The most powerful combustion model in Audi Sport history: The new 2025 Audi RS Q8 performance

With 631 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, the new RS Q8 performance ranks
as the most powerful production combustion Audi Sport model ever

Expressive exterior design and new, lightweight forged wheels
significantly sharpen the appearance of Audi’s most powerful SUV

Standard ceramic brakes and adaptive air suspension extend the new
model’s performance envelope while retaining comfort and everyday
practicality


RESTON, Va., Oct. 24, 2024 – Audi has added a new model to the top of
its 2025 Q8 lineup: the new RS Q8 performance. The 631 hp
range-topping SUV is positioned as the most powerful production
combustion model in the history of Audi Sport; combining impressive
everyday usability and practicality with outstanding handling and
acceleration performance credentials owners have come to expect from
RS models. In addition to the uprated 4.0L biturbo V8 engine, the 2025
RS Q8 performance benefits from massive carbon ceramic brakes
(17.3/14.6” F/R), retuned adaptive sport air suspension, and a
quattro® all-wheel-drive system with an optimized self-locking center
differential. Building on these suspension and drivetrain
enhancements, the RS Q8 performance also features several new exterior
design elements inspired by the updates made to the upgraded 2025 Q8
and SQ8 models. New matte carbon exterior design packages and interior
RS design packages extend RS-specific personalization options a step
further.

With the new 2025 Audi RS Q8 performance, Audi Sport has intensified
its focus on the driving dynamics of its highest performing SUV. A new
front apron with distinctive air intakes, honeycomb structure and
matte gray blade clearly identifies the RS Q8 performance as the top
model in the series. The large Singleframe grille features a
reinterpreted structure where each individual honeycomb cell is now
three-dimensional. The treatment at the rear also plays a part in
advancing the models’ position at the top of the range, with two hot
oval tailpipes and a diffuser between them, divided by a wedge-like
reflector.

“The new RS Q8 performance embodies sportiness and elegance,” says
Rolf Michl, Managing Director of Audi Sport. “The top model of the Q8
series combines a passion for performance, prestige, and suitability
for everyday use to create an exhilarating experience.”

Biturbo V8 engine in top spec; standard quattro® all-wheel drive
The advanced eight-cylinder engine in the RS Q8 performance is the
most powerful production combustion engine in Audi Sport’s history,
producing 631 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, and helping propel the
5-passenger SUV from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, on its way to an
electronically limited top track speed of 190 mph.

By reducing back pressure, the newly developed, lighter exhaust system
increases the output of the biturbo 4.0L V8 in the RS Q8 performance,
and creates a sportier, more evocative sound. Optionally, the exhaust
system can be replaced with the RS sport exhaust system, which further
intensifies the sound experience and stands out with glossy black
tailpipes.

The new RS Q8 performance arrives standard with permanent quattro®
all-wheel drive, which Audi Sport combines with an eight-speed
Tiptronic® transmission tuned to provide even swifter shift times. The
wholly mechanical center differential, with its compact and
lightweight design, distributes engine power to the front and rear
axle at a ratio of 40:60. If slippage occurs at either axle, no more
than 70 percent of the drive torque is sent forward, and up to 85
percent can be directed to the rear axle. This distribution model
results in more precise cornering, less understeer, and a more exact
turn-in feel.

Adaptive air suspension and active roll stabilization
For an ideal balance of sportiness and comfort, the RS Q8 performance
comes standard with RS-tuned adaptive air suspension with controlled
damping. Tailored specifically for this model, it can vary the ride
height by up to 3.5” (90 mm).

The RS Q8 performance also features as standard electromechanical
active roll stabilization (eAWS), which significantly minimizes
lateral movements of the body. With eAWS, each axle features a compact
electric motor connecting the two halves of the suspension’s
stabilizer bar. When driving straight ahead, the two halves are
disconnected, which reduces body-pitch movements on uneven surfaces.
When the car begins to corner, the electric motors turn the
stabilizers in the opposite direction of each other, noticeably
reducing lateral tilt, or body lean. A 48-volt lithium-ion battery
supplies the eAWS with power, and the lightweight and compact energy
storage unit can absorb and release high currents in a very short
time, able to supply each of the system’s two electric motors with a
maximum of 1.5 kilowatts of power.

Standard all-wheel steering with high-torque electric spindle drive
also contributes to the agility and stability of the RS Q8
performance. When changing lanes quickly, the rear wheels can turn up
to 1.5 degrees in the same direction of the front wheels, improving
stability. At lower speeds, the rear wheels can turn up to five
degrees in the opposite direction of the front wheels, reducing the
turning radius and making the SUV easier to maneuver in tight spots.

New lighting technology, lighter wheels, and RS-specific option
packages
Available on other 2025 Audi Q8 models, the RS Q8 performance comes
standard with HD Matrix-design LED headlights with Audi laser light,
which are instantly recognizable via the blue housing incorporated
into the headlight. The Audi laser light acts as an extra supplemental
high beam with a focused light pattern.

New digital daytime running-light signatures give the Q8 a
characteristic and unmistakable appearance. Users can select one of
five individual light signatures via the MMI, including a
checkered-flag design exclusively available to the RS Q8 performance.
Also for the first time, the RS Q8 performance now features digital
OLED rear lights. The OLED taillights accommodate five selectable
digital light signatures as well, each paired with the front DRL
signature.

An extensive range of nine paint finishes is available for the
exterior, including three new metallic options: Sakhir Gold, Ascari
Blue, and Chili Red. The RS Q8 performance is further distinguished by
standard Matte gray exterior elements – including mirror caps, window
surrounds, front spoiler, front side flaps, side sill inserts, and
rear diffuser trim – while remaining trim is finished in high-gloss
black.

An optional Black optic package featuring 23" 5-Y-spoke design
milled cut and forged wheels in a bi-color finish, with black exterior
trim and black mirror housings is available. Additionally, an all-new
Matte carbon package joins the options list and includes 23"
5-Y-spoke design forged wheels finished in matte black, black exterior
trim, and matte carbon items consisting of the front grille mask,
front bumper inlays, mirror housings, rear diffuser trim, and inlay
between the taillights.

An exclusive option for the RS Q8 performance, the 23”
lightweight-alloy wheels are manufactured using a high-tech forging
and milling process. Inspired by motorsports, the 5-Y spoke design
improves brake cooling and reduces the unsprung mass at each corner by
almost 11 lb. (5 kg) compared to the standard 22” wheels, and are
available in either bicolor metallic black, matte gray, or matte
black. The wheel option also includes high-performance Pirelli P Zero
295/35 R23 tires, which are designed to offer consistently better grip
on wet and dry roads, making for more precise and dynamic handling.

The standard RS ceramic brake discs measure 17.3” (440 mm) front and
14.6” (370 mm) rear and are paired with 10-piston front calipers in a
gray finish, which are optionally available in red as well. In order
to accommodate the massive brakes, the standard wheel is a 22”
10-spoke-star design alloy piece, fitted with 285/40 R22 summer
tires.

A red or gray RS design package plus is also available for the
interior. The blade in the center console, the floor mats, steering
wheel, and seat-belt edges feature red or gray contrasting stitching.
The steering wheel is covered with Alcantara, and the gear selector
lever knob, door panels, center armrests, and the side of the blade in
the center console are covered in Dinamica microfiber. With the RS
design package plus, the honeycomb-patterned perforated sports seats
also feature contrasting stitching, with seat backs featuring an RS
logo embossed in the chosen package color, along with matching seat
center panels revealed through the perforated fabric, and Carbon twill
matte inlays completing the RS look.

Additional special features for the RS Q8 performance include an
entrance LED that projects the lettering “RS performance” onto the
ground, and the 12.3” Audi virtual cockpit plus features a shift light
indicator in manual mode. This changes the rpm display from green to
yellow to red depending on engine speed, and flashes in a manner used
in motorsports to indicate the optimal time to change gears. Visible
via symbols in the Audi virtual cockpit, Launch Control fully exploits
the acceleration potential of the RS Q8 performance, helping to return
0-60 mph sprints in as little as 3.4 seconds, on the way to an
electronically limited top speed of 190 mph.

Available to order now
The new 2025 Audi RS Q8 performance has a starting MSRP of $136,200,
and is available now for ordering at your local Audi retailer. First
deliveries are expected before the end of the year.
 
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