Discover the 2024 Audi RS Q8 Performance: Enhanced Power and New Design

The 2024 Audi RS Q8 gets a refreshed look and the powerful RS Q8 Performance variant.

After the presentation of the restyled Audi Q8 (more details here), it’s now time for the sportier version, the RS Q8, which is updated for 2024 with an even more extreme variant, the RS Q8 Performance. To demonstrate its capabilities, Audi had driver Frank Stippler take it to the Nürburgring, where he set a record time of 7’36"698, over 2 seconds faster than the previous SUV category record. The Audi RS Q8 and RS Q8 Performance will be available at dealerships in the fourth quarter of 2024, priced at €157,000 and €177,500, respectively. 

The new Audi RS Q8 features the well-known 4.0 TFSI V8 biturbo engine with 600 HP and 800 Nm of torque, available from 2,200 to 4,500 rpm. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and from 0 to 200 km/h in 13.7 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (unlockable to 280 km/h upon request). The RS Q8 Performance boasts 640 HP and 850 Nm, achieving 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 280 km/h, extendable to 305 km/h. Both models share an 8-speed tiptronic transmission with a torque converter, now quicker than the previous generation.

Contributing to the RS Q8 Performance’s record at the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife are specific technical features such as adaptive RS air suspension, which adjusts the vehicle height by 9 cm based on driving conditions, active roll stabilization, a sport rear differential, all-wheel steering, carbon-ceramic brakes, quicker shifting tiptronic gearbox, advanced self-locking central differential, and quattro all-wheel drive. 

The Audi RS Q8 also receives several aesthetic updates, including a new bumper with a redesigned grille and headlights. At the rear, the dual oval exhaust pipes and racing-inspired diffuser stand out. The standard and Performance variants are distinguishable by the finish of the exterior mirror caps, front spoiler, and diffuser: black for the RS Q8, and matte grey, carbon, or total black upon request for the RS Q8 Performance.