2025 Audi RS Q8 Performance: Brand’s Most Powerful Combustion Engine Starts at $137,495

If you want Audi’s new 2025 RS Q8 Performance — featuring what Audi claims is its most powerful production combustion engine to date — you’ll have to pay nearly twice the price of a regular Q8 to get it. With a starting price of $137,495 (including $1,295 destination fee), is it twice as nice? Maybe, if for no other reason than to have what feels like one of Audi’s last hurrahs for gas-powered performance.

Related: Max Power: 2025 Audi RS Q8 Performance Packs Brand’s Most Powerful Gas Engine Ever

Powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine, the RS Q8 Performance produces 631 horsepower and 627 pounds-feet of torque. It’s enough to power to a 0-60 mph time of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 190 mph.

Suspension and Handling

Going fast isn’t all about sheer power, however, and the RS Q8 Performance has some extra features that help direct that power to the ground. Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system and an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission come standard. AWD can redirect up to 85% of torque to the rear or up to 70% to the front, adjusting to improve traction.

The RS Q8 Performance features adaptive air suspension, which can adjust ride height by up to 3.5 inches. Active roll stabilization also minimizes body roll using electric motors on the stabilizer bars at each axle, reducing lateral movement on corners while disconnecting the two wheels on each axle when driving straight to allow more travel over uneven surfaces for a smooth ride. Standard all-wheel steering turns the rear wheels slightly, either in the same direction as the front wheels for stability or in the opposite direction for maneuverability at low speeds.

Options and Packages

On the exterior, the RS Q8 Performance has a matte-gray front apron with honeycomb air intakes and Audi’s signature “Singleframe”-style grille. The rear end features two oval tailpipes and a rear diffuser. Buyers can choose between two trim packages: a $2,550 Black Optic Package with forged 23-inch wheels and black trim or a $7,100 Matte Carbon Package with 23-inch matte-black wheels and carbon accents.

The SUV comes with LED headlights, Audi laser lights and digital organic light-emitting diode taillights, each with customizable light signatures. The RS Q8 Performance is available in nine colors, three of which are new metallic options: Sakhir Gold, Ascari Blue and Chili Red.

Interior Features

Inside, options include red or gray RS design packages (a $4,200 upgrade) with Alcantara simulated suede and Dinamica microfiber trim, honeycomb-patterned sport seats and contrasting stitching. A 12.3-inch Audi instrument display includes a shift light indicator and launch control for timed acceleration.

The model includes ceramic brakes as standard, with 17.3-inch front and 14.6-inch rear discs, paired with 10-piston calipers. Standard wheels are 22-inch alloys; 23-inch forged wheels not related to the aforementioned packages are also available. Audi claims the forged wheels reduce weight by 11 pounds per wheel.

Availability

The 2025 Audi RS Q8 Performance is available for order now, with initial deliveries expected by year’s end.

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