Audi RS Q8

The Audi RS Q8 Performance is the full-blown performance version of Audi’s flagship SUV, the Q8. With sportier cosmetic tweaks, RS-specific (sportier) details, and a thoroughly revised powertrain, the RS Q8 performance offers the same luxury of the standard SUV, but combines sheer performance and dynamic abilities within the package to offer a proper performance luxury SUV experience. The highlight of the package is the twin-turbo V8 engine, which is shared with a Lamborghini, making it the most powerful internal combustion Audi on sale at the moment.

• The 2025 Audi RS Q8 performance retains the standard Q8’s elegance, but dials up the sporty quotient with its subtle, yet sharper details.

• It looks dominating and brawny with its wide gaping grille and air curtains.

• The sleek LED headlights have four different LED patterns, which can be customised as per preference.

• The dynamic lighting sequence of the HD matrix LED headlights looks genuinely cool at night.

• The performance version gets 23-inch alloys, and houses ceramic disks that are bigger than the alloy wheels of a Hyundai Creta (17-inch).

• The sloping silhouette remains similar to the standard vehicle, and looks really sporty.

• At the rear, the reworked diffuser element with the big dual circular exhaust pipes adds to the sporty feels.

• I like how the RS Q8 has understated looks, because it definitely doesn’t look nearly as ferocious as it actually is.

Design & Quality

• While the basic cabin layout of the RS Q8 remains identical to the standard Q8, Audi has made a few tweaks to add some sporty flavour.

• The RS-specific steering wheel wrapped in Alcantara, the sports seat, red accents and ambient lighting, and the carbon fibre inserts make it feel special.

• The quality is what you’d expect from a flagship SUV - top notch. All touchpoints are soft, buttons have a reassuring feel and even the touchscreen has haptic feedback.

• While the two screen setup in the centre of the dashboard looks premium, I feel the screen for climate control could’ve been physical buttons or knobs for easier use while on the go.

Driving Position

• With powered seat and steering adjust, finding an ideal driving position, be it comfortable or sporty, is super easy in the Audi RS Q8.

• The perforated seats are well cushioned and provide good side support. The space here is good enough for tall as well as wide people.

• Memory settings for the seats will be appreciated if you have multiple family members driving the vehicle.

Passenger Comfort

• I really like the breadth of adjustments on offer for the seats. Apart from the usual slide and recline, you get adjustable seat height, thigh, and lumbar supports.

• The rear seats offer ample space for two six footers to sit one behind the other.

• While not expansive, the space is adequate in all other parameters, even for a tall person.

• Rear passengers will appreciate the sun blinds, dedicated climate control with vents that aren’t just in the centre, but also on the B-pillars, and the ash trays in the door armrests.

• You do get a central headrest, but it’s best to use the Audi RS Q8 as a four-seater for maximum comfort. 

Storage Options

• The RS Q8’s cabin offers quite a number of storage options, especially for a fast sports SUV.

• For your bottles and coffee cups, there’s pockets in the doors and cupholders in the central tunnel, respectively.

• I like the neat socket between the two cupholders, which perfectly holds the key in place.

• There is a small storage underneath the central armrest for your phone, while the glovebox can be used to store your knick knacks.

• Rear passengers don’t get proper seat back pockets, but just a net to hold your phone in place. There are two cupholders in the rear armrest as well.

Features

• The 2025 Audi RS Q8 packs all the equipment found in the standard Q8, which means the vehicle is loaded with pretty much every modern-day feature you can think of.

• The 12.3-inch infotainment system has bright and crisp graphics. But the user interface is a little hard to understand and navigate, especially if you haven’t used Audi’s systems before.

• The digital driver’s display is highly customisable and relays a lot of information. The graphics are crisp here as well. Also features an RS-specific layout with exclusive graphics.

• The head-up display is well integrated and even gets RS-specific graphics.

• The 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system offers an immersive experience. Can be upgraded to a 23-speaker setup as well.

• A few other highlighting features include heated and ventilated front seats with massaging function, auto IRVM, type-C charging ports, 4-zone climate control, and a 360-degree camera.

• The 2025 Audi RS Q8 gets a bunch of safety features, including multiple airbags, active roll stabilisation, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) features including adaptive cruise control and night vision assistance.  

• While the RS version of the Q8 hasn’t been crash tested, the standard car had secured a five star rating from Euro NCAP in 2019.

• 605-litres of on-paper boot space has plenty of area for a full suitcase set along with multiple duffle bags.

• Folding the three-part rear seats opens up 1755-litres of stowage area, which can be used to store larger items.

Engine

• The Audi RS Q8 performance uses the same 4-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 found in the Lamborghini Urus. 

• It is paired to a Quattro all-wheel drivetrain, which is geared by a 8-speed torque converter automatic gearbox.

• 0-100kmph comes up in 3.6 seconds (claimed), while the top speed is 305kmph.

• The engine is super responsive and the acceleration is aggressive.

• Despite the massive power output, it is rather easy to drive in the city where it doesn’t make any sudden movements or jerks.

• I loved the torque converter automatic transmission’s smoothness in regular drives, and its razor sharp reactions and gear changes in the more enthusiastic drives.

• Highway cruising is effortless and even in comfort mode, it drops gears instantly for that quick overtake.

Ride & handling

• The ride quality is surprisingly good for something that is so sporty and rides on 23-inch wheels.

• Body movement is controlled even over non-existent roads.

• It encourages you to drive it quickly around a fast corner, and I was really impressed with its almost physics-defying levels of grip and composure 

• It masks speed so well that you’d almost forget the size of the car and the actual speed that you’re doing.

• Braking performance is phenomenal with the ceramic brakes, where it sheds off speeds quickly and does so without losing its composure.

• The ride quality is surprisingly good for something that is so sporty and rides on 23-inch wheels.

• Body movement is controlled even over non-existent roads.

• It encourages you to drive it quickly around a fast corner, and I was really impressed with its almost physics-defying levels of grip and composure 

• It masks speed so well that you’d almost forget the size of the car and the actual speed that you’re doing.

• Braking performance is phenomenal with the ceramic brakes, where it sheds off speeds quickly and does so without losing its composure.

• The Audi RS Q8 is available in a single Performance variant in India.

The Audi RS Q8 Performance rewrites the laws of physics, while retaining all the appreciable qualities of a standard Q8 like luxury, features and technology. If you want a single car in the house that can do all the family chores with comfort, but can also be a maniac when you want to channel your inner petrolhead, then the RS Q8 Performance will impress you. And lest you forget, there’s a Lamborghini engine under the hood for nearly 2 crores less cash, so it’s rather value for money too!

Other cars to consider

Lamborghini Urus

Reasons to consider

• Looks and feels more aggressive

• Sportier exhaust note

• Gets a plug-in hybrid option

Reasons to ignore

• More expensive

• Might be over-the-top for some people

Aston Martin DBX

Reasons to consider

• Feels more special 

Reasons to ignore

• More expensive

BMW XM

Reasons to consider

• Looks more aggressive

• Plug-in hybrid powertrain is more efficient 

Reasons to ignore

• Not as dynamic around a corner

• Bold looks might be extreme for some