The 2025 Audi RS Q8 Performance isn’t just another luxury SUV; it’s a powerhouse that balances brutal performance with everyday usability. While most owners may never push it to the limits on a track, those who do will discover a thrilling beast hidden beneath its refined exterior — all for a fraction of the price of its flashier cousin, the Lamborghini Urus.
A new name and more power under the hood
Audi’s midsize super-SUV undergoes a subtle but meaningful evolution in 2025, now sporting the “Performance” badge that signals a leap in both style and substance. Unlike other models where the Performance tag signals a variant, the RS Q8 Performance is the sole 2025 version, packing a robust 631 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque from its twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8. This marks a significant increase of 40 horsepower and 37 pound-feet compared to last year, making it the most potent combustion-engine RS model Audi has ever produced.
Performance numbers back up these claims. Audi estimates a 0-60 mph sprint in 3.4 seconds, but our tests clocked an even quicker 3.1 seconds, shaving 0.1 seconds off the previous RS Q8. The quarter-mile comes in at 11.5 seconds at 119 mph, again outperforming its predecessor by a small but notable margin.
The boost in power owes much to an increase in turbo pressure and a new exhaust system designed to reduce backpressure and shave weight. This system not only enhances performance but delivers a richer, more aggressive exhaust note. For those craving even more auditory excitement, an optional RS sport exhaust with black tailpipes offers an even more visceral sound experience.
Visually, the RS Q8 Performance benefits from the Q8 lineup’s 2024 facelift, featuring redesigned headlights and taillights, new grille details, and a choice of fresh paint and wheel designs. Inside, RS-specific accents and optional trim packages elevate the cabin’s sporty appeal.
Mechanical mastery: Engineering that impresses
The RS Q8 Performance’s underpinnings reflect Audi’s mastery of combining brute force with sophisticated engineering. Its variable all-wheel-drive system, equipped with a mechanical center differential, can dynamically shift torque between the front and rear axles to maximize traction and control. Meanwhile, the standard air suspension allows for up to 3.5 inches of adjustable ride height, providing versatility between sporty handling and comfortable cruising.
Further enhancing agility, rear-axle steering can pivot the rear wheels up to 5 degrees at low speeds for improved maneuverability and 1.5 degrees in-phase at high speeds for stability. This, paired with a suite of performance features, helps the RS Q8 deliver confident handling in a vehicle that tips the scales at over 5,300 pounds.
Stopping power is delivered by massive carbon-ceramic brakes—17.3 inches up front and 14.6 inches at the rear—which we found to be impressively fade-resistant during rigorous testing. The RS Q8 Performance stopped from 70 mph in just 142 feet, outperforming the outgoing model by a significant margin. Weight savings, with the new model 109 pounds lighter than before, contribute to both acceleration and braking improvements, proving that every pound matters even in a giant luxury SUV.
Behind the wheel: A daily driver with track potential
On the road, the RS Q8 Performance strikes a remarkable balance between brute strength and refined comfort. Testing on the twisty back roads of the Spanish countryside, the SUV’s adaptive suspension absorbed bumps and cracks with surprising composure—despite rolling on optional 23-inch wheels, which typically amplify road harshness.
The twin-turbo V-8 sings a sonorous note at wide-open throttle, producing an 85-decibel howl that sounds as exhilarating as it feels. The eight-speed automatic transmission intelligently holds and shifts gears to keep the power delivery smooth and responsive. Even when the suspension is dialed to its softest setting, the RS Q8 remains lively without feeling unsettled.
Fuel economy is not its strong suit, naturally, but in a highway test at a steady 75 mph, the RS Q8 delivered 22 mpg, beating its EPA estimate by 2 mpg. For a super-SUV of this caliber, that’s a modest victory, and careful driving can help stretch fuel stops. Despite its hardcore credentials, Audi engineers designed the RS Q8 with daily usability in mind. Most owners will never unleash its full potential on a race track, but the vehicle promises an exciting driving experience whenever called upon.
Track day thrills: Audi’s super-SUV shows its teeth
When we took the RS Q8 Performance to Parcmotor Castellolí, a renowned track near Barcelona, it quickly dispelled doubts about whether a heavy luxury SUV could be fun on a circuit. Switching into Dynamic mode and loosening the stability control to ESC Sport transformed the RS Q8 into a tire-squealing, grin-inducing machine.
The transmission aggressively hunts through the gears while the V-8 bellows to the redline, delivering an intoxicating mix of power and precision. The Pirelli P Zero summer tires, though noisy when pushed hard, cling to the asphalt with impressive grip, aided by the air suspension’s ability to control body roll and pitch.
Braking performance was nothing short of spectacular. The carbon-ceramic brakes handled repeated heavy stops without fade, consistently allowing us to enter corners at speeds that felt too cautious. The RS Q8’s 0.98 g grip level on the skidpad is strong, though it trails behind lighter, more track-focused rivals like the Porsche Cayenne S and Lamborghini Urus Performante. Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the RS Q8 Performance is how it encourages confidence and playful driving despite its size and weight. Rear-wheel steer and the selective stability control allow subtle tail slides exiting corners—adding a hint of fun to this otherwise poised performer.
Verdict: The RS Q8 performance — More than you’ll never need, but exactly what you want
The 2025 Audi RS Q8 Performance demands a premium, starting at $137,495—about $39,000 more than the SQ8. However, when compared to the Lamborghini Urus, it’s nearly on par performance-wise while costing nearly $100,000 less.
Is it the flashiest or most track-focused super-SUV? No. But it is an incredibly well-rounded performance vehicle that can double as a family hauler and a weekend warrior. Whether tackling daily commutes, weekend drives, or a rare track day, the RS Q8 Performance delivers thrilling capability wrapped in understated German engineering. For buyers seeking a high-powered luxury SUV with serious street presence and track-worthy performance — without the wild theatrics of some rivals — the RS Q8 Performance remains one of the most compelling choices on the market.
