Audi RS Q8 Performance Review: The World’s Fastest SUV Just Got Even More Insane

When Audi’s RS division builds something, it’s never subtle. And when it builds its most powerful petrol-powered production car ever, subtlety is completely off the table. Enter the 2025/2026 Audi RS Q8 Performance — an SUV that doesn’t just challenge supercars, but humiliates them, all while carrying five adults in absolute luxury.

Holding the title of the fastest production SUV around the Nürburgring, the RS Q8 Performance is Audi’s ultimate statement that internal combustion engines are going out with a bang, not a whisper.

So what makes this monster SUV so special? Let’s break it down.

Audi RS Q8 Performance: Quick Overview

The RS Q8 Performance sits at the absolute top of Audi’s SUV lineup — above the standard Q8 and even the regular RS Q8.

Key Highlights

Most powerful ICE Audi ever
Nürburgring SUV lap record holder
Twin-turbo V8 + quattro AWD
Launched in India in February 2025
Ultra-luxury + extreme performance combo

This isn’t just a fast SUV — it’s a four-door supercar in disguise.

Engine & Performance: A V8 Masterpiece

At the heart of the RS Q8 Performance is a roaring, twin-turbocharged V8 that represents the peak of Audi Sport engineering.

Powertrain Specifications

Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol
Power Output: 631 bhp (640 PS)
Torque: 850 Nm
Transmission: 8-speed Tiptronic automatic
Drivetrain: Permanent quattro all-wheel drive

This engine is shared with some of the most exotic performance cars in the Volkswagen Group, but tuned here to deliver SUV-defying brutality.

Acceleration & Top Speed: Supercar Numbers

Despite weighing well over two tonnes, the RS Q8 Performance moves like a missile.

Performance Figures

0–100 km/h: 3.6 seconds
0–60 mph (US spec): 3.4 seconds
Top Speed:
- 250 km/h (standard)
- 305 km/h with performance package

That’s faster than many dedicated sports cars — while sitting higher than most city traffic.

Nürburgring Record: Fastest SUV on the Planet

The RS Q8 Performance cemented its legend status by setting the fastest production SUV lap time at the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

Lap Time

7 minutes 36.698 seconds

This isn’t a marketing gimmick — it’s proof that Audi engineered this SUV to dominate real-world performance, not just straight-line speed.

Chassis & Handling: Physics-Defying Engineering

What truly separates the RS Q8 Performance from regular fast SUVs is how it handles corners.

Suspension & Dynamics

RS-tuned adaptive air suspension
Ride height adjustment of up to 3.5 inches
All-wheel steering for agility
Mechanical center differential
Quattro rear sport differential

Active Roll Stabilization (eAWS)

Using electric motors on both axles, Audi drastically reduces body roll — making the RS Q8 feel shockingly flat through corners.

Braking: Supercar-Level Stopping Power

Power is useless without control — and Audi didn’t cut corners here.

Braking Hardware

Ceramic brakes (standard)
Front: 420 mm
Rear: 370 mm

These brakes provide:

Fade-free performance
Massive stopping confidence
Track-ready endurance

This is serious motorsport-grade equipment.

Exterior Design: Aggression with Elegance

Audi has subtly sharpened the RS Q8 Performance’s looks to match its capabilities.

Exterior Highlights

Larger Singleframe honeycomb grille
Massive air intakes
Redesigned RS bumpers
Matrix LED headlights with customizable signatures
Digital OLED taillights with animation

Wheels

Standard 22-inch alloy wheels
Optional 23-inch forged wheels — massive and intimidating

It looks powerful even when standing still.

Interior: Luxury Meets Motorsport DNA

Step inside, and you’re reminded this is still an Audi — just one with a racing heartbeat.

Cabin Highlights

Valcona leather RS sport seats
Heating, ventilation & optional massage
RS-specific contrast stitching (red or blue)
Alcantara trim elements

Driver-Focused Cockpit

12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus
RS-specific performance displays
Dual MMI screens:
- 10.1-inch infotainment
- 8.6-inch climate control

Everything feels solid, premium, and purpose-built.

Technology & Infotainment: Cutting-Edge Audi DNA

Audi packs the RS Q8 Performance with tech befitting its flagship status.

Tech Features

RS-specific drive modes
Performance telemetry displays
Navigation with real-time data
Wireless smartphone integration

Sound System

Optional Bang & Olufsen 3D Advanced Sound System
23 speakers
Concert-hall audio quality

Even at triple-digit speeds, the cabin remains refined and quiet.

Daily Usability: A Supercar You Can Live With

What makes the RS Q8 Performance special is its dual personality.

Why It Works as a Daily SUV

Comfortable ride in Comfort mode
Adjustable suspension for speed breakers
Spacious rear seats
Large boot for luggage

Then switch to RS mode, and it transforms into a track weapon.

India Launch & Pricing

Audi has already launched the RS Q8 Performance in India.

Pricing

India Price: ₹2.49 crore (ex-showroom)
US Price: ~$136,000–138,000

This places it above most luxury SUVs — but also above them in performance.

Who Should Buy the Audi RS Q8 Performance?

This SUV is for buyers who:

Want supercar performance with SUV practicality
Value engineering over badge hype
Want the last great V8 era Audi
Need luxury, comfort, and extreme speed in one package

Final Verdict: The Ultimate Petrol SUV Before Electrification Takes Over

The Audi RS Q8 Performance isn’t just fast — it’s a celebration of everything enthusiasts love about high-performance internal combustion engines.

It delivers:

Record-breaking performance
Track-ready handling
Daily usability
Audi’s legendary luxury

In an era moving rapidly toward EVs, this SUV stands as a glorious, thunderous farewell to V8 excess.