2025 Audi RSQ8 Advantages and Disadvantages Review: The Ideal Balance of Function and Aesthetics

      Jerry Perez

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      The phrase “function over form” is frequently used to describe items that may not be aesthetically pleasing but excel in fulfilling their intended purpose. Conversely, saying an item has been designed with form over function indicates that it prioritizes appearance over practicality. Surprisingly, the 2025 Audi RSQ8 balances both function and form, making it one of the most enjoyable SUVs I have driven.

      I use the term “surprise” because during my initial test drive of this model at its global unveiling in Spain last October, my impression was merely… good. Not exceptional or impressive, just a solid luxury performance SUV with ample power and an attractive design. However, after spending a week with it at home, I found myself falling in love with most of its features.

      What changed, and why did it impress me so much more in the streets of Indianapolis compared to the winding roads of Barcelona and even on the track? Here’s a straightforward breakdown for you.

      The Advantages

      There are only a few vehicles that captivate with their appearance, and even fewer of those are SUVs. The Q8 is already known for its distinctive design, which is generally appealing, but in RS trim, it becomes truly stunning. The term “sinister” is often overused when describing cars, yet it feels appropriate here. The Satellite Silver Metallic finish adds brightness and liveliness, while a dark gray or black version would look exceptionally intimidating. Viewed from the side, the RSQ8 has a sporty stance that indicates serious intent, with a sharply sloped roofline above the B-pillar. Moreover, the stunning 23-inch, Y-spoke, dual-color wheels are absolutely gorgeous, and the intricate design elements extend to the rear.

      When you approach the RSQ8 from the front or back, it clearly stands out. It doesn't resemble anything else on the road—not even other Audis. It exudes a sense of luxury, and when you start the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, it emits a sound that reinforces that luxury, thanks to the throaty growl from its large dual exhaust pipes. And yes, it is indeed expensive, with my test vehicle priced at $155,440, including a $1,295 destination charge.

      Entering the vehicle reveals a spacious and elegantly designed interior. The seating is exceptionally comfortable (with attractive red stitching), and the steering wheel, shifter, and other controls are intuitively placed. However, the dashboard appears outdated because, well, it is—more on that in the Cons section below.

      Even if everything else were subpar, the RSQ8 would still rank among the best-driving SUVs I’ve experienced. Fortunately, that’s not the case. I would argue it is the best-handling and most enjoyable SUV to drive for under $200,000. So why did my experience differ from the launch? I think it’s due to the various roads I drove it on and the experiences I had.

      In Spain, I navigated winding mountain roads, which, while fun, can be daunting in a 631-hp vehicle if you're not already familiar with them. Additionally, the weather was poor—extremely foggy—preventing me from fully unleashing its potential. On the track, it impressed with remarkable handling, but it quickly became clear that a road course isn't its primary environment. However, back home, I tackled my favorite roads and had a solid basis for comparison with other vehicles I’ve driven. The first time I entered a clear roundabout at speed, I was briefly taken aback—thinking, "This isn't supposed to feel this way; it's an SUV!" When braking, the rear stayed lively, the front aligned perfectly for turning in, and the body rotation was so quick that I could only compare it to much more extreme vehicles. Yet, the ride was smooth and the experience was relaxed. The ability to provide an incredibly engaging driving experience without effort is truly remarkable.

      The Disadvantages

      As previously mentioned, the dashboard and its controls, along with the operating system, feel antiquated compared to the newer Virtual Cockpit in the Q3 and Q5—which I recently reviewed favorably. This does not significantly affect the driving experience since it functions adequately, but once you experience the newer technology, it’s hard not to notice the shortcomings of the older setup. The cabin design lacks the sleek, contemporary look of the newer models, although it does retain a few more physical buttons. As noted in my recent SQ5 review, this isn't a major issue for overall usability.

      The steering wheel design also falls short compared to the new hexagonal-style wheel in upcoming models, although it still provides good feedback.

      This critique feels somewhat nitpicky, but since it's technically a family vehicle, I must highlight a downside: the cargo space in both the first and second rows is