The updated 2025 Audi RS Q8 introduces a new high-performance model that boasts 631 horsepower, bringing it closer in power to the nonhybrid Lamborghini Urus, which has 657 horsepower. The RS Q8 Performance has 40 horsepower, a tuned air suspension, basic carbon-ceramic brakes, and 23-inch forged alloy wheels that can be added. The new high-end RS Q8 has a starting price of $137,495, which is approximately $100,000 lower than the base price of a Urus. Both the Lamborghini Urus and the Audi RS Q8 have twin-turbo V-8 engines, but the SUV with the Italian name has always had a lot more power—until now. The RS Q8 has a small update for 2025 and a new top-of-the-line Performance version with 631 horsepower. This is 40 more horsepower than the regular RS Q8 and only 26 less horsepower than the non-hybrid Urus. As expected, the new 789-horsepower plug-in hybrid Urus keeps things the same. Presenting the Audi RS Q8 Performance The 2025 Audi RS Q8 still comes standard with Quattro all-wheel drive, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and a 4.0-liter V-8 dual turbocharger. The base engine still makes 591 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. Audi says that upgrading to the Performance version changes the exhaust system so that it is lighter, louder, and has less back pressure. This makes the top output go up to 631 horsepower and 627 pound-feet. Even louder sounds come from the optional RS speed exhaust. The last RS Q8 we tested went from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 3.2 ticks, so a time of less than three seconds wouldn’t surprise us. It is predicted that the RS Q8 Performance can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The Performance version of the RS Q8 has the same height-adjustable air suspension as the standard version. However, it has better tuning and more power. Both models come with 48-volt antiroll bars and four-wheel steering, which lets the back wheels turn up to 1.5 degrees and makes the car more stable and responsive. The RS Q8 Performance comes with 22-inch wheels as standard, but you can also get bigger 23-inch forging wheels. Audi claims a total reduction of about 44 pounds in unsprung mass due to the bigger rollers. Carbon-ceramic brakes with 17.3-inch front and 14.6-inch rear sizes are standard on the Performance. You can also get these sizes on the RS Q8. Front calipers with ten pistons make up the brake system. The RS Q8 Receives a Facelift The Audi RS Q8’s new front end has a hood that has been changed to make the air vents stand out more. The honeycomb cells become three-dimensional, and the grille has a new mesh design that looks like it has more holes in it than before. The rim around the grille is also bigger. The performance version of the RS Q8 is only different from the regular one in that it has a matte look. There is an HD set with high-beam laser lights, and the SUV has Matrix LED headlights, which were first seen on the Audi Q8. There are five different shapes on the daytime running lights, and one of them looks like a striped flag. The RS Q8 has five different types of lights and, for the first time, OLED headlights. The side mirrors, front spoiler and back diffuser are all matte gray. However, the Performance trim has different exterior trim and standard paint colors. For a little more money, you can get these parts in shiny black or matte carbon. The inside of an Audi RS can be designed in either red or gray. The chosen color is used for the contrast stitching on the floor mats, seat belts, center panels, and seats. The RS Q8 has a racy microsuede on the sides of the steering wheel, shifter, and center panel. This material can be used on more areas, like the door panels and center armrests, with the RS design package plus, which comes in two colors as well. The color you choose will show through the holes in the seats and match the color of the RS badge that is raised on the backs of the seats. The 12.3-inch digital gauge panel in the Performance model, which is called the “Virtual Cockpit,” is the same as the one in the basic RS Q8, but it has an extra shift light that shows when the car is in manual mode. Audi has only discussed the RS Q8, which will be sold in Europe starting this month. But we’re looking forward to learning more about the US model in the next few months. The 2024 Audi RS Q8 started at $126,995.
