Audi Unveils the RS Q8 Performance - Most Powerful Car in its History

Alex Harrington | Jun 25, 2024

Audi has officially raised the bar in the high-performance SUV market with the introduction of the RS Q8 Performance, now the pinnacle of power in its extensive vehicle roster. This model leads a series of updates that began with the refresh of the Q8 and SQ8 models last fall, signaling a significant evolution in Audi's approach to luxury and performance.

At the heart of the RS Q8 Performance lies a formidable twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 engine, which churns out an impressive 631 horsepower. Not only is this the most potent pure gasoline model offered by Audi today, but it also delivers a substantial 627 pound-feet of torque. This power enables the SUV to sprint from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.6 seconds, reaching a top speed of 190 mph.

Audi

The performance credentials of the RS Q8 Performance are not confined to raw speed alone. On the revered Nürburgring, the vehicle demonstrated its prowess by completing a lap nearly six seconds faster than its predecessor. Frank Stippler, Audi’s racing and development driver, masterfully recorded a time of 7 minutes and 36.69 seconds, establishing the RS Q8 Performance as the fastest production SUV to grace the track.

Those opting for the less intense thrill can still enjoy the base RS Q8 variant, which offers a robust 591 horsepower and hits 62 mph from a standstill in 3.8 seconds. Though slightly less powerful, it maintains a competitive edge with a top speed of 155 mph, extendible to 190 mph with certain modifications.

Audi

In terms of design and aesthetics, both the RS Q8 and its Performance counterpart boast updates inspired by the latest Q8 and SQ8 refreshes. Features like a honeycomb front grille, enlarged air intakes, oval exhaust tips, and eye-catching optional paint colors such as Sakhir Gold, Ascari open up a new dimension of style. The Performance model also sports a low-backpressure exhaust system designed for both superior efficiency and a captivating sound, enhancing both its aesthetic and auditory appeal.

Luxury and customization options abound in the RS Q8 models. Prospective owners can adorn their vehicles with matte gold 23-inch wheels, ceramic brakes, and aerodynamic additions like fender flares. The interiors are equally lavish, featuring sport seats with distinctive honeycomb stitching, an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, and environmentally friendly microfiber accents—completing the blend of luxury, style, and performance.

Priced at €141,900 for the standard RS Q8 and €155,700 for the Performance variant, the RS Q8 lineup remains an attractive proposition for luxury SUV enthusiasts. With order books in Europe opening on June 27, the anticipation is palpable, though details on U.S. pricing and availability remain undisclosed.

As Audi continues to push the boundaries of automotive performance and luxury, the RS Q8 Performance not only represents the zenith of Audi's current offerings but also sets a new benchmark for the future of high-performance SUVs.

Audi RS Q8 SUV

• Power: 600PS
• Torque: 800Nm (2,200 - 4,500rpm)
• 0-62mph: 3.8 seconds
• Top Speed: 155mph (electronically limited)
• Twin-turbocharged, eight-cylinder engine
• Permanent quattro all-wheel drive
• Eight-speed tiptronic with faster shifting times
• Self-locking centre differential
• Adaptive air suspension sport with controlled damping
• Electromechanical active roll stabilization (eAWS)
• All-wheel steering with high-torque electric spindle drive
• New front apron with striking air intakes
• Distinctive honeycomb structure in the large singleframe
• Two oval tailpipes with diffuser and reflector in the rear
• HD Matrix LED headlights with Audi laser light
• Five digital daytime running light signatures
• Digitalized OLED rear lights with proximity indication feature
• Standard 22-inch 10-spoke light-alloy wheels (295/40 tyres)
• Optional 23-inch light-alloy wheels in various finishes
• RS braking system with ventilated composite brake discs
• 10-piston brake caliper system on the front axle
• Various paint finishes, including metallic options: Sakhir Gold, Ascari Blue, Chili Red
• RS design packages in red, grey, or blue (exclusive to the performance model)
• Perforated sports seats with honeycomb stitching
• Decorative inlays in aluminium with Race Anthracite, matte Carbon Twill, or Grey Oak

Audi RS Q8 SUV Performance

• Power: 640PS
• Torque: 850Nm (2,200 - 4,500rpm)
• 0-62mph: 3.6 seconds
• Top Speed: 174mph
• Twin-turbocharged, eight-cylinder engine
• Lighter RS sport exhaust system with sportier sound
• Permanent quattro all-wheel drive
• Eight-speed tiptronic with faster shifting times
• Self-locking centre differential
• Adaptive air suspension sport with controlled damping
• Electromechanical active roll stabilization (eAWS)
• All-wheel steering with high-torque electric spindle drive
• Matte grey front apron elements
• Matte carbon exterior mirrors and rear diffuser
• HD Matrix LED headlights with Audi laser light
• Five digital daytime running light signatures
• Digitalized OLED rear lights with proximity indication feature
• Standard 22-inch 10-spoke light-alloy wheels (295/40 tyres)
• Optional 23-inch light-alloy wheels with high-tech forging and milling process
• RS ceramic brakes with 440mm front and 370mm rear discs
• Brake calipers available in red as an option
• Exclusive blue RS design package
• Seat belts in Ocean Blue
• Steering wheel covered with Alcantara
• Selector lever knob and centre console blade in Dinamica microfiber
• Decorative inlays available in diagonal brushed black aluminium
• Additional special features: Entrance LED projecting “RS performance”
• 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus with shift light indicator and Launch Control symbols