- High-end cabin
- Comfortable ride when you want to cruise
- Lamborghini Urus performance at a huge discount
- Exhaust note could be a bit more boisterous
- Almost too subdued looking
- Enthusiasts know the RS6 Avant station wagon is the cooler ride
The 2025 Audi RS Q8 might appear understated, but beneath its modest exterior lies the same performance-driven platform found in the Lamborghini Urus. Built on the base Q8 SUV, the RS Q8 delivers thrilling, Lamborghini-inspired performance with a twin-turbocharged V-8 engine that powers all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup ensures both exhilarating acceleration and precision handling, offering a dynamic driving experience that easily rivals high-performance rivals. Despite its sports-car capabilities, the RS Q8 retains a comfortable ride, making it ideal for both spirited drives and daily commutes.
Inside, the RS Q8 impresses with a luxurious cabin featuring high-end materials and cutting-edge technology. Several digital displays enhance the tech experience, offering seamless connectivity and intuitive controls. As the flagship of Audi’s SUV range, the RS Q8 comes with a steep price tag, but it’s worth noting that it still undercuts the Lamborghini Urus by \$100,000, offering similar performance and luxury at a more accessible price point.
What’s New for 2025?
For 2025, the Audi RS Q8 receives a significant refresh, aligning its design with the updated Q8 and SQ8 models. The standard RS Q8 trim has been replaced with a more powerful 631-hp Performance model, delivering a noticeable boost in power. This new trim is equipped with a mechanical center differential that enhances performance, ensuring better handling and stability. Additionally, the RS Q8 Performance features a specially tuned exhaust system that amplifies the driving experience with a more aggressive sound.
To further improve its dynamic handling, Audi has incorporated an advanced suspension system that utilizes electric motors to assist in stabilizing the vehicle during sharp cornering. This innovative setup ensures a more controlled and responsive driving experience, even at high speeds. The 2025 RS Q8 also carries over its luxury interior, high-end materials, and advanced technology features, making it as comfortable as it is thrilling to drive. With these updates, the RS Q8 Performance elevates its performance credentials while maintaining the luxurious and refined driving experience Audi is known for.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The 2025 Audi RS Q8 starts at \$137,495.
While the RS Q8 Performance commands a six-figure price, its performance, styling, and features justify the cost for enthusiasts of high-performance SUVs. Standard features include an adaptive air suspension, 22-inch wheels, heated and cooled front seats, and a 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo system, ensuring both comfort and luxury. If you prioritize power and cutting-edge tech in your SUV, the RS Q8 Performance is a solid investment.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 2025 RS Q8 Performance is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine that produces a remarkable 631 horsepower, significantly outpacing the 500-horsepower SQ8. This engine is paired with Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system and an eight-speed automatic transmission, ensuring exceptional performance across various driving conditions. Additionally, a 48-volt hybrid system works behind the scenes to enhance fuel efficiency.
The RS Q8 Performance features a mechanical center differential and an advanced electromechanical active roll stabilization system, which uses electric motors to adjust roll stiffness during sharp cornering, improving stability and handling. During our test drives on both the road and racetrack, the RS Q8 Performance impressed with its balanced handling, quicker acceleration, and superior grip. Despite its high-performance capabilities, the RS Q8 is also adaptable, offering a smooth, comfortable ride when the suspension is set to its softer settings. Whether pushing its limits on the track or cruising in comfort, the RS Q8 Performance delivers a versatile and thrilling driving experience.
0-60-MPH Times
The RS Q8 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds, only 0.1 second slower than the significantly more expensive Lamborghini Urus. The new RS Q8 Performance trim is expected to be even quicker, though we haven’t had the opportunity to test it yet.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The 2025 Audi RS Q8 comes with EPA fuel-economy estimates of 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. These figures are quite low, but they reflect the price you pay for the SUV’s extraordinary performance capabilities. The RS Q8’s twin-turbocharged V-8 engine is all about power, and fuel efficiency takes a backseat to its thrilling acceleration and high-speed handling.
That said, the previous non-Performance RS Q8 surprised us with its real-world fuel economy during our 75-mph highway test, achieving a respectable 23 mpg—better than expected given its performance-oriented design. However, we have yet to test the 2025 RS Q8 on our real-world fuel-economy loop, so it remains to be seen whether it can match or exceed the earlier model’s efficiency in everyday driving conditions.
For those concerned about fuel economy, it’s worth noting that the RS Q8, like most high-performance SUVs, sacrifices some efficiency for its exceptional driving experience. To get more detailed information on fuel economy, including updates on the 2025 model, check the EPA’s official website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The 2025 Audi RS Q8’s five-seat cabin closely mirrors the Q8’s, with a few notable upgrades. It features sportier, more aggressively bolstered front seats to provide extra support during cornering, along with RS logos for a performance-oriented touch. While the RS Q8’s interior is designed for sportiness, it doesn’t sacrifice comfort, offering ample legroom and headroom for adults in both rows.
Cargo space remains unchanged from the standard Q8, which means there’s plenty of room for luggage. In our testing, the RS Q8 comfortably held eight carry-on suitcases behind its rear seat, and with the rear seats folded down, it accommodated a total of 23 suitcases.
Overall, the RS Q8’s interior offers a blend of sporty design and practicality, ensuring a comfortable ride while also providing sufficient space for passengers and cargo. It combines performance with everyday usability, making it an ideal choice for those who want luxury and function in their high-performance SUV.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Audi RS Q8 features the innovative Audi Virtual Cockpit digital gauge cluster and a dual-touchscreen MMI interface, with RS-specific displays to track performance metrics such as torque, power output, lap times, and g-forces. In addition to these performance features, the RS Q8 offers a suite of technology similar to the standard Q8, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, and SiriusXM satellite radio. These advanced infotainment and connectivity options ensure a high-tech and convenient driving experience for all occupants.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Audi RS Q8 comes equipped with a range of standard driver-assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, enhancing both convenience and safety. For detailed crash-test ratings, users are encouraged to visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. The vehicle includes key safety features designed to offer optimal protection and assist the driver in maintaining control. These technologies contribute to the RS Q8’s overall safety profile, making it a reliable and secure option for those seeking advanced safety systems in a high-performance SUV.
Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Audi provides a standard warranty that is typical for the segment, but when compared to other premium brands, it may seem basic. For instance, Jaguar stands out with a more generous offering, providing longer warranty coverage along with five years of complimentary scheduled maintenance, making it a better value in this regard.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
2025 Audi RS Q8 – Full Specifications
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8 |
| Power | 631 hp (470.5 kW) |
| Torque | 627 lb-ft (850 Nm) |
| Transmission | 8-speed Tiptronic automatic |
| Drivetrain | Quattro all-wheel drive |
| Acceleration (0–60 mph) | 3.4 seconds |
| Top Speed | 190 mph (305 km/h) |
| Fuel Economy (Combined) | 16 MPG (14 city / 20 highway) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22.5 gallons (85.2 liters) |
| Curb Weight | 5,467 lbs (2,478 kg) |
| Cargo Capacity | 33.0 cu ft (935 liters) standard; 60.0 cu ft (1,697 liters) with rear seats folded |
| Towing Capacity | 7,700 lbs (3,493 kg) |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles (80,467 km) |
| Base MSRP | $136,200 USD |
Dimensions
| Dimension | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Length | 197.7 in (5,020 mm) |
| Width (without mirrors) | 79.0 in (2,007 mm) |
| Height | 67.5 in (1,715 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 117.9 in (2,997 mm) |
| Turning Circle | 39.0 ft (11.9 m) |