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10-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
2025 Audi RSQ8 Performance review
Audi RSQ8 Pros Audi RSQ8 Cons The most powerful production Audi with a combustion engine isn't the R8 supercar, nor the stonking RS6 Avant super wagon. Actually, it's this – the 2025 Audi RSQ8 performance. Based on the flagship Q8 large luxury SUV, the RSQ8 performance has the most powerful combustion engine ever fitted to a series production Audi, and it's also the fastest SUV around the famed Nürburgring Nordschleife, with a verified lap time of 7:36.698 minutes. It's no small feat, given the Audi RSQ8 shares its Volkswagen Group MLB evo underpinnings with the likes of the Porsche Cayenne and Lamborghini Urus. And it beat the Cayenne Turbo GT around the 'Green Hell' by more than two seconds. At the heart of the RSQ8 performance is its beefed-up powertrain, with the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with 48V mild-hybrid assistance massaged to deliver 471kW of power (+30kW) and 850Nm of torque, which is enough for Audi to claim a 0-100km/h acceleration time of just 3.6 seconds (-0.2s), making it one of the world's quickest SUVs bar none. While the asking price has risen substantially, a number of equipment items included with the new RSQ8 performance were previously options on the pre-facelift RSQ8 to go with the boosted drivetrain – namely the carbon-ceramic brakes, which previously formed part of the optional $19,500 'RS dynamic package plus' pack. So if you're in the market for a properly fast luxury car that can cart the whole family around affluent suburbs, is the RSQ8 performance your best bet? We attended the Australian media launch to find out… The Audi RSQ8 performance is priced from $255,800 plus on-road costs, making it a smidgen under $25,000 dearer than the just-announced non-'performance' RSQ8 that has been confirmed for Australian release later this year. Compared to the pre-facelifted model, the 'standard' RSQ8 is about $2000 pricier than before, but it also brings the enhanced equipment levels applied across the updated Q8 range. To see how the Audi RSQ8 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool If you like the interior of the standard Q8, you'll feel pretty at home here. Save for the RS-specific front sports seats and flashes of available carbon twill trim inserts, it's very much the same tactile, attractive and premium-finished cabin from the base Q8. The front seats offer full electric adjustment with memory presets, as well as heating and ventilation. Opt for the Sensory package ($9700) and you'll get massaging front seats alongside a suede headliner and a thumping 23-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D premium sound system. As standard, the Australian-spec RSQ8 performance gets the extended leather package, which applies fine Nappa leather trim across interior surfaces like the dashboard and upper instrument panel. Lower elements like the door armrests and centre console inlays are finished in regular leather. The lovely Valcona leather upholstery on the seats looks and feels suitably high-end and, as you'd expect, the stitching and perforation details are top-notch. Ahead of the driver are the usual 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit (instrument cluster) and 10.1-inch MMI touch (infotainment) digital displays, which are more integrated and conventional than the free-standing tablet-style displays from rival brands. I personally love Audi's approach, from the configurable virtual dials to the retro line-bar tachometer and speedometer readouts, as well as the clicky haptic feedback you get from the central display, and the 8.0-inch touchscreen below it which acts as a climate control hub. While the overall setup and interface hasn't changed much, the revised Q8 range gets new menus including a real-time driver assistance display, RS performance-specific virtual cockpit layouts, and a new homescreen for the MMI touch navigation display which also now offers app integration. It may not be as flashy as the multimedia systems from BMW or Mercedes-Benz, but there's next to no learning curve required here. I will say, however, that the low-set climate controls aren't in the best position if you want to actually look where you're pressing. We didn't spend much time in the second row, but being a full-size SUV that rides on a 2998mm wheelbase (slightly shorter than the standard Q8) pays dividends if you're transporting fully grown adults often. Like its platform mates – think Audi Q7, Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne – the Audi Q8 easily accommodates above average-size humans (like 6'1″ me) and offers plenty of knee and leg room, as well as sufficient headroom despite the tapered rear roofline. Standard amenities in the rear include a third zone of climate control with directional air vents, a pair of USB-C chargers with a 12V outlet, and netted pockets on the front seat backs. You can also slide and recline the rear seats for added comfort, and also extend the cargo area should you need the extra load-lugging capacity. Speaking of which, the Audi RSQ8 performance offers the same 605 litres of boot space as the standard Q8 with the second row in place, expanding to 1755 litres when they're folded. The cargo area is nice and square, and there's no hump between the floor and seat backs when they're stowed. All variants come with a space-saver spare wheel under the boot floor, too. To see how the Audi RSQ8 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The RSQ8 performance gets a more powerful version of the mild-hybrid 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 fitted to the 'standard' RSQ8 as well as other Audi RS models like the RS6 and RS7. To see how the Audi RSQ8 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool I've always said the Q8 and, better still, the RSQ8 would be my dream 'dad car' if I'm ever fortunate enough to have kids and enough money to be shopping at this end of the market. Firing up the RSQ8 performance brings you a sinister growl amplified by the standard RS sports exhaust system and the fact the 'performance' spec removes about 5kg of sound deadening material from the rear-end to allow more of that glorious V8 note into the cabin. We drove the RSQ8 from Brisbane Airport through to Kilcoy, about 100km northwest, over a mix of highways and winding B-roads, via a stop-off at Lakeside Raceway to do some 0-100km/h acceleration testing of both the RSQ8 and the new RS e-tron GT performance. On the freeway, the RSQ8 performance is surprisingly calm and collected despite its massive 23-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero rubber. In its 'balanced' drive mode it strikes a nice… erm… balance between comfort and control, and even on coarser bitumen the tyres don't make much of a racket. The lighter steering weight makes this hulking 5022mm-long, 2007mm-wide go-fast family hauler pretty easy to manoeuvre in daily settings, and the clever adaptive cruise assist function centres the vehicle within its lane while keeping a set distance from the car in front – taking the load off extended stints on the open road. The roads around Lakeside Raceway are winding, leafy B-roads that gave us a good chance to get a feel for the RSQ8's impressive dynamic abilities. Really, I don't know how Audi Sport's engineers have done it, given this vehicle weighs a claimed 2350kg unladen. To put this into simpler terms that the majority would better understand, it's like selecting Bowser in Mario Kart but getting the dynamics of Toad. It's astonishing how well the RSQ8 performance grips up and changes direction. There's a lot of tech wizardry underneath, like the 48V anti-roll system and rear-wheel steering, but the sheer mechanical grip that comes from the massive 295/35 tyres is immense. The big, fast Audi could benefit from more steering feedback, which is arguably what usually separates the brand's products from the Porsche stable, but while it's not super communicative it's certainly quick and accurate. I'd also like a little more weight as it feels a touch over-assisted. On the makeshift dragstrip on Lakeside's main straight I couldn't quite match the electric RS e-tron GT's acceleration in the V8-engined RSQ8, but boy does this thing get moving in a straight line – and wow, the noise! The reduced rear sound deadening really does let more exhaust note into the cabin, and who doesn't love the rumbling bellow of a German V8 combustion engine. All-paw grip gets it off the line very quickly, and Audi's 3.6-second claim from 0-100km/h is nothing to sneeze at. It's a similar story in the bends as mentioned before, with the RSQ8 performance able to muscle itself out of corners and blast towards the horizon or the next bend faster than you can say 'oh mein Gott!' The air suspension hunkers down in dynamic mode and stiffens the dampers, making this a surprisingly capable corner-carver. Some parts of physics refuse to go away, however. As hard as the clever chassis tries, it can't fully mask the sheer weight of this thing during hard cornering, where the elevated driving position further amplifies the weight transfer. As noted earlier, Audi's technological know-how is evident in the driver assistance systems, which are both easy to use and intuitive in their execution. The aforementioned adaptive cruise assist makes this feel like any other Q8 on the highway, and the standard 360-degree parking cameras with 3D projection means you won't fret about scratching those gorgeous rims. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic assist also aid over-the-shoulder visibility, which is somewhat impeded by the Q8's Sportback rear pillar design. It also has an automated parking assistant, if you're game. To see how the Audi RSQ8 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The Audi RSQ8 performance builds on the already comprehensive specification of the base RSQ8. 2025 Audi RSQ8 equipment highlights: RSQ8 performance adds: To see how the Audi RSQ8 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool A number of option packages are available with the Audi RSQ8 performance. Sensory package: $9700 Matte carbon and black exterior styling package: $9800 RS design package plus – grey, red or blue: $4100 Single-item options include: To see how the Audi RSQ8 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The Audi Q8 has a five-star safety ANCAP safety rating, though this applies only to 3.0-litre petrol and diesel models and is based on testing conducted in 2019. Standard safety equipment includes: To see how the Audi RSQ8 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool Like the wider Audi range, the RSQ8 and RSQ8 performance are covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. In addition to the five-year 'Service Plan', the company also offers 'Audi Advantage' packages which tack on two years of additional coverage to the warranty, service plan and roadside assistance for an upfront fee. For the Audi RSQ8, where eligible*, the two-year Audi Advantage extension costs an additional $5720. *If your vehicle is under eight years of age and travelled less than 120,000km **Price shown for pre-update RSQ8 To see how the Audi RSQ8 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The Q8 and SQ8 are already lovely examples of the large premium SUV breed, but the RSQ8 can only be described as an outstanding feat of engineering. A quarter of a million dollars buys you a 'sports' SUV that hammers hard in a straight line and can actually go around a bend. Of course, that's selling this car a little short – it's faster than any other SUV around the 'Ring, so you could really tear up a track in one of these if you really wanted to. While $255,000 is quite a lot of money, the RSQ8 performance is still a relative bargain when you consider rivals from other brands – including some based on the same underpinnings. The Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT? It costs $375,000 and it's slower around the Nurburgring (duh). Lamborghini Urus? More expensive again! The BMW X5 M Competition is admittedly $10,000 more affordable, though the hulking Mercedes-AMG GLE63 is $20,000 dearer. And if $255k is a little steep for you, Audi will soon offer the regular RSQ8 with only a little less grunt and without some of the track-capable equipment, for $25,000 less. It's otherwise got the same general look and all the creature comforts, and what's 0.2 seconds between friends anyway? All told, the RSQ8 performance may not have quite the enthusiast's appeal of an RS6 Avant, but boy you could do a lot worse if you're lucky enough to be shopping at this end of the market. Interested in buying an Audi RSQ8? Let CarExpert find you the best deal hereMORE: Explore the Audi RSQ8 showroom Content originally sourced from: RSQ8 Pros Audi RSQ8 Cons The most powerful production Audi with a combustion engine isn't the R8 supercar, nor the stonking RS6 Avant super wagon. Actually, it's this – the 2025 Audi RSQ8 performance. Based on the flagship Q8 large luxury SUV, the RSQ8 performance has the most powerful combustion engine ever fitted to a series production Audi, and it's also the fastest SUV around the famed Nürburgring Nordschleife, with a verified lap time of 7:36.698 minutes. It's no small feat, given the Audi RSQ8 shares its Volkswagen Group MLB evo underpinnings with the likes of the Porsche Cayenne and Lamborghini Urus. And it beat the Cayenne Turbo GT around the 'Green Hell' by more than two seconds. At the heart of the RSQ8 performance is its beefed-up powertrain, with the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with 48V mild-hybrid assistance massaged to deliver 471kW of power (+30kW) and 850Nm of torque, which is enough for Audi to claim a 0-100km/h acceleration time of just 3.6 seconds (-0.2s), making it one of the world's quickest SUVs bar none. While the asking price has risen substantially, a number of equipment items included with the new RSQ8 performance were previously options on the pre-facelift RSQ8 to go with the boosted drivetrain – namely the carbon-ceramic brakes, which previously formed part of the optional $19,500 'RS dynamic package plus' pack. So if you're in the market for a properly fast luxury car that can cart the whole family around affluent suburbs, is the RSQ8 performance your best bet? We attended the Australian media launch to find out… The Audi RSQ8 performance is priced from $255,800 plus on-road costs, making it a smidgen under $25,000 dearer than the just-announced non-'performance' RSQ8 that has been confirmed for Australian release later this year. Compared to the pre-facelifted model, the 'standard' RSQ8 is about $2000 pricier than before, but it also brings the enhanced equipment levels applied across the updated Q8 range. To see how the Audi RSQ8 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool If you like the interior of the standard Q8, you'll feel pretty at home here. Save for the RS-specific front sports seats and flashes of available carbon twill trim inserts, it's very much the same tactile, attractive and premium-finished cabin from the base Q8. The front seats offer full electric adjustment with memory presets, as well as heating and ventilation. Opt for the Sensory package ($9700) and you'll get massaging front seats alongside a suede headliner and a thumping 23-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D premium sound system. As standard, the Australian-spec RSQ8 performance gets the extended leather package, which applies fine Nappa leather trim across interior surfaces like the dashboard and upper instrument panel. Lower elements like the door armrests and centre console inlays are finished in regular leather. The lovely Valcona leather upholstery on the seats looks and feels suitably high-end and, as you'd expect, the stitching and perforation details are top-notch. Ahead of the driver are the usual 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit (instrument cluster) and 10.1-inch MMI touch (infotainment) digital displays, which are more integrated and conventional than the free-standing tablet-style displays from rival brands. I personally love Audi's approach, from the configurable virtual dials to the retro line-bar tachometer and speedometer readouts, as well as the clicky haptic feedback you get from the central display, and the 8.0-inch touchscreen below it which acts as a climate control hub. While the overall setup and interface hasn't changed much, the revised Q8 range gets new menus including a real-time driver assistance display, RS performance-specific virtual cockpit layouts, and a new homescreen for the MMI touch navigation display which also now offers app integration. It may not be as flashy as the multimedia systems from BMW or Mercedes-Benz, but there's next to no learning curve required here. I will say, however, that the low-set climate controls aren't in the best position if you want to actually look where you're pressing. We didn't spend much time in the second row, but being a full-size SUV that rides on a 2998mm wheelbase (slightly shorter than the standard Q8) pays dividends if you're transporting fully grown adults often. Like its platform mates – think Audi Q7, Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne – the Audi Q8 easily accommodates above average-size humans (like 6'1″ me) and offers plenty of knee and leg room, as well as sufficient headroom despite the tapered rear roofline. Standard amenities in the rear include a third zone of climate control with directional air vents, a pair of USB-C chargers with a 12V outlet, and netted pockets on the front seat backs. You can also slide and recline the rear seats for added comfort, and also extend the cargo area should you need the extra load-lugging capacity. Speaking of which, the Audi RSQ8 performance offers the same 605 litres of boot space as the standard Q8 with the second row in place, expanding to 1755 litres when they're folded. The cargo area is nice and square, and there's no hump between the floor and seat backs when they're stowed. All variants come with a space-saver spare wheel under the boot floor, too. To see how the Audi RSQ8 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The RSQ8 performance gets a more powerful version of the mild-hybrid 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 fitted to the 'standard' RSQ8 as well as other Audi RS models like the RS6 and RS7. To see how the Audi RSQ8 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool I've always said the Q8 and, better still, the RSQ8 would be my dream 'dad car' if I'm ever fortunate enough to have kids and enough money to be shopping at this end of the market. Firing up the RSQ8 performance brings you a sinister growl amplified by the standard RS sports exhaust system and the fact the 'performance' spec removes about 5kg of sound deadening material from the rear-end to allow more of that glorious V8 note into the cabin. We drove the RSQ8 from Brisbane Airport through to Kilcoy, about 100km northwest, over a mix of highways and winding B-roads, via a stop-off at Lakeside Raceway to do some 0-100km/h acceleration testing of both the RSQ8 and the new RS e-tron GT performance. On the freeway, the RSQ8 performance is surprisingly calm and collected despite its massive 23-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero rubber. In its 'balanced' drive mode it strikes a nice… erm… balance between comfort and control, and even on coarser bitumen the tyres don't make much of a racket. The lighter steering weight makes this hulking 5022mm-long, 2007mm-wide go-fast family hauler pretty easy to manoeuvre in daily settings, and the clever adaptive cruise assist function centres the vehicle within its lane while keeping a set distance from the car in front – taking the load off extended stints on the open road. The roads around Lakeside Raceway are winding, leafy B-roads that gave us a good chance to get a feel for the RSQ8's impressive dynamic abilities. Really, I don't know how Audi Sport's engineers have done it, given this vehicle weighs a claimed 2350kg unladen. To put this into simpler terms that the majority would better understand, it's like selecting Bowser in Mario Kart but getting the dynamics of Toad. It's astonishing how well the RSQ8 performance grips up and changes direction. There's a lot of tech wizardry underneath, like the 48V anti-roll system and rear-wheel steering, but the sheer mechanical grip that comes from the massive 295/35 tyres is immense. The big, fast Audi could benefit from more steering feedback, which is arguably what usually separates the brand's products from the Porsche stable, but while it's not super communicative it's certainly quick and accurate. I'd also like a little more weight as it feels a touch over-assisted. On the makeshift dragstrip on Lakeside's main straight I couldn't quite match the electric RS e-tron GT's acceleration in the V8-engined RSQ8, but boy does this thing get moving in a straight line – and wow, the noise! The reduced rear sound deadening really does let more exhaust note into the cabin, and who doesn't love the rumbling bellow of a German V8 combustion engine. All-paw grip gets it off the line very quickly, and Audi's 3.6-second claim from 0-100km/h is nothing to sneeze at. It's a similar story in the bends as mentioned before, with the RSQ8 performance able to muscle itself out of corners and blast towards the horizon or the next bend faster than you can say 'oh mein Gott!' The air suspension hunkers down in dynamic mode and stiffens the dampers, making this a surprisingly capable corner-carver. Some parts of physics refuse to go away, however. As hard as the clever chassis tries, it can't fully mask the sheer weight of this thing during hard cornering, where the elevated driving position further amplifies the weight transfer. As noted earlier, Audi's technological know-how is evident in the driver assistance systems, which are both easy to use and intuitive in their execution. The aforementioned adaptive cruise assist makes this feel like any other Q8 on the highway, and the standard 360-degree parking cameras with 3D projection means you won't fret about scratching those gorgeous rims. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic assist also aid over-the-shoulder visibility, which is somewhat impeded by the Q8's Sportback rear pillar design. It also has an automated parking assistant, if you're game. To see how the Audi RSQ8 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The Audi RSQ8 performance builds on the already comprehensive specification of the base RSQ8. 2025 Audi RSQ8 equipment highlights: RSQ8 performance adds: To see how the Audi RSQ8 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool A number of option packages are available with the Audi RSQ8 performance. Sensory package: $9700 Matte carbon and black exterior styling package: $9800 RS design package plus – grey, red or blue: $4100 Single-item options include: To see how the Audi RSQ8 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The Audi Q8 has a five-star safety ANCAP safety rating, though this applies only to 3.0-litre petrol and diesel models and is based on testing conducted in 2019. Standard safety equipment includes: To see how the Audi RSQ8 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool Like the wider Audi range, the RSQ8 and RSQ8 performance are covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. In addition to the five-year 'Service Plan', the company also offers 'Audi Advantage' packages which tack on two years of additional coverage to the warranty, service plan and roadside assistance for an upfront fee. For the Audi RSQ8, where eligible*, the two-year Audi Advantage extension costs an additional $5720. *If your vehicle is under eight years of age and travelled less than 120,000km **Price shown for pre-update RSQ8 To see how the Audi RSQ8 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The Q8 and SQ8 are already lovely examples of the large premium SUV breed, but the RSQ8 can only be described as an outstanding feat of engineering. A quarter of a million dollars buys you a 'sports' SUV that hammers hard in a straight line and can actually go around a bend. Of course, that's selling this car a little short – it's faster than any other SUV around the 'Ring, so you could really tear up a track in one of these if you really wanted to. While $255,000 is quite a lot of money, the RSQ8 performance is still a relative bargain when you consider rivals from other brands – including some based on the same underpinnings. The Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT? It costs $375,000 and it's slower around the Nurburgring (duh). Lamborghini Urus? More expensive again! The BMW X5 M Competition is admittedly $10,000 more affordable, though the hulking Mercedes-AMG GLE63 is $20,000 dearer. And if $255k is a little steep for you, Audi will soon offer the regular RSQ8 with only a little less grunt and without some of the track-capable equipment, for $25,000 less. It's otherwise got the same general look and all the creature comforts, and what's 0.2 seconds between friends anyway? All told, the RSQ8 performance may not have quite the enthusiast's appeal of an RS6 Avant, but boy you could do a lot worse if you're lucky enough to be shopping at this end of the market. Interested in buying an Audi RSQ8? Let CarExpert find you the best deal hereMORE: Explore the Audi RSQ8 showroom Content originally sourced from: RSQ8 Pros Audi RSQ8 Cons The most powerful production Audi with a combustion engine isn't the R8 supercar, nor the stonking RS6 Avant super wagon. Actually, it's this – the 2025 Audi RSQ8 performance. Based on the flagship Q8 large luxury SUV, the RSQ8 performance has the most powerful combustion engine ever fitted to a series production Audi, and it's also the fastest SUV around the famed Nürburgring Nordschleife, with a verified lap time of 7:36.698 minutes. It's no small feat, given the Audi RSQ8 shares its Volkswagen Group MLB evo underpinnings with the likes of the Porsche Cayenne and Lamborghini Urus. And it beat the Cayenne Turbo GT around the 'Green Hell' by more than two seconds. At the heart of the RSQ8 performance is its beefed-up powertrain, with the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with 48V mild-hybrid assistance massaged to deliver 471kW of power (+30kW) and 850Nm of torque, which is enough for Audi to claim a 0-100km/h acceleration time of just 3.6 seconds (-0.2s), making it one of the world's quickest SUVs bar none. While the asking price has risen substantially, a number of equipment items included with the new RSQ8 performance were previously options on the pre-facelift RSQ8 to go with the boosted drivetrain – namely the carbon-ceramic brakes, which previously formed part of the optional $19,500 'RS dynamic package plus' pack. So if you're in the market for a properly fast luxury car that can cart the whole family around affluent suburbs, is the RSQ8 performance your best bet? We attended the Australian media launch to find out… The Audi RSQ8 performance is priced from $255,800 plus on-road costs, making it a smidgen under $25,000 dearer than the just-announced non-'performance' RSQ8 that has been confirmed for Australian release later this year. Compared to the pre-facelifted model, the 'standard' RSQ8 is about $2000 pricier than before, but it also brings the enhanced equipment levels applied across the updated Q8 range. To see how the Audi RSQ8 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool If you like the interior of the standard Q8, you'll feel pretty at home here. Save for the RS-specific front sports seats and flashes of available carbon twill trim inserts, it's very much the same tactile, attractive and premium-finished cabin from the base Q8. The front seats offer full electric adjustment with memory presets, as well as heating and ventilation. Opt for the Sensory package ($9700) and you'll get massaging front seats alongside a suede headliner and a thumping 23-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D premium sound system. As standard, the Australian-spec RSQ8 performance gets the extended leather package, which applies fine Nappa leather trim across interior surfaces like the dashboard and upper instrument panel. Lower elements like the door armrests and centre console inlays are finished in regular leather. The lovely Valcona leather upholstery on the seats looks and feels suitably high-end and, as you'd expect, the stitching and perforation details are top-notch. Ahead of the driver are the usual 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit (instrument cluster) and 10.1-inch MMI touch (infotainment) digital displays, which are more integrated and conventional than the free-standing tablet-style displays from rival brands. I personally love Audi's approach, from the configurable virtual dials to the retro line-bar tachometer and speedometer readouts, as well as the clicky haptic feedback you get from the central display, and the 8.0-inch touchscreen below it which acts as a climate control hub. While the overall setup and interface hasn't changed much, the revised Q8 range gets new menus including a real-time driver assistance display, RS performance-specific virtual cockpit layouts, and a new homescreen for the MMI touch navigation display which also now offers app integration. It may not be as flashy as the multimedia systems from BMW or Mercedes-Benz, but there's next to no learning curve required here. I will say, however, that the low-set climate controls aren't in the best position if you want to actually look where you're pressing. We didn't spend much time in the second row, but being a full-size SUV that rides on a 2998mm wheelbase (slightly shorter than the standard Q8) pays dividends if you're transporting fully grown adults often. Like its platform mates – think Audi Q7, Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne – the Audi Q8 easily accommodates above average-size humans (like 6'1″ me) and offers plenty of knee and leg room, as well as sufficient headroom despite the tapered rear roofline. Standard amenities in the rear include a third zone of climate control with directional air vents, a pair of USB-C chargers with a 12V outlet, and netted pockets on the front seat backs. You can also slide and recline the rear seats for added comfort, and also extend the cargo area should you need the extra load-lugging capacity. Speaking of which, the Audi RSQ8 performance offers the same 605 litres of boot space as the standard Q8 with the second row in place, expanding to 1755 litres when they're folded. The cargo area is nice and square, and there's no hump between the floor and seat backs when they're stowed. All variants come with a space-saver spare wheel under the boot floor, too. To see how the Audi RSQ8 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The RSQ8 performance gets a more powerful version of the mild-hybrid 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 fitted to the 'standard' RSQ8 as well as other Audi RS models like the RS6 and RS7. To see how the Audi RSQ8 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool I've always said the Q8 and, better still, the RSQ8 would be my dream 'dad car' if I'm ever fortunate enough to have kids and enough money to be shopping at this end of the market. Firing up the RSQ8 performance brings you a sinister growl amplified by the standard RS sports exhaust system and the fact the 'performance' spec removes about 5kg of sound deadening material from the rear-end to allow more of that glorious V8 note into the cabin. We drove the RSQ8 from Brisbane Airport through to Kilcoy, about 100km northwest, over a mix of highways and winding B-roads, via a stop-off at Lakeside Raceway to do some 0-100km/h acceleration testing of both the RSQ8 and the new RS e-tron GT performance. On the freeway, the RSQ8 performance is surprisingly calm and collected despite its massive 23-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero rubber. In its 'balanced' drive mode it strikes a nice… erm… balance between comfort and control, and even on coarser bitumen the tyres don't make much of a racket. The lighter steering weight makes this hulking 5022mm-long, 2007mm-wide go-fast family hauler pretty easy to manoeuvre in daily settings, and the clever adaptive cruise assist function centres the vehicle within its lane while keeping a set distance from the car in front – taking the load off extended stints on the open road. The roads around Lakeside Raceway are winding, leafy B-roads that gave us a good chance to get a feel for the RSQ8's impressive dynamic abilities. Really, I don't know how Audi Sport's engineers have done it, given this vehicle weighs a claimed 2350kg unladen. To put this into simpler terms that the majority would better understand, it's like selecting Bowser in Mario Kart but getting the dynamics of Toad. It's astonishing how well the RSQ8 performance grips up and changes direction. There's a lot of tech wizardry underneath, like the 48V anti-roll system and rear-wheel steering, but the sheer mechanical grip that comes from the massive 295/35 tyres is immense. The big, fast Audi could benefit from more steering feedback, which is arguably what usually separates the brand's products from the Porsche stable, but while it's not super communicative it's certainly quick and accurate. I'd also like a little more weight as it feels a touch over-assisted. On the makeshift dragstrip on Lakeside's main straight I couldn't quite match the electric RS e-tron GT's acceleration in the V8-engined RSQ8, but boy does this thing get moving in a straight line – and wow, the noise! The reduced rear sound deadening really does let more exhaust note into the cabin, and who doesn't love the rumbling bellow of a German V8 combustion engine. All-paw grip gets it off the line very quickly, and Audi's 3.6-second claim from 0-100km/h is nothing to sneeze at. It's a similar story in the bends as mentioned before, with the RSQ8 performance able to muscle itself out of corners and blast towards the horizon or the next bend faster than you can say 'oh mein Gott!' The air suspension hunkers down in dynamic mode and stiffens the dampers, making this a surprisingly capable corner-carver. Some parts of physics refuse to go away, however. As hard as the clever chassis tries, it can't fully mask the sheer weight of this thing during hard cornering, where the elevated driving position further amplifies the weight transfer. As noted earlier, Audi's technological know-how is evident in the driver assistance systems, which are both easy to use and intuitive in their execution. The aforementioned adaptive cruise assist makes this feel like any other Q8 on the highway, and the standard 360-degree parking cameras with 3D projection means you won't fret about scratching those gorgeous rims. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic assist also aid over-the-shoulder visibility, which is somewhat impeded by the Q8's Sportback rear pillar design. It also has an automated parking assistant, if you're game. To see how the Audi RSQ8 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The Audi RSQ8 performance builds on the already comprehensive specification of the base RSQ8. 2025 Audi RSQ8 equipment highlights: RSQ8 performance adds: To see how the Audi RSQ8 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool A number of option packages are available with the Audi RSQ8 performance. Sensory package: $9700 Matte carbon and black exterior styling package: $9800 RS design package plus – grey, red or blue: $4100 Single-item options include: To see how the Audi RSQ8 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The Audi Q8 has a five-star safety ANCAP safety rating, though this applies only to 3.0-litre petrol and diesel models and is based on testing conducted in 2019. Standard safety equipment includes: To see how the Audi RSQ8 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool Like the wider Audi range, the RSQ8 and RSQ8 performance are covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. In addition to the five-year 'Service Plan', the company also offers 'Audi Advantage' packages which tack on two years of additional coverage to the warranty, service plan and roadside assistance for an upfront fee. For the Audi RSQ8, where eligible*, the two-year Audi Advantage extension costs an additional $5720. *If your vehicle is under eight years of age and travelled less than 120,000km **Price shown for pre-update RSQ8 To see how the Audi RSQ8 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The Q8 and SQ8 are already lovely examples of the large premium SUV breed, but the RSQ8 can only be described as an outstanding feat of engineering. A quarter of a million dollars buys you a 'sports' SUV that hammers hard in a straight line and can actually go around a bend. Of course, that's selling this car a little short – it's faster than any other SUV around the 'Ring, so you could really tear up a track in one of these if you really wanted to. While $255,000 is quite a lot of money, the RSQ8 performance is still a relative bargain when you consider rivals from other brands – including some based on the same underpinnings. The Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT? It costs $375,000 and it's slower around the Nurburgring (duh). Lamborghini Urus? More expensive again! The BMW X5 M Competition is admittedly $10,000 more affordable, though the hulking Mercedes-AMG GLE63 is $20,000 dearer. And if $255k is a little steep for you, Audi will soon offer the regular RSQ8 with only a little less grunt and without some of the track-capable equipment, for $25,000 less. It's otherwise got the same general look and all the creature comforts, and what's 0.2 seconds between friends anyway? All told, the RSQ8 performance may not have quite the enthusiast's appeal of an RS6 Avant, but boy you could do a lot worse if you're lucky enough to be shopping at this end of the market. Interested in buying an Audi RSQ8? Let CarExpert find you the best deal hereMORE: Explore the Audi RSQ8 showroom Content originally sourced from: RSQ8 Pros Audi RSQ8 Cons The most powerful production Audi with a combustion engine isn't the R8 supercar, nor the stonking RS6 Avant super wagon. Actually, it's this – the 2025 Audi RSQ8 performance. Based on the flagship Q8 large luxury SUV, the RSQ8 performance has the most powerful combustion engine ever fitted to a series production Audi, and it's also the fastest SUV around the famed Nürburgring Nordschleife, with a verified lap time of 7:36.698 minutes. It's no small feat, given the Audi RSQ8 shares its Volkswagen Group MLB evo underpinnings with the likes of the Porsche Cayenne and Lamborghini Urus. And it beat the Cayenne Turbo GT around the 'Green Hell' by more than two seconds. At the heart of the RSQ8 performance is its beefed-up powertrain, with the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with 48V mild-hybrid assistance massaged to deliver 471kW of power (+30kW) and 850Nm of torque, which is enough for Audi to claim a 0-100km/h acceleration time of just 3.6 seconds (-0.2s), making it one of the world's quickest SUVs bar none. While the asking price has risen substantially, a number of equipment items included with the new RSQ8 performance were previously options on the pre-facelift RSQ8 to go with the boosted drivetrain – namely the carbon-ceramic brakes, which previously formed part of the optional $19,500 'RS dynamic package plus' pack. So if you're in the market for a properly fast luxury car that can cart the whole family around affluent suburbs, is the RSQ8 performance your best bet? We attended the Australian media launch to find out… The Audi RSQ8 performance is priced from $255,800 plus on-road costs, making it a smidgen under $25,000 dearer than the just-announced non-'performance' RSQ8 that has been confirmed for Australian release later this year. Compared to the pre-facelifted model, the 'standard' RSQ8 is about $2000 pricier than before, but it also brings the enhanced equipment levels applied across the updated Q8 range. To see how the Audi RSQ8 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool If you like the interior of the standard Q8, you'll feel pretty at home here. Save for the RS-specific front sports seats and flashes of available carbon twill trim inserts, it's very much the same tactile, attractive and premium-finished cabin from the base Q8. The front seats offer full electric adjustment with memory presets, as well as heating and ventilation. Opt for the Sensory package ($9700) and you'll get massaging front seats alongside a suede headliner and a thumping 23-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D premium sound system. As standard, the Australian-spec RSQ8 performance gets the extended leather package, which applies fine Nappa leather trim across interior surfaces like the dashboard and upper instrument panel. Lower elements like the door armrests and centre console inlays are finished in regular leather. The lovely Valcona leather upholstery on the seats looks and feels suitably high-end and, as you'd expect, the stitching and perforation details are top-notch. Ahead of the driver are the usual 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit (instrument cluster) and 10.1-inch MMI touch (infotainment) digital displays, which are more integrated and conventional than the free-standing tablet-style displays from rival brands. I personally love Audi's approach, from the configurable virtual dials to the retro line-bar tachometer and speedometer readouts, as well as the clicky haptic feedback you get from the central display, and the 8.0-inch touchscreen below it which acts as a climate control hub. While the overall setup and interface hasn't changed much, the revised Q8 range gets new menus including a real-time driver assistance display, RS performance-specific virtual cockpit layouts, and a new homescreen for the MMI touch navigation display which also now offers app integration. It may not be as flashy as the multimedia systems from BMW or Mercedes-Benz, but there's next to no learning curve required here. I will say, however, that the low-set climate controls aren't in the best position if you want to actually look where you're pressing. We didn't spend much time in the second row, but being a full-size SUV that rides on a 2998mm wheelbase (slightly shorter than the standard Q8) pays dividends if you're transporting fully grown adults often. Like its platform mates – think Audi Q7, Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne – the Audi Q8 easily accommodates above average-size humans (like 6'1″ me) and offers plenty of knee and leg room, as well as sufficient headroom despite the tapered rear roofline. Standard amenities in the rear include a third zone of climate control with directional air vents, a pair of USB-C chargers with a 12V outlet, and netted pockets on the front seat backs. You can also slide and recline the rear seats for added comfort, and also extend the cargo area should you need the extra load-lugging capacity. Speaking of which, the Audi RSQ8 performance offers the same 605 litres of boot space as the standard Q8 with the second row in place, expanding to 1755 litres when they're folded. The cargo area is nice and square, and there's no hump between the floor and seat backs when they're stowed. All variants come with a space-saver spare wheel under the boot floor, too. To see how the Audi RSQ8 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The RSQ8 performance gets a more powerful version of the mild-hybrid 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 fitted to the 'standard' RSQ8 as well as other Audi RS models like the RS6 and RS7. To see how the Audi RSQ8 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool I've always said the Q8 and, better still, the RSQ8 would be my dream 'dad car' if I'm ever fortunate enough to have kids and enough money to be shopping at this end of the market. Firing up the RSQ8 performance brings you a sinister growl amplified by the standard RS sports exhaust system and the fact the 'performance' spec removes about 5kg of sound deadening material from the rear-end to allow more of that glorious V8 note into the cabin. We drove the RSQ8 from Brisbane Airport through to Kilcoy, about 100km northwest, over a mix of highways and winding B-roads, via a stop-off at Lakeside Raceway to do some 0-100km/h acceleration testing of both the RSQ8 and the new RS e-tron GT performance. On the freeway, the RSQ8 performance is surprisingly calm and collected despite its massive 23-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero rubber. In its 'balanced' drive mode it strikes a nice… erm… balance between comfort and control, and even on coarser bitumen the tyres don't make much of a racket. The lighter steering weight makes this hulking 5022mm-long, 2007mm-wide go-fast family hauler pretty easy to manoeuvre in daily settings, and the clever adaptive cruise assist function centres the vehicle within its lane while keeping a set distance from the car in front – taking the load off extended stints on the open road. The roads around Lakeside Raceway are winding, leafy B-roads that gave us a good chance to get a feel for the RSQ8's impressive dynamic abilities. Really, I don't know how Audi Sport's engineers have done it, given this vehicle weighs a claimed 2350kg unladen. To put this into simpler terms that the majority would better understand, it's like selecting Bowser in Mario Kart but getting the dynamics of Toad. It's astonishing how well the RSQ8 performance grips up and changes direction. There's a lot of tech wizardry underneath, like the 48V anti-roll system and rear-wheel steering, but the sheer mechanical grip that comes from the massive 295/35 tyres is immense. The big, fast Audi could benefit from more steering feedback, which is arguably what usually separates the brand's products from the Porsche stable, but while it's not super communicative it's certainly quick and accurate. I'd also like a little more weight as it feels a touch over-assisted. On the makeshift dragstrip on Lakeside's main straight I couldn't quite match the electric RS e-tron GT's acceleration in the V8-engined RSQ8, but boy does this thing get moving in a straight line – and wow, the noise! The reduced rear sound deadening really does let more exhaust note into the cabin, and who doesn't love the rumbling bellow of a German V8 combustion engine. All-paw grip gets it off the line very quickly, and Audi's 3.6-second claim from 0-100km/h is nothing to sneeze at. It's a similar story in the bends as mentioned before, with the RSQ8 performance able to muscle itself out of corners and blast towards the horizon or the next bend faster than you can say 'oh mein Gott!' The air suspension hunkers down in dynamic mode and stiffens the dampers, making this a surprisingly capable corner-carver. Some parts of physics refuse to go away, however. As hard as the clever chassis tries, it can't fully mask the sheer weight of this thing during hard cornering, where the elevated driving position further amplifies the weight transfer. As noted earlier, Audi's technological know-how is evident in the driver assistance systems, which are both easy to use and intuitive in their execution. The aforementioned adaptive cruise assist makes this feel like any other Q8 on the highway, and the standard 360-degree parking cameras with 3D projection means you won't fret about scratching those gorgeous rims. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic assist also aid over-the-shoulder visibility, which is somewhat impeded by the Q8's Sportback rear pillar design. It also has an automated parking assistant, if you're game. To see how the Audi RSQ8 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The Audi RSQ8 performance builds on the already comprehensive specification of the base RSQ8. 2025 Audi RSQ8 equipment highlights: RSQ8 performance adds: To see how the Audi RSQ8 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool A number of option packages are available with the Audi RSQ8 performance. Sensory package: $9700 Matte carbon and black exterior styling package: $9800 RS design package plus – grey, red or blue: $4100 Single-item options include: To see how the Audi RSQ8 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The Audi Q8 has a five-star safety ANCAP safety rating, though this applies only to 3.0-litre petrol and diesel models and is based on testing conducted in 2019. Standard safety equipment includes: To see how the Audi RSQ8 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool Like the wider Audi range, the RSQ8 and RSQ8 performance are covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. In addition to the five-year 'Service Plan', the company also offers 'Audi Advantage' packages which tack on two years of additional coverage to the warranty, service plan and roadside assistance for an upfront fee. For the Audi RSQ8, where eligible*, the two-year Audi Advantage extension costs an additional $5720. *If your vehicle is under eight years of age and travelled less than 120,000km **Price shown for pre-update RSQ8 To see how the Audi RSQ8 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The Q8 and SQ8 are already lovely examples of the large premium SUV breed, but the RSQ8 can only be described as an outstanding feat of engineering. A quarter of a million dollars buys you a 'sports' SUV that hammers hard in a straight line and can actually go around a bend. Of course, that's selling this car a little short – it's faster than any other SUV around the 'Ring, so you could really tear up a track in one of these if you really wanted to. While $255,000 is quite a lot of money, the RSQ8 performance is still a relative bargain when you consider rivals from other brands – including some based on the same underpinnings. The Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT? It costs $375,000 and it's slower around the Nurburgring (duh). Lamborghini Urus? More expensive again! The BMW X5 M Competition is admittedly $10,000 more affordable, though the hulking Mercedes-AMG GLE63 is $20,000 dearer. And if $255k is a little steep for you, Audi will soon offer the regular RSQ8 with only a little less grunt and without some of the track-capable equipment, for $25,000 less. It's otherwise got the same general look and all the creature comforts, and what's 0.2 seconds between friends anyway? All told, the RSQ8 performance may not have quite the enthusiast's appeal of an RS6 Avant, but boy you could do a lot worse if you're lucky enough to be shopping at this end of the market. Interested in buying an Audi RSQ8? Let CarExpert find you the best deal hereMORE: Explore the Audi RSQ8 showroom Content originally sourced from:
Hindustan Times
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Audi A4 Signature Edition launched at ₹57.11 lakh. Check details
The Audi A4 Signature Edition has gone on sale in India, based on the current Technology trim level, at a price of ₹57.11 lakh, ex-showroom. The Signature Edition comprises a factory-fitted accessories pack and cosmetic design upgrades but keeps the fundamental mechanical and equipment package of the regular A4. The Audi A4 Signature Edition brings a few changes meant to differentiate it from the regular variants. Exterior tweaks include Audi rings decals, LED entry lights projecting the Audi logo, and dynamic wheel hub caps. A spoiler lip has been added for a more aerodynamic profile, while a unique paint finish for the alloy wheels sets it apart from the standard version. (Also read: Audi announces Olympian Neeraj Chopra as new brand ambassador) The cabin gets a natural grey wood oak decorative inlay, which replaces the regular trim, and a custom key cover is included in the additional kit. Audi Genuine Accessories package also consists of stainless steel pedal covers and a fragrance dispenser. The Signature Edition doesn't alter the primary feature list of the Technology variant. It still features the 25.65 cm MMI touchscreen infotainment system, Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus, voice command for navigation, and Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system with 19 speakers. Convenience options like three-zone climate control, electrically adjustable front seats with driver memory, and interior ambient lighting with 30 colour choices are also present in the cabin. In addition, the Park Assist feature with 360-degree camera is included, providing additional support in city parking operations. (Also read: Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line vs Audi Q3: Which SUV should you pick?) The A4 Signature Edition comes with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol (TFSI) engine that makes 204 bhp and 320 Nm of torque. The sedan does the 0-100 km/h run in 7.1 seconds and tops out at 241 km/h. It also gets a 12V mild-hybrid system that offers regenerative braking and improved engine restarting, mainly to help fuel economy and lighten engine load in traffic.
India Today
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- India Today
Audi A4 Signature Edition launched at Rs 57.11 lakh
Audi India has introduced a new limited-run variant of its best-selling executive sedan — the Audi A4 Signature Edition. Priced at Rs 57.11 lakh (ex-showroom), the Signature Edition combines exclusive design elements with cutting-edge features, further enhancing the luxury quotient of the A4. It is available in limited units and packaged exclusively with the Technology specially curated edition introduces a host of aesthetic and functional upgrades, such as Audi rings entry LED lamps, distinctive Audi rings decals, dynamic wheel hub caps, and a premium fragrance dispenser, all designed to deliver a more personalized and sophisticated in-cabin experience. Enhancing the sporty appeal are the aerodynamic spoiler lip, customisable key cover, stainless steel pedal covers, and special alloy wheel paint design. A new decorative inlay in wood oak, natural grey also adds to the sense of cabin key addition to the Signature Edition is the Park Assist with 360-degree camera, providing enhanced convenience and ease during parking. The sedan is available in five eye-catching exterior shades — Glacier White Metallic, Mythos Black Metallic, Navarra Blue Metallic, Progressive Red Metallic, and Manhattan Grey Metallic — giving buyers a wide range of personalisation. Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India, remarked, 'The Audi A4 has been one of the best-selling sedans in our line-up, combining dynamic performance with sophisticated elegance. With the launch of the Signature Edition, we're offering our customers a chance to own an even more exclusive variant, distinguished by bespoke styling elements that elevate its premium appeal. The Audi A4 Signature Edition is crafted for discerning customers who value refined aesthetics and seek to make a sophisticated statement through their choice of vehicle.'advertisementPerformance-wise, the A4 Signature Edition is powered by a 2.0L TFSI engine that delivers 204bhp and 320Nm of torque. It accelerates from 0–100 km/h in 7.1 seconds, with a top speed of 241km/h. The engine is paired with a 12V mild-hybrid system that optimises fuel efficiency through brake energy recuperation and supports enhanced comfort during the A4 retains its premium German craftsmanship, offering features such as a 25.65cm high-resolution MMI touch display with acoustic feedback, Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus, natural-language voice control, and MMI Navigation Plus. The infotainment experience is elevated by a Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system with 19 speakers, a 755-watt 16-channel amplifier, and features include three-zone climate control, powered front seats with driver memory, Audi Phone Box with wireless charging, ambient lighting with 30 colour options, and keyless entry with gesture-based boot lid opening. The cabin's luxury feel is further enhanced with leather and leatherette upholstery and the newly introduced wood oak unique accessories and upgrades in the Signature Edition come as part of Audi Genuine Accessories, further underlining the model's to Auto Today Magazine
