Aging but Awesome: 2026 Audi RS Q8 Still Impresses

[Source: Edmunds]

All the buzz lately in the Audi RS world is around the all-new RS 5. And for good reason, as it promises to be a thrilling performance car from our favorite brand. However, some of the not all-new Audi RS models still impress. Take for instance the 2026 Audi RS Q8. That model has been with us for seven model years at this point but according to a recent Edmunds review, the super SUV remains “astonishingly good.”

At first glance, the RS Q8 sounds almost too good to be true. Under the hood sits a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 producing an impressive 631 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. Those figures come courtesy of Audi’s updated Performance package, which is now standard on every RS Q8 sold in the United States. Despite weighing more than 5,400 pounds, the big Audi can sprint from 0-60 mph in just 3.6 seconds and cover the quarter mile in 11.7 seconds. Those numbers place it surprisingly close to exotic machinery costing significantly more money.

That performance becomes even more impressive when you consider what the RS Q8 actually is. Unlike a dedicated sports car, this Audi offers seating for five adults, generous rear-seat legroom, and a large cargo area capable of swallowing luggage, groceries, or road trip gear with ease. Thanks to its adaptive air suspension, the SUV can even lower itself to make loading cargo easier.

Inside, the RS Q8 remains a luxurious place to spend time. Heated, ventilated, and massaging seats help justify the six-figure price tag, while premium materials cover nearly every surface. The thunderous soundtrack from the twin-turbo V8 only adds to the experience. While Audi’s dual-screen infotainment system is beginning to show its age compared to newer Audi models, the cabin still feels upscale and comfortable.

What really surprises reviewers is how well the RS Q8 hides its size. Large performance SUVs often feel heavy and reluctant when pushed through corners, but Audi’s engineers have worked some magic. The combination of adaptive suspension, rear sport differential, and Quattro all-wheel drive gives the RS Q8 an agility that seems impossible for a vehicle of this size. The steering is quick and accurate, while the chassis encourages drivers to attack corners with confidence.

Perhaps even more impressive is how civilized the RS Q8 feels during everyday driving. The suspension absorbs rough roads with ease, cabin noise is minimal, and long highway journeys are effortless. In Comfort mode, it behaves more like a luxury cruiser than a 631-horsepower performance machine.

The biggest drawbacks are its age and price. At more than $160,000 as tested, the RS Q8 occupies rarefied territory. The infotainment system also reflects the fact that the Q8 platform has been around since 2019. Still, those complaints feel minor when viewed against the overall package.

The 2026 Audi RS Q8 proves that you really can have almost everything in one vehicle. It delivers sports car acceleration, luxury car comfort, SUV practicality, and surprising handling capability all wrapped into one aggressively styled package. It may not be cheap, but for buyers seeking one vehicle that can do nearly everything, the RS Q8 makes a compelling argument that compromise is overrated.