2025 Audi RS Q8, RS Q8 Performance Debut With More Power and Style
As part of its refresh, the 2025 Audi RS Q8 is gaining a host of upgrades inside and out, plus the more powerful RS Q8 Performance.
The Audi Q8 debuted not terribly long ago as the new flagship of the brand’s SUV lineup, with the high-performance Audi RS Q8 joining that same lineup shortly thereafter. Thus, it’s time for a few updates for the popular high-performance family hauler, and that’s precisely what is happening with the 2025 Audi RS Q8, which has just been revealed in its entirety.
The 2025 Audi RS Q8 is joined by the all-new RS Q8 Performance this time around, giving those seeking a larger high-performance SUV another solid option. In terms of design, the refreshed RS Q8 gets quite a few updates on the outside, including a new front apron with revamped air intakes, a “3D” honeycomb section, and high-gloss black or matte gray blades. Out back, the revised model features a pair of oval tailpipes and a rear diffuser with a reflector in the center. Three new paint colors have been added – Sakhir Gold, Ascari Blue, and Chili Red – along with either 22-inch wheels or newly optional 23-inch light-alloys.
RS Q8 (left), RS Q8 Performance (right)
In terms of power, the new RS Q8 produces the same 591 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque as the outgoing model, enabling it to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds. However, the new RS Q8 Performance gets a few upgrades including a lighter exhaust system that boosts output to 631 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, which should make it quicker, though Audi hasn’t yet released any performance figures for that model. The RS Q8 can also be spec’d with the Dynamic Package, which adds electromechanical active roll stabilization (eAWS) , the Quattro sport differential, and the RS ceramic braking system, which comes standard on the RS Q8 Performance.
Underneath, both the 2025 Audi RS Q8 and RS Q8 Performance send power to the wheels via an eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox with quicker shifts, as well as a center differential and permanent Quattro all-wheel drive system. Power is split 40:60 between the front and rear wheels, and if slippage happens, up to 85 percent of torque flows to the rear and no more than 70 to the front – resulting in more precise cornering, less understeer, and more exact turn-in. A retuned adaptive air suspension handles the damping, and also enables a ride height that’s adjustable by up to 90mm. Braking is halted by ventilated composite disc brakes measuring 420mm up front and 370mm in the rear, while the 10-piston setup and ceramic brakes available as an option are even bigger – 440mm up front and the same 370mm out back.
RS Q8 (left), RS Q8 Performance (right)
On the outside, Audi has blessed the RS Q8 with Matrix LED headlights, or optional HD units with Audi laser light, which acts as an extra high beam with more range than the standard lighting, and customers can alter the signature piece, too. They’re paired with largely digitalized OLED rear lights featuring five digital light signatures in the rear. Inside the cabin, customers can choose from red, blue (exclusive to the RS Q8 Performance), or gray RS Design packages, as well as a host of decorative inlays.
RS Q8 (left), RS Q8 Performance (right)
The 2025 Audi RS Q8 and RS Q8 Performance will be available to order on June 27, with a base price of 141,900 euros ($152,081 USD) for the regular model and 155,700 ($166,871 USD) for the RS Q8 Performance.
Photos: Audi
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