MSRP: $136,200
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Overview
The 2025 Audi RS Q8 Performance midsize SUV sits at the very top of the Q8 range and turns Audi’s big luxury SUV into something genuinely outrageous. It packs a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, standard all-wheel drive, and an 8-speed automatic, but what gives it real character is the way it blends speed with polish. This is an SUV that can charge hard when the road opens up, then settle into a calm, comfortable cruise when you back off. That split personality is what makes it so appealing.
Inside, the 2025 RS Q8 Performance keeps the premium feel expected at this price point. The cabin looks rich, the materials feel expensive, and the tech count is high enough to remind you this is Audi’s halo SUV. It’s also the only trim offered in the U.S. for 2025, so buyers don’t need to sort through a long trim walk.
What’s New for 2025?
The RS Q8 gets a meaningful update for 2025. Audi drops the regular RS Q8 and replaces it with the new RS Q8 Performance, which raises output to 631 horsepower. The refresh also brings updated styling to match the rest of the Q8 family, along with a mechanical center differential, a specially tuned exhaust system, and a suspension setup that uses electric motors to help stabilize the body in corners.
In other words, this isn’t a light shuffle of colors and badges. Audi gives the SUV more power and more serious chassis hardware at the same time.
Exterior
The RS Q8 Performance is based on the regular Q8, but the RS treatment adds more intent to every surface. Up front, the revised fascia, larger intakes, and reworked grille give it a stern stare, while the wide stance and large wheels do the rest. Audi also fits matte-gray exterior accents on the Performance model, helping it stand apart from the lesser Q8 variants without turning cartoonish.
Lighting tech is a big part of the update. HD Matrix-design LED headlights with Audi Laser Light are standard, and the RS Q8 Performance also gets selectable daytime running light signatures plus digital OLED taillights. Standard 22-inch wheels fill the arches, while lighter 23-inch forged wheels are optional for buyers who want a sharper visual punch and a little less unsprung mass.
Audi
Audi
Interior
The RS Q8 Performance shares much of its basic layout with the standard Q8, but it adds more aggressive front seats, RS-specific trim, and model-specific displays in the digital gauge cluster. There are also RS logos scattered throughout, which is Audi’s polite way of reminding everyone this is not the family-spec version. Passenger space remains generous in both rows, so this thing doesn’t punish you for choosing the fast one.
Tech features are strong as well. The RS-specific displays can show items like torque, power output, lap times, and g-forces, while the broader infotainment package includes smartphone connectivity, navigation, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and SiriusXM. Audi also offers interior design packages that add contrast stitching, extra microfiber trim, and carbon twill matte inlays. It’s a properly plush cabin, even if the dual-screen setup no longer feels quite as fresh as the newest systems in this class.
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Price Range and Best Value Trim
| Trim Level | Price |
| RS Q8 Performance | $136,200 |
The 2025 Audi RS Q8 Performance’s price is $136,200, and that’s it, since there’s only one trim on offer. It bundles the full 631-hp powertrain, standard Quattro all-wheel drive, adaptive air suspension, carbon-ceramic brakes, and a long list of premium comfort and tech features into one package.
Key Specs
| Spec | RS Q8 Performance |
| Engine | 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 |
| Power | 631 hp |
| Torque | 627 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 3.4 seconds |
| Top Speed | 190 MPH |
Fuel Economy (MPG)
| City | Highway | Combined |
| 14 MPG | 20 MPG | 16 MPG |
Dimensions
| Measurement | RS Q8 Performance |
| Length | 197.7 in |
| Width | 79.0 in |
| Height | 67.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 117.9 in |
| Cargo Capacity (behind second row / rear seat folded) | 32.96 / 60.0 cu-ft |
| Curb Weight | 5,467 lbs |
| Towing Capacity | 7,700 lbs |
Warranty
| Coverage | Term |
| Limited Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Complimentary Maintenance | N/A |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Ferocious V8 and seriously quick acceleration
- Standard ceramic brakes, rear-wheel steering, and advanced chassis tech
- High-end cabin with real everyday comfort
Cons:
- Fuel economy is poor
- Infotainment layout feels older than some newer rivals
- Base price is deep into six-figure territory
Verdict
The 2025 Audi RS Q8 Performance does a remarkably good job of justifying its existence. It’s fast enough to embarrass sports cars, comfortable enough to use every day, and plush enough to feel worthy of its sticker. More importantly, it avoids feeling like a one-trick performance special.
The suspension and chassis hardware give it real talent in corners, but it still knows how to behave when the drive turns boring. That broad range is what makes it work. If you want an ultra-fast luxury SUV with one trim level, no fluff, and no shortage of muscle, the RS Q8 Performance makes a very strong case for itself.
Colour: Chilli red metallic
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Competitors:
- Lamborghini Urus
- Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT
- BMW XM
- Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S Coupe
- Aston Martin DBX707
About the author
Cobus F. Potgieter
Reviews and Features Editor