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Audi RS Q8 performance: 631-hp luxury sport SUV

[Credit: All images courtesy of Audi]

 

 

Audi has added a new model to the top of its 2025 Q8 lineup, and it is the most powerful production combustion model in the history of Audi Sport. The new RS Q8 performance SUV with a biturbo V8 combines impressive everyday usability, a super-luxe feel, and outstanding handling and acceleration. Car and Driver called it, "Lamborghini Urus performance at a huge discount."

In addition to the uprated 4.0L biturbo V8 engine, the 2025 RS Q8 performance benefits from massive carbon ceramic brakes (17.3 in. front/14.6 in. rear), retuned adaptive sport air suspension, and a quattro all-wheel-drive system with an optimized self-locking center differential.

Building on these suspension and drivetrain enhancements, the RS Q8 performance also features several new exterior design elements inspired by the updates made to the upgraded 2025 Q8 and SQ8 models. New matte carbon exterior design packages and interior RS design packages extend RS-specific personalization options a step further.

With the new 2025 Audi RS Q8 performance, Audi Sport has intensified its focus on the driving dynamics of its highest-performing SUV. A new front apron with distinctive air intakes, honeycomb structure, and matte gray blade clearly identifies the RS Q8 performance as the top model in the series. The large single-frame grille features a reinterpreted structure where each individual honeycomb cell is now three-dimensional. The treatment at the rear also plays a part in advancing the model's position at the top of the range, with two hot oval tailpipes and a diffuser between them, divided by a wedge-like reflector.

The advanced eight-cylinder engine in the RS Q8 performance is the most powerful production combustion engine in Audi Sport's history, producing 631 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, and helping propel the 5-passenger SUV from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 sec. It sports an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission tuned to provide even swifter shift times and an electronically limited top track speed of 190 mph.

The wholly mechanical center differential, with its compact and lightweight design, distributes engine power to the front and rear axle at a ratio of 40:60. If slippage occurs at either axle, no more than 70% of the drive torque is sent forward, and up to 85% can be directed to the rear axle. This distribution model results in more precise cornering, less understeer, and a more exact turn-in feel.

By reducing back pressure, the newly developed, lighter exhaust system increases the output of the biturbo 4.0L V8 in the RS Q8 performance, and creates a sportier, more evocative sound. Optionally, the exhaust system can be replaced with the RS sport exhaust system, which further intensifies the sound experience and stands out with glossy black tailpipes.

For an ideal balance of sportiness and comfort, the RS Q8 performance comes standard with RS-tuned adaptive air suspension with controlled damping. Tailored specifically for this model, it can vary the ride height by up to 3.5 in. The luxe SUV also features electromechanical active roll stabilization (eAWS) as standard, which significantly minimizes lateral movements of the body. With eAWS, each axle features a compact electric motor connecting the two halves of the suspension's stabilizer bar. When driving straight ahead, the two halves are disconnected, which reduces body-pitch movements on uneven surfaces. When the car begins to corner, the electric motors turn the stabilizers in the opposite direction of each other, noticeably reducing lateral tilt, or body lean. A 48-V lithium-ion battery supplies the eAWS with power, and the lightweight and compact energy storage unit can absorb and release high currents in a very short time, able to supply each of the system's two electric motors with a maximum of 1.5 kW of power.

Standard all-wheel steering with high-torque electric spindle drive also contributes to the agility and stability of the RS Q8 performance. When changing lanes quickly, the rear wheels can turn up to 1.5 degrees in the same direction of the front wheels, improving stability. At lower speeds, the rear wheels can turn up to five degrees in the opposite direction of the front wheels, reducing the turning radius and making the SUV easier to maneuver in tight spots.

Inside, a red or gray RS design package plus is also available for the interior. The blade in the center console, the floor mats, steering wheel, and seat-belt edges all feature red or gray contrasting stitching. The steering wheel is covered with Alcantara, and the gear selector lever knob, door panels, center armrests, and the side of the blade in the center console are covered in Dinamica microfiber.

With the RS design package plus, the honeycomb-patterned perforated sports seats also feature contrasting stitching, with seat backs featuring an RS logo embossed in the chosen package color, along with matching seat center panels revealed through the perforated fabric, and Carbon twill matte inlays completing the RS look.

Additional special features for the RS Q8 performance include an entrance LED that projects the lettering "RS performance" onto the ground. The 12.3-in. Audi virtual cockpit plus features a shift light indicator in manual mode. This changes the rpm display from green to yellow to red depending on engine speed, and it flashes in a manner used in motorsports to indicate the optimal time to change gears. Visible via symbols in the Audi virtual cockpit, Launch Control fully exploits the acceleration potential of the RS Q8 performance, helping it to hit those 0- to 60-mph sprints in under 3.5 sec.

The new RS Q8 performance starts at $136,200 and is available now.

Learn more at audiusa.com/en/models/q8/rsq8/2025/overview/.

Sources: Audi, Car and Driver (quote only)

Published April 2025

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