Experienced by Kimatni D. Rawlins – Audi’s sporty and luxurious Q8s are extraordinary machines for extraordinary people—especially when you add an S or RS before the name. Rightfully so, Audi is progressively redefining the upgraded 2025 Q8s with advanced technology and innovation.
For the launch of the latest SUV family, Audi welcomed auto media to the enchanting mountain lands of Utah, where the air is refreshing and the scenery restorative. More importantly, the snaking mountain roads were ideal for evaluating quattro AWD at high speeds utilizing the ultra-sporty nature of the coupe-like Q8s. My wife owns a 2022 Audi Q8 55 TFSI in Mythos Black. So, I am highly familiar with the vehicle’s capabilities and amenities such as the Prestige trim with S Line Plus heroics, 22” V-spoke rims, Premium Bang and Olufsen sound system, red brake calipers, and an adaptive damping suspension. With DNA instilled from the original Audi quattro, the Q8’s performance is thrilling and its technology features are incredible as owners are fully aware.
Also, don’t forget that you can get discounted new car pricing with a free quote through qualified local dealer partners.
Now imagine what Audi has done for this SUV in three years, utilizing customer revelations and motorsports feedback. For example, the German automaker is entering Formula 1 next year and recently broke the Nürburgring lap time (at 7:36) with its special edition RS Q8. This level of excitement will always translate to reverence for consumer models. Although the latest RS Q8 halo vehicle wasn’t on site in Utah, I was able to test drive a 2023 version about six months ago and can testify to its supreme road mannerisms. The exclusive top-of-the-line RS Q8 puts out 631-horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque from its 4-liter twin-turbo TFSI V8. Expect a 0-60 mph time of 3.4 seconds and a top track speed of 190 mph!
The latest Audi Q8s feature new bumpers, diffusers, color schemes, wheels, badging, lighting signatures, decorative interior inlays, and the Audi App Store. Furthermore, the Q8 finally receives remote start, which certainly wasn’t an option for our 2022 model. Gorgeous 23” wheels and animal-detecting Night Vision Assistant are also now available. Specifically, the SQ8 inherits a new Carbon package (carbon mirror caps, door inlays, and rear light cover) and the Audi Express Red stitching package with a contrasting black and red-stitched cabin, including red seatbelts. The aeronautical cockpit is similar in all models with the cerebral dual-screen MMI touch response system (10.1″ upper and 8.6″ lower display) and placement of the handheld gear shifter. However, the software acts up more often than we would like which could be a concern since most physical knobs and buttons have long been replaced by touchscreen actions. Correspondingly, I would like to see a thicker and more aggressive 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel on the SQ8, similar to how BMW M boosts its M models.
The 5-passenger Q8 55 TFSI is known for its versatility while offering efficient performance from a 3-liter turbocharged TFSI V6 engine featuring 335-horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque (23 highway mpg). The uplevel SQ8s roll with the exciting 4-liter twin-turbocharged TFSI V8, which distributes 500-horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque (21 highway mpg). Audi focuses on dynamics, functional performance upgrades and sleeker outlines for this variant. Quattro AWD and the tech-savvy 8-speed Tiptronic transmission pair with each. Whether driving long distances or through the city, I always felt inspired by the Q8’s capabilities. In fact, with Audi Drive Select you can customize the SUV for aggression or tame it for daily commuting. If you purchase the RS Q8, the customizable RS 1 and RS 2 settings will allow you to adjust the driving maneuvers of your super SUV. Each is selectable from the multifunction steering wheel’s “RS MODE” button.
In Utah, the weather was lovely and the snaking mountain roads were exhilarating. Both models were sound on the switchbacks but the SQ8 performed on another level. I prefer to use Audi’s paddle shifters while in manual mode to manipulate the transmission myself when accelerating or decelerating into turns. Advanced with all-wheel-steering and a Sport adaptive air suspension to pair with the legendary quattro AWD, the German utility’s level of comprehension was stellar. The vehicle turned with precision from slight steering inputs as if I were on a racetrack. All-wheel-steering is not a new concept, yet from Audi’s vantage point, the technology allows the SQ8 to move almost diagonally during aggressive moves. The feature additionally supports drivers when parking in and out of tight spaces.
To become acquainted with Audi’s naming terminology, you must familiarize yourself with a few keywords. The Q8 can be selected as a Premium, Premium Plus, or Prestige trim. The latter is pricier but includes Valcona leather seats, HD Matrix-design LED headlights with Audi laser lights for outstanding illumination downfield, individual contour massaging front seats, remote park assist plus, and the comfort adaptive air suspension. Then there is the Black Optic package which darkens the 4-ring logo, exterior trim, and exhaust tips. The Luxury package adds a Dinamica headliner and extends the leather surfaces. The S Line Style package provides an S Line exterior and illuminates the S Line door sills. Lastly, the S Sport package incorporates active roll stabilization, red brake calipers, and a Sport rear differential.
Pricing starts from $74,400 for the Q8 and $97,600 for the SQ8, which sees 0 to 60 mph movement in 4 seconds. My Audi drove around town confident from its vibrant Chili Red Metallic paint to its aggressive features such as the new blackened honeycomb grille, tailgate spoiler, 23″ multi-spoke and multi-color rims, and quad oval exhaust tips. Strong character lines, flared wheel arches, and an assertive front end will continue to attract attention from admirers of German engineering.
