Yahoo Autos 2025 Audi RS Q8 Performance with 631 HP Encroaches on the Lamborghini Urus
The 2025 Audi RS Q8 receives a refresh that brings a new top-tier Performance model with 631 hp, which encroaches on the 657-hp nonhybrid Lamborghini Urus.
Along with 40 extra horsepower, the new RS Q8 Performance has a specially tuned air suspension, standard carbon-ceramic brakes, and optional 23-inch forged wheels.
While today's news only covers the European version, we expect U.S. details such as pricing to be announced in the coming months.
The Audi RS Q8 and Lamborghini Urus have always shared a twin-turbo V-8, but the Italian-badged SUV has maintained a sizable power advantage—until now, at least. For 2025, the RS Q8 receives more than a mild makeover, it also introduces a new top-of-the-line Performance model that packs 631 horsepower, which is 40 more than the regular RS Q8 and now just 26 fewer than the 657-hp nonhybrid Urus. Of course, the new plug-in-hybrid Urus with 789 hp maintains the status quo.
Meet the Audi RS Q8 Performance
The 2025 Audi RS Q8 still comes standard with Quattro all-wheel drive, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8. That engine continues to make 591 horses and 590 pound-feet of torque on the regular RS Q8. Upgrading to the Performance model nets a new exhaust system that Audi says is lighter, louder, and reduces back pressure, which in turn increases peak output to 631 ponies and 627 pound-feet. An even more intense soundtrack is accessible with the optional RS sport exhaust.
The RS Q8 Performance is claimed to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds; the last RS Q8 we tested did the deed in 3.2 ticks, so we wouldn't be surprised to see a sub-3.0-second run. Along with the power bump, the Performance variant shares a height-adjustable air suspension with the regular RS Q8, albeit with revised tuning. Both models have standard 48-volt anti-roll bars and four-wheel steering that improves agility and stability by allowing the rear wheels to rotate up to 1.5 degrees.
Along with the standard 22-inch wheels, the RS Q8 Perfomance can be optioned with larger 23-inch forged wheels. Audi claims the bigger rollers reduce unsprung mass by about 44 pounds total. Braking duties are handled by 10-piston front calipers, and a set of carbon-ceramic rotors measuring 17.3 inches up front and 14.6 inches out back are available on the RS Q8 and standard on the Performance.
The RS Q8 Gets Restyled
The Audi RS Q8 adopts a revised front end that features a new bumper with more prominent air intakes. The grille gets a new mesh design that looks more porous than before, and each honeycomb cell takes on a three-dimensional shape. The grille's bezel is bolder too. The Performance model's alone has a matte appearance that distinguishes it from the regular RS Q8.
The SUV also adopts the Matrix LED headlights found on the recently refreshed Audi Q8, and an HD set with high-beam laser lights are an option. The daytime running lights also have five different signatures to choose from, including one that resembles a checkered flag. The RS Q8 dons OLED taillights for the first time, and they also have five selectable light signatures.
The Performance trim has different standard paint colors and exterior trim, with the side mirrors, front spoiler, and rear diffuser all painted matte gray. For extra coin, those bits can be ordered in matte carbon or glossy black.
Inside, Audi offers a choice of red or gray RS design packages. The chosen color becomes the contrast stitching on the center console, floor mats, seat belts, and the seats themselves. The RS Q8's steering wheel, shifter, and the sides of the center console are wrapped in racy microsuede. That material can be extended to more surfaces such as the door panels and center armrests with the RS design package plus, which also comes in two color choices, with the chosen one showing through the center of the perforated seats and coloring the embossed RS logo on the seatbacks.
Just like the regular RS Q8, the Performance model has a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster that Audi calls the "Virtual Cockpit," only it adds an exclusive shift-light indicator when in manual mode.
So far, Audi has only revealed details about the European RS Q8, which goes on sale this month, but we expect to get U.S. information in the coming months. We'll likely learn about pricing at that time. The outgoing 2024 Audi RS Q8 started at $126,995.
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