Audi RS Q8 Performance review

RS is to Audi what AMG is to Mercedes, or M is to BMW and this means, it is a showcase of the best and most extreme. Retaining the signature 4.0 twin-turbo V8 that any self-respecting supercar should boast of, the RS Q8 significantly ramps up the power and torque figures. To tame 640 horses and 850Nm of torque, the RS Q8 gets high-tech aids like sport differential and of course, Audi’s famed Quattro all-wheel drive. Select the Comfort drive mode and you’d never guess that you’re strapped inside a weapons grade rocket. But should you choose to attack a corner at 120km/hr, it will keep things tidy.

Power aside, the most impressive quality of the RS Q8 is its ride quality on the massive 23in wheels which are standard. Its air suspension in the Auto mode judges road conditions to perfection and won’t upset your Sushi lunch,  as hard as BMC may try.  And if you still want it to “sound” sporty while stuck in city traffic, just switch to Dynamic and let the RS sport exhaust provide the background score!

Alcantara-clad steering and ceramic brakes with red calipers announce that this is a SUV with intent, inside or out. The quality of the carbon weave trim, the red stitching on the sports seats and the door pads is top notch, as expected. 

B&O 3D audio system, seat heating and ventilation and even a heated steering wheel go a step further in making this plush, besides sporty. The options list is extensive and includes an unrestricted top speed, seat massage and more!

While we've seen the dual-screen dashboard layout for years now and it gets the job done, there is an urgent need for updates here. Lack of wireless phone mirroring still remains a big issue, almost unbelievable in 2025. However, the RS-specific instrument cluster layout only makes the virtual cockpit more endearing as one of the clearest clusters out there. Choose between map, media, navigation or sporty dials easily and now there’s even an HUD to aid while driving.

As a piece of engineering, any large SUV with supersport intentions is deeply impressive and the Audi RS Q8 is at the top of that small pyramid. Having set speed records around hallowed race tracks, there is no questioning its ability to achieve and handle high speeds. But it’s in everyday driving, when you only get short bursts of joy between two red lights, do you feel its considerable bulk and weight. This is a car meant for long, fast, winding mountain roads.