Table of Contents
Pros
- Great performance
- Comfortable and Luxurious
- Practical daily car
Cons
- Expensive
- Gas Guzzler
The 2025 Audi RS Q8 Performance is a masterclass in balancing brute force with refined luxury, offering a compelling alternative to its more flamboyant cousin, the Lamborghini Urus. While both share the same Volkswagen Group DNA, the RS Q8 carves its own identity—less ostentatious, yet equally potent.
First Impressions
The moment you approach the 2025 Audi RS Q8, it’s clear you’re not dealing with an ordinary SUV. The bold color, paired with contrasting blacked-out trim and red RS brake calipers, give the car a purpose-built, no-nonsense attitude that strikes a balance between luxury and aggression.
The shape of the RS Q8 reflects its dual personality. It’s unmistakably a large SUV, yet Audi has sculpted its lines to give it a coupé-like silhouette. The sloping roof line, muscular shoulders, and angular creases along the body add to its assertiveness without over-complicating the design. From the front, the massive gloss-black Singleframe grille, flanked by angular LED matrix headlights and gaping air intakes, makes a strong visual statement. It looks wide, planted, and ready to pounce—more like a sports car on stilts than a family hauler.
There’s an undeniable sense of restrained menace to the RS Q8. Unlike the Lamborghini Urus, which shouts for attention, the Audi whispers confidence—knowing it has the hardware to back up its looks. It’s the kind of SUV that turns heads, not because it’s flashy, but because it exudes capability and intent.
The Exterior
The RS Q8’s design is a study in controlled aggression. The wide stance, coupled with flared wheel arches and massive 22-inch alloy wheels, hints at the performance capabilities beneath. At the rear, a subtle spoiler and oval exhaust outlets complete the sporty aesthetic. While it shares its platform with the Urus, the RS Q8 opts for a more understated approach, appealing to those who prefer sophistication over flamboyance.
The Interior
The interior of the 2025 Audi RS Q8 strikes a fine balance between luxury and performance. From the moment you step in, you’re met with a cabin that feels both sophisticated and purposeful. Audi’s attention to detail is evident throughout—from the leather RS sport seats with contrast stitching to the carbon fiber or brushed aluminum trim that subtly nods to the car’s motorsport heritage.
The layout is clean and tech-forward. A dual-screen MMI touch response system dominates the center console, offering haptic feedback and crisp visuals for infotainment and climate control. Just ahead, the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus delivers customizable, high-resolution graphics, including RS-specific performance readouts that shift dynamically with drive modes.
Despite its aggressive nature, the RS Q8 is built for comfort. The seats are supportive and feature heating, cooling, and optional massage, while the rear passengers enjoy generous legroom and reclining seatbacks
There’s ample cargo space, clever storage, and easy access to the flat boot area—making it an SUV that works just as hard during everyday life as it does on the weekend twisties.
The Driving Experience
Under the hood lies a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, producing 631 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque in the Performance variant. This powerplant propels the SUV from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds . Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system ensures optimal traction, while the adaptive air suspension and electromechanical active roll stabilization provide exceptional handling and ride comfort. Rear-wheel steering enhances maneuverability, making the RS Q8 feel agile despite its size. On the Nürburgring, the RS Q8 Performance set a record lap time of 7:36.698 minutes, showcasing its prowess on the track .MotorTrend+3MotorTrend+3Top Gear India+3
Conclusion
The 2025 Audi RS Q8 Performance stands as a testament to Audi’s commitment to blending performance, luxury, and practicality. It offers a more understated alternative to the Lamborghini Urus, without sacrificing performance. For those seeking a high-performance SUV that doesn’t compromise on comfort or style, the RS Q8 is a compelling choice.
