Audi releases the fastest SUV around the ring with the RS Q8

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When SUVs started to outsell cars I never thought I’d see so many performance models. When the Italian exotics released SUVs, I figured that was the end of it—we could go no further. Audi has come along and shown that not only is there a market for them, but they can sprint around the Nordschleife faster than the hero cars of my childhood.

The Audi RS badge has been a halo on their most famous models. Currently, the darling for me has been the RS6 because who doesn’t love a blisteringly fast wagon?! This RS Q8 is something I never thought they’d build. But they did and it’s already been five years since its launch. For 2025, we’re getting a new version with three trim levels. 

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There is the standard RS Q8, which is nothing to scoff at, then there is the Performance which adds more power, ceramic brakes, and matte grey exterior details to set it apart. Both the standard and Performance can option the electromechanical active roll stabilization (eAWS) which reduces the lateral movements via a 48-volt lithium battery and an electric motor connected to both axles with a stabilizer. On top of that, there is the dynamic package plus that increases the top speed to 305km/189mph and adds the eAWS and quattro sport differential.

All the technical wizardry allows the RS Q8 and its Quattro all-wheel drive, 8-speed Tiptronic automatic mated with a 631hp twin turbo V-8 to sprint to 100km/62mph in 3.6 seconds in the performance trim. The standard car does the same test in 3.8 seconds with slightly less 592hp. If the speed doesn’t sound loud enough for you either, you can opt for the RS sport exhaust and glossy black exhaust tips.

On the outside you can get trick Matrix LED headlights, the performance having darker bezels to distinguish it from the standard trim. Out around back there will be OLED taillights with five digital light signatures. You can get individual paint finishes for the car but for the metallic colors, you’ll have the unique options of Sakhir Gold, Ascari Blue, and Chili Red. Red, grey, and blue RS trim colors with contrasting stitching are available on the interior.

Six seconds is the gap between the old RS Q8 and this new one. It achieved a time of 7:36.698 minutes at the ring, besting the previous fastest production SUV by two seconds. Starting prices at $151,987 USD and topping out with the performance at $166,768, orders can be placed in two days! 

– M. T. Blake

(IG @_mtblake / www.mtblake.net)

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