Audi Bolstering SUV Lineup With 631-Horsepower RS Q8 Performance
Electrification may have recently allowed Audi to introduce its most powerful production vehicle ever, but internal combustion engines are far from finished yet.
For 2025, the sporty RS Q8 sitting at the top of the SUV lineup adds a performance model that increases output from 591 horsepower to 631 horsepower, something no other ICE-powered Audi has ever achieved. Peak torque is increased from 590 lb-ft to 627 lb-ft, and as a result, acceleration from 0-100 km/h is two tenths of a second quicker at 3.6 seconds.
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The company will happily tell you that the RS Q8 performance is the fastest SUV on the Nürburgring's Nordschleife. Racing and development driver Frank Stippler completed the 20.832-km track in just 7:36.698 minutes.
All RS Q8 models come standard with a specifically tuned adaptive air suspension enabling a ride height adjustment up to 90 mm. Optional electromechanical active roll stabilization significantly minimizes lateral movements of the body by placing a compact electric motor between the two halves of the stabilizer.
The RS Q8 performance further stands out with standard ceramic brakes featuring larger 440mm discs up front. Those are optional on the regular RS Q8.
The cosmetic revisions for 2025 include a new front fascia with striking air intakes and a distinctive, 3D-style honeycomb structure. The tailpipes in the rear receive a different treatment, as well. Incidentally, the newly developed, lighter exhaust system is largely responsible for the power increase and it simultaneously delivers a more evocative sound.
HD Matrix LED headlights with Audi laser light technology as an additional high beam are optionally available. A darkened bezel visually distinguishes the top model from the base model. There’s a selection of 22- and 23-inch wheels, plus three new body colours including Sakhir Gold, Ascari Blue and Chili Red. Oh, and many trim pieces on the RS Q8 performance are matte grey instead of black.
Inside the sporty cabin, customers have a choice of red, grey or blue RS design packages, the last one exclusive to the most powerful Q8. Furthermore, the 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus features a shift light indicator in manual mode that changes the rpm display from green to yellow to red, flashing in a manner identical to that used in motorsports to indicate the optimal time to change gears.
Details for the Canadian market, including prices, will be announced at a later date.