Audi RS Q8

Model Overview

The Audi RS Q8 is the high-performance flagship model of the Audi Q8 range, developed by Audi Sport GmbH and positioned as a full-size high-performance luxury SUV. Serving as the pinnacle of the Q8 lineup, the RS Q8 shares the MLB Evo modular platform and a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine with the Lamborghini Urus, boasting near-identical technical architecture and widely regarded as a "twin brother" to the Urus.

The RS Q8 lineup is offered in two variants: standard and Performance. In the Chinese market, the 2026 Audi RS Q8 4.0T Performance was officially launched on 19 September 2025, carrying an official retail price of RM1,468,900. Meanwhile, the 2025 RS Q8 4.0T 45th Anniversary Edition is priced at RM1,724,800. The model is sold domestically as a fully imported (CBU) unit.

Design Language

Aesthetically, the Audi RS Q8 retains Audi’s signature design language while incorporating extensive RS-exclusive sporty touches. Up front, it features a prominent octagonal Singleframe grille with a honeycomb mesh insert, flanked by Matrix LED headlights with laser high beams. The Performance variant gains a blacked-out exterior styling pack, dressing the grille, Audi rings and badges, wing mirror caps, and alloy wheels in gloss black for an aggressive stance. Its side profile showcases a coupe-like sloping roofline that descends from the B-pillar, creating a distinctive coupe-SUV silhouette. Dimension-wise, it measures 5,022 mm long, 2,007 mm wide, and 1,700 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,998 mm. At the rear, it features full-width digital OLED tail lamps offering 5 dynamic light signatures. The Performance variant is available in 9 exclusive paint colours, including Sakhir Gold, Ascari Blue, and Carrara White.

Inside, the RS Q8 features a triple-screen display setup, comprising a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster, a 10.1-inch central touchscreen infotainment display, and an 8.6-inch climate control screen. The Performance variant comes standard with Audi Sport Valcona leather sport seats accented by RS honeycomb quilting and stitching. The cabin is extensively trimmed in Nappa leather, carbon-fibre inlays, and Alcantara upholstery. Exclusive RS emblems on the steering wheel and seats, paired with red contrast stitching, reinforce a purposeful, high-tech sporty cabin ambience.

Powertrain and Performance

Under the bonnet, the Audi RS Q8 packs a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system (MHEV). The engine adopts a "Hot V" layout with twin turbochargers nestled within the cylinder banks, significantly shortening the intake and exhaust runners. The 48V mild-hybrid setup enhances low-end torque delivery via a belt-alternator starter (BAS).

Outputs vary across variants: the 2023 standard model produces 600 hp (441 kW) and 800 Nm of peak torque, completing the 0-100 km/h sprint in 3.8 seconds. The Performance variant (including 2025/2026 model years) raises output to 640 hp (471 kW) and 850 Nm, cutting the 0-100 km/h sprint time to just 3.6 seconds; top speed is electronically capped at 250 km/h, but can be raised to 305 km/h with the limiter removed. Power is sent through an RS-tuned 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. Combined fuel consumption under the WLTC cycle is rated at 12.44 L/100 km.

Chassis and Handling

For the chassis, the RS Q8 employs multi-link independent suspension front and rear. The Performance variant features Audi Sport-tuned adaptive sport air suspension, which dynamically adjusts ride height and damping on the fly based on road conditions and vehicle load, offering an active height adjustment range of up to 90 mm. The air suspension provides 5 selectable ride height levels, automatically lowering the ride height during high-speed cruising for better stability, and raising it by 45 mm on rough surfaces for improved ground clearance.

Power delivery is handled by the standard quattro permanent all-wheel drive (AWD) system with a self-locking centre differential. The chassis also features an electromechanical active roll stabilisation system (EAWS) and dynamic all-wheel steering. As for braking performance, the Performance variant is fitted as standard with RS carbon-ceramic brake discs clamped by 10-piston front calipers, delivering exceptional fade resistance even under heavy track abuse. It rides on 295/40 R22 tyres as standard.

Cabin and Equipment

In the cabin, the RS Q8 comes standard with the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus, integrating a 12.3-inch digital instrument binnacle, a 10.1-inch main infotainment display, and an 8.6-inch climate screen. Infotainment is driven by the Audi connect system, supporting voice control for multimedia, navigation, telephony, and air conditioning. A head-up display (HUD) is standard equipment. On the comfort front, the Performance variant is equipped with deluxe four-zone automatic climate control, an Air Quality Package (featuring a dual-fragrance ioniser system), and heated and ventilated front seats as standard. Audio duties are handled by a standard 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system, with an optional 23-speaker B&O 3D Advanced Sound System available. The seats feature Audi Sport Valcona leather sport bucket design with RS honeycomb quilting and contrast stitching. Boot capacity stands at 605 litres. The 2026 model year further gains black roof rails and Remote Park Assist Plus.

Safety and Driver Assistance

On the safety front, the RS Q8 comes standard with a full suite of active and passive safety technologies. Passive protection is underpinned by a hybrid body structure of aluminium alloy and high-strength steel. Active safety kit includes Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Centring Assist (LCA), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Blind Spot Monitoring / Lane Change Assist, and Driver Fatigue Alert. Driver assistance highlights include full-speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), 360-degree surround-view camera, automated parking assist, active lane change assist, and navigation-assisted pilot. Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) are also included as standard.

Market Performance and Verdict

The Audi RS Q8 commands a unique standing in the global high-performance SUV arena. In June 2024, the new RS Q8 Performance clocked a blistering lap time of 7:36.698 at Germany’s Nürburgring Nordschleife, setting a new production SUV lap record and cementing its title as the 'Ring's fastest production SUV.

In the Chinese market, initial demand for the RS Q8 was fervent, with on-the-road prices easily topping RM2,000,000 after optional equipment and dealer markups. However, buying momentum has moderated in recent years, with industry sales data recording 5 units sold in May 2026. Automotive analysts note that the RS Q8 retains a distinct emotional appeal thanks to its thunderous V8 soundtrack and mechanical purity. Key direct rivals include the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S (priced at RM1,626,800) and the BMW X6 M Competition (priced at RM1,468,900). Notably, the RS Q8 Performance matches the BMW X6 M Competition identically in price at RM1,468,900.

All in all, as the crowning high-performance SUV of the four-ring brand, the Audi RS Q8 sets a formidable benchmark in the super-SUV segment. Backed by its potent 4.0T V8 pushing 640 hp, 'Ring-conquering track capability, and sophisticated chassis tech comprising quattro permanent AWD and adaptive air suspension, it remains a quintessential powerhouse in luxury performance motoring.