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

BMW has its M Competition models, and Mercedes-AMG has its S and Black Series. As the automotive world goes mad with (horse)power, fellow German luxury brand Audi, too, is expanding the line of elite models from its RS high-performance sub-brand. 

Now, in addition to the recently announced RS E-Tron GT Performance, Audi has announced the upcoming 2025 Audi RS Q8 Performance, as well as updates for the regular RS Q8. Whereas Audi touts the RS E-Tron GT Performance as its most powerful road-going model ever, the RS Q8 Performance is merely its most powerful road-going internal-combustion model ever.

Related: 2024 Audi Q8 and SQ8 Get New Faces, Prices

How Hurried Are You?

Per global specs, the 2025 Audi RS Q8 Performance ekes 11 more horsepower from the twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine than the one found in the Performance variants of the RS6 Avant and RS7, checking in at 632 hp. Like it does in those other RS Performance models, the 4.0-liter generates 627 pounds-feet of torque. Buyers in less of a rush can also opt for the standard (non-Performance) RS Q8, which makes the same 591 horsepower and 590 pounds-feet of torque as the 2024 model.

An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard, as is Quattro all-wheel drive. The center differential can send up to 70% of the engine’s mountainous torque to the front wheels or 85% to the rears. Audi says the RS Q8 can accelerate from 0-62 mph in 3.8 seconds, while the Performance variant can get there in just 3.6. Top speed is governed at 155 mph; buyers in Europe will be able to opt for top speed to be raised to 174 or 190 mph, although it is not certain yet if Americans will have the same choice.

Magic Carpet Ride

An adaptive air suspension is standard on both RS Q8s and allows for an impressive 3.5 inches of ride-height adjustability. Rear-wheel steering is also standard, allowing for greater maneuverability at low speeds and increased stability on the highway. Active electronic anti-roll stabilizers that counter body roll are available, as well.

The RS’s standard brakes measure 16.5 inches up front and 14.6 in the rear, and carbon-ceramic discs are available on the RS and standard on the Performance and feature enormous 17.3-inch front rotors. Twenty-two-inch wheels are standard on both levels of the RS Q8, while available 23s can be finished in metallic black, matte gold or matte gray. Unique lightweight 23-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero high-performance tires are also offered on the Performance and save 11 pounds per corner. Additionally, the RS Q8 Performance features a lighter exhaust system as standard equipment and can come with an available sport exhaust.

Fresh Face

After updating the looks of the Q8 and SQ8 for 2024, Audi is applying similar tweaks to the RS Q8 for 2025. It features a revised front end with reshaped lower intakes and updated grille mesh, while out back, there’s a redesigned diffuser featuring the signature RS oval tailpipes and a vertical reflector in the center. The mirror housings, window trim, front splitter and rear diffuser are finished in gloss black on the RS Q8. On the Performance, the same pieces minus the window trim are matte gray; buyers can also opt to finish those bits in gloss black or matte carbon fiber. Audi’s Matrix LED headlights and organic light-emitting diode taillights are standard and feature five selectable daytime running light signatures, including an RS-specific checkered-flag motif; HD Matrix with Laser lights are available, at least across the pond.

Details on the interior are sparse, with Audi only specifying that the RS Q8 will be fitted with a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and that red, blue and gray design packages will be available and feature contrast stitching in their respective colors. 

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Availability and Pricing

Deliveries of the 2025 Audi RS Q8 and RS Q8 Performance will begin later in 2024. Pricing and additional details for the U.S. versions will be announced closer to the on-sale date, but the cost of admission will almost certainly increase from the 2024 model’s $127,590 (including destination) base price.

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