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The 2025 Audi RS e-tron GT Performance is the most powerful Audi ever built, producing 912 horsepower from its dual electric motors[1]. It rockets from 0-60 mph in just 2.2 seconds according to MotorTrend testing[2]. For internal combustion engines, the 2026 Audi RS Q8 Performance leads with 631 horsepower from its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8—the most powerful ICE ever in an RS vehicle[3].
Most Powerful Audi Models Ranked
| Rank | Model | Horsepower | 0-60 mph | Top Speed | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | RS e-tron GT Performance | 912 hp | 2.2 sec | 155 mph | $167,000 |
| 2 | RS e-tron GT | 844 hp | 2.5 sec | 155 mph | $147,000 |
| 3 | S e-tron GT | 670 hp | 3.3 sec | 152 mph | $125,500 |
| 4 | RS Q8 Performance | 631 hp | 3.4 sec | 190 mph | ~$132,000 |
| 5 | RS 6 Avant | 621 hp | 3.3 sec | 174 mph | $126,000 |
| 6 | RS 7 | 621 hp | 3.3 sec | 174 mph | $128,000 |
| 7 | R8 V10 Performance | 602 hp | 3.2 sec | 205 mph | Discontinued |
US market specifications[1][2][3][4]
Audi RS e-tron GT Performance: The Most Powerful Audi Ever
The RS e-tron GT Performance represents Audi’s peak power achievement. Its 912 horsepower comes from a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup—the same platform underpinning the Porsche Taycan Turbo S.
What Makes It So Powerful?
The rear motor received the most dramatic upgrade. It now produces 556 horsepower alone—a 107-hp increase over the previous generation while actually weighing 22 pounds less[1]. Combined with the front motor, total system output jumps by a massive 275 horsepower over the outgoing RS e-tron GT[5].
MotorTrend’s instrumented testing showed the RS e-tron GT Performance hitting 60 mph in just 2.2 seconds—faster than Audi’s claimed 2.4-second time[2]. The quarter-mile falls in 9.9 seconds at 140.2 mph[2]. These numbers make it the quickest production Audi ever built.
RS e-tron GT Performance Specs
- Total Power: 912 hp (with launch control)
- Battery: 97.0 kWh NMC lithium-ion
- Transmission: 1-speed front, 2-speed rear
- Curb Weight: 5,182 lbs
- EPA Range: 278 miles
- Starting MSRP: $167,000[2][6]
The catch? All that power comes with considerable weight. At 5,182 pounds, it’s roughly 1,000 pounds heavier than an RS 6 Avant[2]. But the instant torque delivery of electric motors more than compensates on the street.
Audi RS Q8 Performance: Most Powerful V8 Audi
If you prefer internal combustion, the RS Q8 Performance wears the crown. Its 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 produces 631 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque[3].
Audi describes this as “the most powerful internal combustion engine ever featured in an RS vehicle”[3]. The previous RS Q8 made 591 horsepower, so the Performance variant adds 40 hp—not a huge jump, but meaningful at this level.
RS Q8 Performance Specs
- Engine: 4.0L twin-turbo V8
- Power: 631 hp / 627 lb-ft
- 0-60 mph: 3.4 seconds
- Top Speed: 190 mph (with Dynamics Package)
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic[3][7]
Real-world testing puts 0-60 times in the mid-3-second range[7]. For a full-size SUV weighing over 5,400 pounds, these numbers border on absurd. The RS Q8 Performance also lapped the Nürburgring in approximately 7 minutes 30 seconds—supercar territory for an SUV[7].
RS 6 Avant and RS 7: The Twin-Turbo V8 Duo
The RS 6 Avant wagon and RS 7 sportback share the same powertrain: a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 621 horsepower[4].
Both cars hit 60 mph in 3.3 seconds with electronically-limited top speeds of 174 mph. The main difference? Body style and rear cargo space. The RS 6 Avant gives you wagon practicality with supercar speed—a combination that’s become legendary among enthusiasts.
| Model | Engine | Power | 0-60 mph | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RS 6 Avant | 4.0L TT V8 | 621 hp | 3.3 sec | 174 mph |
| RS 7 | 4.0L TT V8 | 621 hp | 3.3 sec | 174 mph |
Performance figures per TopSpeed testing[4]
For many buyers, the RS 6 Avant represents the sweet spot: more than enough power for any situation, plus the practicality to haul a family and gear. It’s the closest thing to a modern-day unicorn.
Audi R8: The Supercar (Discontinued)
The Audi R8 V10 Performance produced 602 horsepower from its naturally-aspirated 5.2-liter V10—the last of its kind in Audi’s lineup[4]. Audi discontinued the R8 in 2023, making remaining models increasingly collectible.
While lower on paper than the RS e-tron GT, the R8 offered something unique: a mid-engine supercar layout and one of the last great atmospheric V10s in production. It hit 60 mph in 3.2 seconds and topped out at 205 mph[4].
The R8’s spiritual successor will likely be an electric hypercar. For now, the RS e-tron GT Performance carries Audi’s high-performance banner into the electric era.
Other High-Power Audi RS Models
Several other RS models deliver serious performance below the 600-hp threshold.
RS 5 and RS 5 Sportback
The RS 5 uses a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 444 horsepower[4]. It’s the entry point to V-powered RS performance, hitting 60 mph in 3.8 seconds.
RS 3 and TT RS
Both use Audi’s iconic 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five—an engine known for its distinctive sound. The TT RS makes 401 horsepower and reaches 60 mph in 3.6 seconds, while the RS 3 produces 394 horsepower[4].
This five-cylinder remains special because few manufacturers still produce odd-cylinder engines. Audi continues developing it specifically because enthusiasts love the exhaust note.
Electric vs Combustion: Which High-Power Audi?
Your choice depends on priorities beyond raw numbers.
Choose the RS e-tron GT Performance if:
- Outright acceleration matters most
- You have access to DC fast charging
- Future-proofing appeals to you
- 278-mile range covers your daily needs
Choose the RS Q8 Performance if:
- You prefer traditional V8 sound and feel
- You need SUV utility and towing capability
- You want unlimited range without charging stops
- The driving experience matters more than lap times
Choose the RS 6 Avant if:
- Wagon practicality is essential
- You want near-supercar speed with cargo space
- V8 character appeals to you
- Budget falls below $130,000
Key Takeaways
- The 2025 Audi RS e-tron GT Performance produces 912 horsepower—a 275-hp increase over its predecessor—making it the most powerful production Audi ever built[1][5].
- MotorTrend tested the RS e-tron GT Performance at 0-60 mph in 2.2 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 9.9 seconds at 140.2 mph[2].
- The 2026 RS Q8 Performance leads internal combustion Audis with 631 horsepower from its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8—Audi’s most powerful ICE engine ever[3].
- The RS 6 Avant and RS 7 share a 621-hp V8 powertrain, offering supercar-level performance in practical body styles[4].
- Audi’s performance hierarchy now clearly favors electric power: the top three most powerful Audis are all e-tron GT variants[6].
FAQs
What is the most powerful Audi you can buy?
What is the most powerful gas-powered Audi?
The 2026 Audi RS Q8 Performance produces 631 horsepower from its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8—the most powerful internal combustion engine ever fitted to an RS model[3].
How fast is the Audi RS e-tron GT Performance?
The RS e-tron GT Performance accelerates from 0-60 mph in 2.2 seconds (MotorTrend tested), completes the quarter-mile in 9.9 seconds at 140.2 mph, and has an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph[2].
Is the Audi R8 still available?
No. Audi discontinued the R8 in 2023. The final V10 Performance models produced 602 horsepower[4]. The RS e-tron GT now serves as Audi’s flagship performance model.
References
- Car and Driver. (2025). 2025 Audi RS e-tron GT Performance Test: Taycan Who? https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a64342917/2025-audi-rs-e-tron-gt-performance-drive/
- MotorTrend. (2025). Audi’s RS E-Tron GT Performance Is Criminally Underrated. https://www.motortrend.com/news/audi-rs-etron-gt-2026-coty
- Audi USA. (2025). 2026 Audi RS Q8 Performance Overview. https://www.audiusa.com/en/models/q8/rsq8/2026/overview/
- TopSpeed. (2023). Every Audi RS Model Ranked By Acceleration. https://www.topspeed.com/every-audi-rs-model-ranked-by-acceleration/
- Top Gear. (2026). Audi e-tron GT Review 2026. https://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/e-tron-gt
- Audi Ann Arbor. (2024). 2025 Audi e-tron GT Specs, Review, Price, & Trims. https://www.audiannarbor.com/en/e-tron-gt-model-review-ann-arbor-mi
- YouTube – Hawkeye Rides. (2025). 2025 Audi RSQ8 631HP SUV Hard Realities.
- Audi UK. (2025). RS Q8 SUV Performance Overview. https://www.audi.co.uk/en/models/q8/rsq8-performance/
I am a senior automotive analyst at Autvex. Expert vehicle evaluations, in-depth reviews, and objective analysis helping readers make informed automotive decisions with years of industry experience.
