Audi unleashes its most powerful road-going model yet, wrapped up in a brutishly handsome SUV package.

The 2025 RS Q8 is still thankfully powered by the Volkswagen Group’s 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that also sees duty in the Porsche Cayenne, the Bentley Bentayga, and the Lamborghini Urus.

In the Audi’s case, output is a somewhat more modest 600hp and 800Nm of torque, while a new Performance variant (as if the RS Q8 wasn’t a performance model itself already) makes do with even more power (640hp and an even higher 850Nm of torque).

The RS Q8 Performance’s output eclipses the recently departed R8 V10 supercar, too.

The permanently engaged Quattro all-wheel drive system has been tweaked, allowing as much as 70% front axle torque bias, or as much as 85% rear axle torque bias, depending on the situation.

The default setting is at 40:60 torque distribution front to back for a more rear-wheel feel. A center differential automatically divides power depending on slip conditions. Pushing power to the wheels is an eight-speed automatic Tiptronic transmission.

For handling, it has electro-mechanical active anti-roll bars powered by a 48V system. It’s coupled with two-chamber air springs with a total of 90mm of height adjustability, and dual valve dampers give it a superb ride coupled with lightning-fast reflexes.

The roll bars disconnect when driving straight to minimize chassis movement and nuances on less-than-perfect roads, but quickly deploy to counter-roll when cornering.

Along with four-wheel steering, the RS Q8 Performance beats its sibling from Porsche to be the fastest sport-utility vehicle around the famed Nurburgring Nordschleife with an unbelievable time of 7:36.698, beating the Cayenne Turbo GT’s time of 7:38.925.

Considering that the Cayenne has slightly more horsepower, the Audi’s stats are impressive. It’s also six seconds faster than the pre-updated RS Q8.

The standard RS Q8 launches to 100km/h from rest in 3.8 seconds, while the Performance dispatches the sprint in a quicker 3.6 seconds. Top speed is limited—depending on the option—to 250km/h, 280km/h, or a whopping 305km/h. You know which box to tick.

The RS Q8 utilizes the latest matrix LED lighting headlamp technology, with Audi’s groundbreaking laser lights available as an additional high-beam option. The rear taillamps use OLED technology with five unique light signatures.

The side mirrors, the front spoiler elements, the window trim, and the rear diffuser come in black on the RS Q8, while the Performance variant gets matte-gray mirrors, front spoiler elements, and matte-gray rear diffuser.

All other exterior details are in high-gloss black. You can get these black trim items with carbon fiber, too, as an option.

Massive 23-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in licorice-thin 295/35 tires are optional, while 22-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels are standard, enveloped by chunkier 295/40 tires.

If you prefer to regularly wring your RS Q8 within an inch of its life, special Pirelli P Zero ultra high-performance tires are available for the 23-inch wheels that maximize both wet- and dry-weather grip and performance.

The RS Q8 also has some equally serious stoppers in the form of enormous 10-piston brake calipers up front and four-piston items in the rear.

They clamp down on equally massive 420mm front and 370mm rear steel disc brakes. If you feel the need to add to the German economy, carbon-ceramic discs measuring an even larger 440mm front and 370mm rear rotors are optional.

For the interior, perforated sports seats with honeycomb stitching also feature contrasting stitching in the chosen package color. Red, gray, or blue RS design packages are available for the interior. The blue package is exclusive to the RS Q8 Performance.

Audi MMI and Audi Virtual Cockpit are standard as well. Audis are still blessed with some of the most handsome yet functional interiors, so the basic layout remains.

Looking for a more subdued road-biased sport-utility screamer that is low-key aggressive and very masculine in the finest Teutonic tradition? You have found your new all-weather, all-terrain autobahn blaster.