2025 Audi RS Q8

The 2025 Audi RS Q8 Performance is one of those vehicles your eyes might pass right over if you didn't know what you were looking at - especially when outfitted in the non-descript Satellite Silver metallic paint of the test vehicle. An Audi is an Audi is an Audi - unless it's an RS Q8. If you miss the small RS badging on the back, this vehicle will stand out with its blacked-out, sporty grille, black exterior accents and large dual exhaust. It stands out further as soon as you hit the ignition button and the twin-turbo V-8 roars to life.  

The RS Q8 Performance is one of those unassuming vehicles that packs a 631-horsepower punch. It competes with the likes of the Lamborghini Urus and the BMW M6 M Competition with 3.4-second zero-to-60-mph times and oddly smooth handling for a midsize SUV.  

In some ways, I liked the fact that the exterior styling of the Audi RS Q8 is boring. The base price of this vehicle is about $140k, and I personally don't need to advertise the price with a lot of flash and dash. Generally, I love how the Audio RS Q8 drove, but overall as a vehicle with a high price tag, I found this two-row SUV to be a bit of a mixed bag. 

What we like     

If you are familiar with Audi, the interior of the RS Q8 will be comfortable. The gauges and controls look like what you'll see on other Audis - they manage to be conservatively designed and tech-forward at the same time. The two-screen setup for infotainment and climate doesn't bother me and is well designed into the center stack. I like the vibrant ambient lighting with customization, and I especially appreciated that it didn't reflect or project on the windows.  

Another big like is the that the back-up cameras. The garage in my apartment building in Chicago is very dark and dingy, and I have to do a lot of backing up to make it into my narrow parking space while avoiding my neighbors' cars. So, I loved the clarity of the image as well as the fact that it does well from light-to-dark situations. 

Because this is the RS Q8, you have some seriously sporty seats, and the test vehicle had the red perforated leather that added some pizzazz to an otherwise staid design. Also, because this is a midsize SUV, you have generous rear legroom and plenty of cargo space to fit your things. In the back seat, you have full climate controls, heated seats and air vents to keep the comfort. Another big like: Audi's attention to detail. For example, the armrest that pops down in the back seat is sturdy, and the cupholders actually have flaps that will hold everything from a smaller bottle of water to a tall cup of coffee.  

What we don't like 

The as-tested price for the Audi RS Q8 I was driving was just more than $150k. And at that price, I really wanted everything to be perfect. It was not. I know I'm going to get some guff for picking this nit, but the biggest problem I had with the RS Q8 was the very first thing I noticed: There was no logical place to put my phone. There was a small space underneath the front of the armrest but it was too small to fit my iPhone 16 Pro, and it kept falling out when I turned corners. Yes, I could put it in the armrest, but then I tend to forget it. So, I ended up putting my phone in one of the cupholders if it was free, or under my left thigh on the seat if it was not. I know this is a stupid thing to complain about, but in 2025, a logical place to set your phone is a must-have. 

I also thought there was an overabundance of shiny black lacquer. Sure, it looks good when it's clean, but there is a large swath on the dash and center console. During the test period I saw a lot of dust and fingerprints. I think at $150k other material choices could have been made. 

Finally, and this is a personal preference, the sueded material on the steering wheel and gearshift was tactilely icky to me. I don't know how else to describe it. But every time I but my hands on the wheel I cringed. I started wearing long sleeves during the test period just so I could pull them down to cover my palms. Thankfully, this is a part of the RS design package ($4,200), and you won't miss out on any fun features or driving dynamics if you delete it.  

How it drove 

While the Audi RS Q8 may masquerade as a five-passenger midsize SUV, it is so much more. The simple act of hitting the power button created instant joy for me from the sound of the twin-turbo V-8 to the rumble of the engine that sent shockwaves from my toes to the top of my head. It was a promise of things to come, and it didn't disappoint.  

I was thoroughly impressed with how well it could do double duty going from practical SUV to full-on sports car with the simple press of the gas pedal. It handled Chicago potholes and speed bumps fairly well, even if the suspension was a bit stiff. However, where the RS Q8 shines is on the highway. Hitting the on ramp gave my stomach a flip as the RS Q8 leapt to life and surged forward. It hugged the clover-leaf curves at higher than suggested speeds, and by the time it the straightaway to merge, it was well over 60 mph. More than once, I looked down at the speedometer, gasped and hit the brakes. With a 0-to-60-mph time of 3.4 seconds, you'd hardly blink and be well over that.  

The power delivery across the board is effortless, which makes the Audi RS Q8 a pure delight to drive. The steering is tight, and overall handling is more sports car than SUV.  

If you need the functionality of an SUV but don't want to give up the joy of driving - and you have $155,440 (as tested) to spend - the Audi RS Q8 is a great option.