It’s not like the outgoing Audi RS Q8 was slow, but there’s always room for more power, isn’t there?
With all the talk of hybrid this and electric that, I’m sure some of you guys relish some news on a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8. Well, that’s exactly what we have here with the 2025 Audi RS Q8, which gets a mid-cycle facelift and even more grunt by way of a “Performance” model. In fact, this top-dog version comes with a hearty 631 horsepower under the hood, putting it within spitting distance of the latest 657-horsepower Lamborghini Urus models.
Of course, the two share a common thread in terms of their platform, as well as their powertrains. Keep in mind, though, the Urus now has a plug-in hybrid SE variant pushing out 789 horsepower, just in case you think the Audi is getting a little too big for its britches managing almost-Lambo levels of power.
As far as 0-60 times, the RS Q8 can manage a run in around 3.7 seconds, and the extra oomph should put the Performance version in the 3.5-second territory, if not even quicker.
Like before, the 2025 Audi RS Q8 lineup is still rocking that 4.0-liter TFSI V8 engine, as well as an 8-speed automatic transmission. To be clear, the base (non-Performance) RS Q8 packs the same output as before, at 591 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. Like the Performance version of the Audi RS6 Avant, though, the higher-end RS Q8 Performance gets a boost to 631 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. And if the idea of all those ponies at your disposal doesn’t whet your whistle, you can always go for the optional RS sport exhaust to go with the standard, tuned air suspension and the carbon ceramic brakes. You can also spec 23-inch forged wheels, while 22s come standard, along with 1.5 degrees of rear-wheel steering capability and electronically-controlled anti-roll bars.
Looking inside the updated Audi RS Q8
Across the lineup, the 2025 Audi RS Q8 gets the level of exterior revisions you’d expect with a mid-cycle refresh. New Matrix LED headlights feature prominently in the design, as does the configurable OLED taillights around the back. The Performance model sees a few different exterior color options than the standard model, while it also gets gray-painted trim elements including the front spoiler, mirror caps and rear diffuser. Black or carbon trim pieces are available as an option.
Inside, the 2025 updated RS Q8 looks broadly the same as before, though the steering wheel and the center console come wrapped in microsuede rather than leather. Both red and gray color packages are on offer, while the RS Q8 Performance gets an exclusive shift light indicator on the 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit when shifting in manual mode. Audi offers decorative inlays for both models in silver, Race Anthracite, matte Carbon Twill or Gray Oak.
Audi just revealed details on the European-spec RS Q8 and its Performance variant this week. Both models will go on sale over there later this month, but we’ll have to wait a bit longer to find out more about the U.S. models. We should know more about that soon, though it’s all but certain the base RS Q8 will cost at least a little more than the outgoing model’s $126,995 price tag. As for the RS Q8 Performance, I’d expect that one to lean over the $130,000 mark, if not far more.
