Audi Unleashes Its Most Powerful Gas Car Yet: Meet the RS Q8 Performance
Jun 25, 2024 at 3:55am ET
Introducing Audi's New Powerhouse
After giving the Q8 and SQ8 a meticulous makeover last fall, Audi is now taking the lineup to new heights with the updated RS Q8. This top-tier SUV doesn’t just carry the RS badge for show—it introduces a new Performance version to sit at the pinnacle of Audi’s gas-powered agility and clout. Following in the tire tracks of formidable machines like the RS4, RS5, RS6, and RS7 Performance, the RS Q8 Performance arrives as Audi's mightiest gas car ever.
Raw Power and Blazing Speed
The RS Q8 Performance vaults Audi to the top of the power ladder for pure gas models, delivering an earth-shattering 631 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. To put that into perspective, it outshines the now-discontinued R8 with its heroic V-10 engine. Under the hood, a revamped twin-turbo, 4.0-liter V-8 roars to life, propelling the RS Q8 from 0 to 62 mph in a blistering 3.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 190 mph. Such astronomical power is not just felt on the road; it's meant for supremacy everywhere—including the Nürburgring.
Conquering the Green Hell
The RS Q8 Performance has made its mark on the Nürburgring, emerging as the fastest production SUV around the fabled Green Hell. Esteemed racing driver Frank Stippler managed to carve six seconds off the Nürburgring lap time of the previous RS Q8, clocking in at an astonishing 7 minutes and 36.69 seconds. This feat dethroned the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, showcasing Audi's relentless pursuit of engineering excellence.
A New Benchmark in Design and Performance
The lineage continues with the regular RS Q8, which still boasts a no-slouch 591 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. Despite being toned down compared to the Performance variant, the regular RS Q8 can dash from 0 to 62 mph in a respectable 3.8 seconds, with a top speed capped at 155 mph, expandable to 174 or 190 mph. Both varieties inherit the recent design upgrades from the broader Q8 and SQ8 family but add a unique twist—an aggressive honeycomb grille and expanded air intakes, ensuring the RS models exude dominance on the road.
Sleek, Sporty, and Sustainable
The RS Q8 Performance doesn't just chime with power; its aesthetic appeal is heightened by matrix LED headlights, laser high-beams, and OLED taillights with five customizable signatures. Audi invites those with a penchant for flair to opt for matte gold 23-inch wheels wrapped in robust 295/35 tires. For ultimate control, ceramic brakes with 440-mm front and 370-mm rear discs are available. Unique touches like the special Sakhir Gold paint job, along with new Ascari Blue and Chili Red hues, make the RS Q8 Performance a head-turner.
Ultimate Comfort and High-Tech Features
Inside, the RS Q8 Performance pampers occupants with perforated sport seats adorned with honeycomb stitching, an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, and recycled microfiber for the gear selector and various other trim components. The inclusion of adaptive air suspension, which can adjust the ride height by up to 3.5 inches, guarantees a smooth ride, while electromechanical active roll stabilization and rear-wheel steering elevate driving dynamics to another level.
Pricing in the U.S. hasn't been revealed yet, but in Germany, the RS Q8 starts at €141,900, with the Performance model beginning at €155,700. European customers are in luck as orders open on June 27.
Gallery: 2025 Audi RS Q8 and RS Q8 Performance
Source: Audi