AUDI HAS ANNOUNCED PRICING AND SPECIFICATION details for the extraordinary new Audi RS Q8 performance, the most powerful series-produced combustion engine model in Audi Sport’s storied history. Arriving imminently for Australian customers, this high-performance SUV was recently previewed at the FORMULA 1 LOUIS VUITTON AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX 2025, showcasing its formidable stance and stunning design.
Boasting outstanding driving dynamics and with equally impressive suitability for everyday use, the Audi RS Q8 performance sets a bold new standard for luxury performance SUVs. Starting from $255,800 (plus on road costs), the new performance powerhouse will deliver an exhilarating driving experience for Audi owners.
Jeff Mannering, Director of Audi Australia, said, “The arrival of the Audi RS Q8 performance highlights Audi Sport’s unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries of high-performance motoring. This vehicle combines exceptional performance and unrivalled craftsmanship to deliver an extraordinary driving experience that perfectly embodies our commitment to Vorsprung durch Technik.”
Impressive Performance Credentials and Equipment
The RS Q8 performance sits at the pinnacle of Audi’s Q8 range, setting a new benchmark with its astounding power figures. The twin-charged eight-cylinder engine produces a formidable 471kW – an increase of 30kW from the base model – and an immense 850Nm of torque. These figures secure the RS Q8 performance and top spot in the range, standing as Audi’s most powerful internal combustion engine vehicle ever created.
The output of the twin-turbocharged eight-cylinder engine makes for outstanding driving dynamics. Accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds, the RS Q8 performance improves upon the outgoing RS Q8 by 0.2 seconds, highlighting remarkable agility and response for a vehicle of its stature. It has also proven its superior dynamic credentials by setting an SUV lap record of 7:36.698 minutes at the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit.
Complementing the enhanced performance, Audi has strategically reduced sound-damping materials, heightening the thrilling acoustics and delivering a visceral driving experience that underlines the sporty character of this vehicle. In combination with a newly developed, lighter exhaust system, and the RS Sport exhaust system that increases the output of the RS Q8 performance makes for quite a sportier, more evocative sound.
Standard features and luxury appointments on the RS Q8 performance elevate its exclusive position further, with advanced infotainment systems, driver-focused technology, and premium interior elements, solidifying its status as Audi’s flagship performance SUV. Customers can also select from a range of new paint colours for the exterior: Sakhir Gold, Ascari Blue, and Chilli Red.
For the external design, a new front apron with striking air intakes, a distinctive honeycomb structure, and a blade in high gloss stand out on the RS Q8 performance. The large singleframe grille features a reinterpreted honeycomb structure where each individual honeycomb cell is now three-dimensional, while the rear design also plays a part in advancing the models’ position at the top of the range, with two gloss black oval tailpipes being the first distinguishing feature of an RS model. Other exterior highlights include mammoth 23-inch alloy wheels in a 5-Y-Spoke, gloss turned design paired with 440mm ceramic front brakes with red brake calipers – some of the largest brakes ever fitted to a production SUV.
HD Matrix LED headlights grace the front face of this muscular SUV, with OLED lights framing the rear. Customers can select between custom light signatures via the MMI, one of which is a checkered flag design exclusively available to the RS Q8. For the first time, the RS Q8 performance also uses largely digitalised OLED rear lights featuring five digital light signatures. In conjunction with the assistance systems, these lights also have a proximity indication feature for improved road safety, alerting the surrounding environment with different light indicators.
Dynamically, the RS Q8 performance benefits from dynamic all-wheel steering, as well as permanent quattro all-wheel drive combined with an eight-speed Tiptronic with faster shifting times as standard. The mechanical self-locking centre differential, with its compact and lightweight design, distributes engine power to the front and rear axle at a ratio of 40:60, producing more precise cornering, less understeer, and more exact turn-in.
For an ideal balance of sportiness and comfort, the RS Q8 performance also comes with adaptive air suspension sport with controlled damping, which has been tuned specifically for the RS for a variable ride height of up to 90mm. RS adaptive air suspension sport is not the only standard dynamic equipment included, as the model also benefits from electromechanical active roll stabilisation to round out the drive experience. With no compromise on safety, the RS Q8 performance also features adaptive cruise assist, surround view cameras with active lane assist, lane change warnings, rear cross traffic assist, hill decent control, emergency assist, and a direct tyre pressure monitoring system.
Comfort and convenience are boundless, with RS sport front seats with heating and ventilation systems equipped, and fine Nappa leather upholstery with honeycomb stitching and brushed aluminium inlays throughout the cabin. Passengers can enjoy the ride with 4-zone climate control and an air quality package ioniser, a 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, a panoramic sunroof, four USB ports between the front and rear, power-assisted door closure, and an electric tailgate also included as standard.
Peace-of-mind for Audi owners
The RS Q8 performance comes with a peace-of-mind five-year warranty and twelve years manufacturing warranty for bodywork against corrosion perforation for new vehicles.
Audi owners also receive a complementary membership during their warranty period to Audi Experience, Audi Australia’s bespoke loyalty program that offers access to exclusive national events, intimate Audi Ambassador experiences and premium partner offers.
Market Introduction
The Audi RS Q8 performance is arriving soon to Australian showrooms. Customers interested in experiencing Audi’s pinnacle of combustion-engine performance and luxury are encouraged to visit audi.com.au or contact their preferred Audi dealership for more information.
| Pricing | |
| Audi RS Q8 performance | $255,800 |
Plus on road costs