2026 ABT RSQ8-S
By Lorenzo Bianchi May 9, 2026
ABT Power R upgrade increases output to as much as 760 hp and 980 Nm.
Carbon-fibre aerodynamic package adds sharper front and rear styling details.
Revised suspension control and 23-inch wheels improve stance and handling response.
ABT Pushes the RS Q8 Further Into Super SUV Territory
The Audi RS Q8 was never exactly subtle. Even in factory form, it already sits near the top of the performance SUV category with enough power and presence to make most sports cars nervous in the mirrors.
The new 2026 ABT RSQ8-S takes that formula and tightens everything around it.
Rather than reinventing the vehicle completely, ABT Sportsline focuses on amplifying the RS Q8’s strongest traits. More power, sharper detailing, lower stance. The changes are noticeable without making the SUV look disconnected from the original Audi design language.
At the front, the matte visible carbon spoiler gives the nose a more planted appearance, while gloss-black wheel arch ventilation pieces add extra visual tension along the front fenders. The integrated RSQ8-S badging is fairly restrained by tuner standards, which actually suits the vehicle well.
The rear section receives similar treatment. A carbon rear wing stretches the roofline visually and slightly sharpens the SUV’s silhouette, while the stainless-steel exhaust system fills the lower bumper area with four large matte-black tailpipes measuring 102 mm in diameter.
Up to 760 HP Depending on Specification
The centerpiece of the package is ABT’s Power R performance upgrade.
For standard RS Q8 models producing 600 horsepower and 800 Nm, output rises to around 740 hp and 920 Nm. Owners of the more powerful 640-hp variant receive an even stronger setup, with ABT quoting approximately 760 horsepower and 980 Nm in RSQ8-S specification.
Those are substantial increases for an SUV that already sits near the upper edge of the segment.
ABT has not released acceleration figures in the provided material. [Unverified] Still, with nearly 1,000 Nm available in the higher-output configuration, straight-line performance is unlikely to be an issue. [Inference]
The company also fits its electronic Level Control system to optimize ride height and stance. Combined with the large 23-inch IR23 wheels and 295-section tires, the RSQ8-S appears noticeably lower and wider visually than the standard vehicle.
Interior Changes Stay Relatively Subtle
Inside, ABT avoids overcomplicating the cabin.
The upgrades focus mostly on details rather than a complete redesign. Revised seat embroidery, RSQ8-S floor mats, illuminated entry lights, sill plates, and a carbon shift knob cap are all included as part of the package. There is also an ABT-branded steering wheel badge and revised start-stop switch trim.
It feels more like a carefully assembled factory performance package than a dramatic aftermarket overhaul. That probably works in the RSQ8-S’s favor.
Positioned Above the Standard RS Q8
Performance SUVs have become increasingly crowded in recent years, with rivals arriving from Lamborghini, Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes-AMG. The RS Q8 already competed near the top of that group before ABT stepped in.
The RSQ8-S pushes it even further toward the super-SUV side of the category while keeping the core Audi character intact.
Pricing for the complete package starts at €53,000 before installation and TÜV approval costs.