America's 2025 Audi RS Q8 Performance Is a Budget-Friendlier Lamborghini Urus Alternative

According to the German car manufacturer, the 2025 Audi RS Q8 Performance carries an MSRP of $136,200. The vehicle is "the most powerful combustion Audi Sport model ever," the company says, and it's almost as punchy as its more exotic Italian cousin, the Lamborghini Urus.

Its bi-turbo 4.0L V8 steams out 631 horsepower (640 ps/571 kW) and 627 pound-foot (850 Nm) of torque. It rockets the model to 60 mph (97 kph) in just 3.4 seconds and up to a limited top speed of 190 mph (305 kph). The RS Q8 Performance features an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission tuned for quicker shifting, a permanent quattro all-wheel drive system, adaptive air suspension, active roll stabilization, and a few other interesting gizmos.

Audi also mentions the standard HD Matrix LED headlights with Audi laser light, digital daytime running light signatures, OLED taillights, and a comprehensive range of nine exterior paint finishes. These include the new Chili Red, Ascari Blue, and Sakhir Gold. The car also sports matte gray exterior elements on various components, rides on standard 22-inch alloys (upgradable to 23s), has Alcantara upholstery, red or gray contrast stitching, honeycomb-patterned perforated seats, and Audi's 12.3-inch virtual cockpit, etc.

The 2025 Audi RS Q8 Performance is roughly $100,000 more affordable than the Lamborghini Urus S. The Italian exotic high-rider also packs a V8 with twin turbos, albeit with more power. The 4.0L unit develops 657 horsepower (666 ps/490 kW), and the thrust is identical at 627 pound-foot (850 Nm). The Sant'Agata Bolognese-based car marque quotes just 3.5 seconds from 0 to 62 mph (100 kph) and states that the Urus S can push up to 190 mph (305 kph). Thus, the high-riding Lambo is just as fast as the RS Q8 Performance, which makes the former great value for money.

Deliveries of the 2025 Audi RS Q8 Performance are expected to commence before the end of the year. The model sits at the top of the 2025 Q8 family, which begins at $74,400 in our market. The base grade uses a 3.0L six-pot with 335 hp (340 ps/250 kW) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm), takes 5.5s to sixty mph, and tops out at 130 mph (210 kph). Bridging the gap between the Q8 and RS Q8 is the 2025 SQ8, which begins at $97,600. Its 4.0L V8 is good for 500 hp (507 ps/373 kW) and 568 lb-ft (770 Nm). Audi says the top speed is identical to the entry-level variant, and 0-60 mph takes 4.0 seconds.