Audi’s most powerful combustion-powered production vehicle, the 2025 Audi RSQ8 Performance, is set to land in Australian showrooms in the coming months. Priced from $255,800 plus on-road costs, this updated performance SUV packs more punch, enhanced features, and is the current record-holder as the fastest SUV around the Nürburgring Nordschleife, completing a lap in 7 minutes 36.698 seconds—beating the mighty Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT by over two seconds.
Performance & powertrain enhancements
At the heart of the 2025 Audi RSQ8 Performance is a revised 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine with 48V mild-hybrid assistance. The power output has increased by 30kW and the torque figure got a bump as well. Audi claims a 0-100km/h time of 3.6 seconds, making it quicker than the Lamborghini-powered Audi R8.
Key Powertrain Specifications:
| Specifications | Audi RSQ8 Performance |
| Engine | 4.0L V8 twin-turbo48V MHEV |
| Power | 471kW |
| Torque | 850Nm |
| Transmission | 8-speed auto |
| Drive Type | All-wheel drive |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 3.6 seconds |
Premium features & upgrades
The new RSQ8 Performance arrives as a fully-loaded model, featuring luxury, technology, and safety upgrades. The $27,000 price increase over its predecessor includes enhancements that were previously optional—such as carbon-ceramic brakes.
Equipment highlights:
Exterior & performance
- 23-inch 5-Y-spoke alloy wheels
- Ceramic front brakes with red calipers
- HD Matrix LED headlights with Audi laser light
- OLED tail lights
- RS adaptive air suspension sport
- Quattro sport differential & RS sports exhaust system
Interior & comfort
- RS sport seats with fine Nappa leather & honeycomb stitching
- 4-zone climate control & air quality package with ioniser
- Panoramic sunroof & power-assisted doors
- Bang & Olufsen 3D premium sound system with 17 speakers (730W output)
Technology & safety
- 12.3-inch ‘Audi virtual cockpit plus’ with white dials
- 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Audi Connect Plus
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Adaptive cruise control & lane-keep assist
- Surround-view cameras & blind-spot monitoring
- Emergency assist & tyre pressure monitoring
Audi has also reduced sound damping materials to enhance the RS sport exhaust’s V8 soundtrack, delivering a more engaging driving experience.
Pricing for the Audi Q8 range
The RSQ8 Performance sits at the top of Audi’s facelifted Q8 family, which includes various models across petrol, diesel, and hybrid powertrains.
| Model | Price before on-road costs |
| 2025 Audi Q8 50 TDI quattro S line | $143,415 |
| 2025 Audi Q8 55 TFSI quattro S line | $143,415 |
| 2025 Audi Q8 60 TFSI e quattro S line | $154,284 |
| 2025 Audi SQ8 TFSI quattro | $178,815 |
| 2025 Audi RSQ8 Performance TFSI quattro | $255,800 |
Better value than an Urus?
With its enhanced power, luxurious features, and Nürburgring credentials, the 2025 Audi RSQ8 Performance is poised to be one of the most desirable performance SUVs in Australia. It does have a popular mechanical sibling in the Lamborghini Urus, the RSQ8 Performance with the price increase is still around $150k more accessible. With the inclusion of previously optional features and the boosted V8 powertrain, making it a compelling choice for enthusiasts seeking high-performance luxury.
Stay tuned for more updates as the RSQ8 Performance arrives in Australian showrooms in the coming months.
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