Four Rings, Six Figures
Audi’s iconic supercar, the R8, may have gone out of production a few years ago, but the German marque still has plenty of options if you want to spend six figures on a new car. The most expensive Audi models include everything from a hot wagon to a sleek, fully electric luxury sedan. Every Audi here has a gorgeous interior, breathtaking performance, and a design that’s guaranteed to get you noticed. Here are Audi’s most expensive new models in the United States, ranked from least to most expensive.
5. Audi S8: $130,000
Audi
Audi
Audi
The D5 generation of the Audi A8 is getting on a bit, having first gone into production late in 2017. Since then, a new generation of the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes S-Class have arrived, leaving the A8 looking rather stale. But in S8 form, this is no ordinary luxury sedan. Its 4.0-liter turbocharged V8 packs a mean punch, delivering 563 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. That gets the S8 to 60 mph in only 3.8 seconds.
The interior is no longer as dramatic to look at as its rivals’ cabins, but the quality is beyond reproach and comfort levels are high. As expected, features like four-zone climate control, massaging and ventilated front seats, and an adaptive air suspension are included.
BMW’s own V8-powered 7 Series is cheaper, but the S8 is quicker and most will prefer its more agreeable styling.
4. Audi RS6 Avant: $130,700
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Audi
Audi
For just $700 more than the S8, you can get an Audi that’s far more engaging. A true RS, the 4.0L turbo V8 in the RS6 makes 621 hp and 627 lb-ft, and will rocket this wagon to 60 in just 3.3 seconds. It’s not as serene in the back seat as an S8, but the RS6’s responses are sharper and more direct. The wagon design also makes it a practical family vehicle, yet it has killer looks from just about any angle. You can even live out your wildest track-day dreams by optionally increasing the top speed to 190 mph.
The RS6 may not be the quickest or most luxurious Audi on this list, but it’s probably the most desirable—and that’s reflected in its sales figures.
3. Audi RS7: $132,700
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Audi
Audi
The RS7 Sportback shares its potent powertrain with the RS6, which means the big V8 lump will also propel this hot RS model to 60 in just 3.3 seconds. The proportions of the RS7 are different, though, but it’s no less evocative than the RS6. The quattro all-wheel-drive system provides relentless traction, while the racy cockpit looks and feels special.
This is also a practical beast, with 24.6 cubic feet of cargo space and decent space in the back, so it can also double as a family vehicle when you aren’t caning it over a mountain pass. It may be one of the most expensive Audis ever, but the RS7 packs plenty of performance, technology, comfort, and versatility into one package.
2. Audi RS Q8: $138,300
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Audi
Audi
The only SUV on this list, the RS Q8 is also Audi’s most potent SUV of all. As with the RS6 and RS7, it gets a twin-turbo V8, in this case producing 631 hp and 627 lb-ft. It’s a fraction slower than those two, though, but still hellishly quick at 3.4 seconds for the 0 to 60 run. It also has an eight-speed automatic and AWD as standard. A self-locking center differential and adaptive air suspension help to keep things tidy and comfortable.
Being an SUV, the RS Q8 is also versatile. It has just under 33 cubic feet of space behind the second row or 60 cubic feet if you fold the back seats down. Equipment levels are high, with everything from HD Matrix-design LED headlights with laser light to four-zone climate control, ventilated front seats, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system being standard.
1. Audi RS e-tron GT: $170,500
Audi
Audi
Audi
Audi’s most expensive car is also its quickest production model. At $170,500, it’s by far the priciest new car you can buy from the brand with the four rings. The RS e-tron GT’s dual electric motors produce 912 peak horsepower—an astonishing figure that cuts the 0-60 time all the way down to 2.4 seconds. That’s not far off the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT, which costs a lot more.
The regular e-tron is already a gorgeous machine, but the RS treatment turns up the heat with unique bumpers, large air inlets, and special wheels. Its battery can be charged at up to 320 kW, which is just as well as the range on a full charge is only 278 miles, assuming you can resist the temptation to regularly tap into the GT’s extreme performance.
An adaptive air suspension, Audi laser light, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, Nappa leather seats, and front massaging seats are just a few highlights from the long list of standard features. Rarely has such a high level of performance and comfort co-existed so seamlessly.
About the author
Karl Furlong
Senior Editor, Autoblog