The new ‘performance’ variant can put that power to use, too, nabbing the SUV class record at the famed Nürburgring
- Audi just crammed 631 hp in a new ‘performance’ variant of its 2025 RS Q8 SUV
- Four-wheel steering helped this brute pull off a new SUV-class Nürburgring lap time
- Pricing has yet to be announced, but a six-figure MSRP is all but assured
Let’s begin with the guts of this twin-turbo V8 engine. In the RS Q8 trim, it will produce 592 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque — sums which you may find reported elsewhere as 600 PS and 800 Nm. German engineers tend to like round numbers, it seems. These figures are estimated to shove the brute to highway speeds from rest in just 3.8 seconds.
But in the spirit of “too much is never enough,” Audi will also market an RS Q8 performance with 631 ponies and 650 lb-ft of twist. This will shave a further 0.2 seconds off that acceleration time and permit much bragging at the country club (assuming people still attend country clubs, that is).
Both variants will come standard with all-wheel-drive under the Quattro banner, able to apportion power up to 75% fore and 85% aft. A mechanical center differential will typically distribute engine power at a ratio of 40-60 to the front and rear axles. All-wheel steering can turn the rear wheels up to five degrees in the opposite direction of the fronts, at least at low speeds; during spirited sessions, that is refined to 1.5 degrees. An adaptive air suspension with controlled damping has been fettled by the RS team and can vary ride height by up to 90 millimetres.
Elsewhere, there are a raft of new paint options including a trio of metallics in Sakhir Gold, Ascari Blue, and Chili Red. The RS will get black finishing on components like the side mirrors and front spoiler; those items will be matte gray on the RS Q8 performance variant. Both top versions come with 22-inch wheels, with 10-piston brake calipers clamping down on discs that can measure up to a gargantuan 440 millimetres in diameter depending on trim. Gonzo 23-inch wheels are also available, should you be a total extrovert, shod with 35-series tires.
The interior of these machines can be had with several different RS design packages, ensuring there’s not much chance yer snooty neighbour will end up with the same one. Dinamica microfiber and an array of inlays which will match what’s peeking out through the perforated sport seats add to the exclusivity.
Fun fact: the new RS Q8 performance has been awarded title of the fastest SUV on the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife at its market launch, with racing and development driver Frank Stippler completing the 20.832-kilometer track in just 7:36.698 minutes. That’s more than two seconds faster than the previous fastest vehicle in the SUV class, and about six seconds faster than the RS Q8 before the product upgrade.
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