be offered three red, grey, and blue RS design packages for the interior, all including an Alcantara steering wheel, Dinamica microfiber across the center console, and perforated sports seats.
The two new models have launched in Europe this month with prices starting at €141,900 (~$152,300) for the RS Q8 and €155,700 (~$167,000) for the RS Q8 Performance.
