Ranking Audi's Six 4.0L V8 Models from Worst to Best!

Six Audi 4.0L V8 Models: Only ONE Can Win!

After working my way through Audi's incredible catalog of current-generation Audi Sport vehicles, I thought it might be a fun exercise to subjectively rank six of its top-tier models.

• RS 6 Avant
• RS 7
• RS Q8
• S8
• SQ7
• SQ8

Three SUVs, two sedans, and an honest-to-God super wagon. The presumably last of the great V8-powered Audis before the company pivots to an all-electric future. Each one driven by a twin-turbocharged 4.0L 8-cylinder motor that you'll find not just in six killer Audis, but also in several sister models over in Porsche and Lamborghini.

What makes Audi's 4.0L family so incredible overall? It's a combination of performance and practicality. Of sharpened, yet understated aesthetics. None are traditional sports cars like the R8 or RS TT. Yet all are large and (mostly) fantastic driver's vehicles with luxury underpinnings to boot.

If there's a single flaw in the 4.0 family, it's the meager sound. With a full exhaust and turbos and emissions systems, it's not easy to hear a stock 4.0, even when the exhaust mode is set to Present... Until one mashes the pedal to the floor. But there's a catch. Most of these Audi models rocket to 60 mph in under four seconds. Which means one's ability to mash said pedal for any length of time is severely undercut by ever-increasing illegal speeds.

It should also go without saying that there's no such thing as a Worst Audi when it comes to this family of twin-turbo 4.0L V8 luxury brutes. Still, we'd argue that some are better than others. 

So without further ado, here are Audi's 4.0L V8 models ranked, from "worst" to best!

Photo Credit: Audi

6. & 5. SQ7 & SQ8 (TIE)

SQ7

• Horsepower: 500 
• Torque: 568 
• 0-60: 4.3 seconds
• Curb Weight: 5,291 lbs
• Starting MSRP: $90,220

SQ8

• Horsepower: 500
• Torque: 568 
• 0-60: 4.3s
• Curb Weight: 5,280 lbs
• Starting MSRP: $95,500

At the beginning of our list, we have a pair of de-tuned 4.0L S models. Compared to the full RS variants, we're down nearly 100 horsepower and 22 lb-ft of torque, which results in an extra 0.6 seconds added to 0 to 60 runtimes. 

Not the end of the world for most people. But it's also a move that will save potential buyers upwards of $30,000. So if you don't need an SUV that also doubles as a rollercoaster, you might opt for the SQ7 or SQ8. (BTW, can you IMAGINE how incredible a 4.0L-powered SQ5 would be!)

As for why they're tied, the SQ7 and SQ8 are very similar vehicles. Identical performance metrics. Same engine. Same wheelbase. And they're priced only about $5 grand apart. The SQ8 arguably offers a touch more luxury and seating for five, while the SQ7 is slightly more basic and offers seating for up to seven. As such, it really comes down to what you prefer or need.

Photo Credit: Audi

4. RS 7

• Horsepower: 591
• Torque: 590
• 0-60: 3.5s
• Curb Weight: 4,938 lbs
• Starting MSRP: $123,900

Stepping up to Audi's sportiest sedan, the RS 7 slices through the air visually as a four-door coupe with a hideaway spoiler. Yet it also offers the practicality of a hatchback, which provides not just a good amount of space, but also flexibility for loading all sorts of things into the back with the rear seat down. Luxury and amenities are pretty uniform across this and the rest of the RS lineup. Dual digital touchscreens. Massaging front seats. Custom color lighting. A full surround sound audio system.

All in a relatively comfortable sedan that's unbelievably fast thanks to its Audi Quattro all-wheel-drive system paired with the twin-turbo 4.0L V8. Amazing sedan, overall. 

Photo Credit: Audi

3. RS Q8

• Horsepower: 591
• Torque: 590
• 0-60: 3.7s
• Curb Weight: 5,490 lbs
• Starting MSRP: $125,800

I went back and forth with the RS Q8 and where to put it on the list. As many journalists and YouTubers have noted, it's essentially a sleeper Lamborghini Urus... for at least $100 grand less. Yes, the Aud is not quite as extreme, but I'd argue that's a good thing.

As for its placement on this list, why better than the RS 7, but not the two next models? 

On one hand, the RS Q8 is the most adjustable RS model available in 2023. With the flick of a button, it changes not only ride height but suspension damping. Which means you can tool around town in a floaty SUV, or lower it down to almost sports car low for hard cornering. That flexibility and diversity of settings make it arguably the most interesting RS model. The driver's sight lines are also the best, again thanks to the added height.

That's why it's above the RS 7, overall.

However, the added height and weight -- it's the heaviest RS model by about 500 lbs -- make the RS Q8 the least dynamic RS vehicle from a driver's perspective. Again, it's amazing for an SUV. But stick it next to the other RS options and the RS Q8 can't quite hang.

Still, there were moments where I thought of giving the RS Q8 the top spot so it's all very very close.

Photo Credit: Michael S. Palmer

2. RS 6 Avant

• Horsepower: 591
• Torque: 590
• 0-60: 3.5s
• Curb Weight: 4,960 lbs
• Starting MSRP: $121,900

My pick for Best Audi RS Model, but not quite the best 4.0L V8 vehicle. Here's why. The RS 6 Avant is INCREDIBLE for the way it blends muscular styling, classic wagon proportions, power, dynamics, and honest to god practicality. This modern iteration might go down as the coolest collector Audi ever made. It's so fast and fun and you can still grab groceries and go get kids at school. It can do everything... well, almost.

As you can probably see, the main differentiator between these V8-powered Audis is suspension and driving dynamics. So, while the RS Q8 lost points because it was too tall and heavy, if we're splitting hairs, the RS 6 Avant can be a little too harsh because it lacks the air suspension you'll find on the RS Q8 (and even A6 All Road). This results in superior handling, but a touch of missing comfort. 

Also, RS 6 and RS 7 rear legroom can't match our winner...

Photo Credit: Michael S. Palmer

1. S8

• Horsepower: 563
• Torque: 590
• 0-60: 3.8s
• Curb Weight: 5,126 lbs
• Starting MSRP: $120,500

I know, I know, probably not most folks' choice for Best Audi or Best V8 Audi. But after attending the 2022 Audi S8 facelift first-drive event, I absolutely fell in love with Audi's flagship sedan. Yes, it's noticeably heavier than the RS 7 and 6, but it hands down boasts the best overall combination of performance, driving dynamics, luxury, and comfort. The suspension is next-level capable, isolating driver and passengers from all sorts of road imperfections without sacrificing dynamics and lateral stability. The interior design and materials are just a touch nicer. And rear seat passenger legroom is Limo spacious. 

In truth, you can't go wrong with any of the Audis on this list, especially the trio of RS models. All of them truly are do-everything vehicles. But the S8 is my favorite to drive. Favorite to ride in. And although it's a veritable sleeper to most folks, it also has a lot of presence, especially in the pictured Ultra Blue Metallic!

Photo Credit: Michael S. Palmer