MODEL
Audi RS Q8 Performance
NHTSA safety across every Audi RS Q8 Performance model year we cover.
Across the 1 model year of the Audi RS Q8 Performance we cover (2025 to 2025), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2025 at 86 on the NHTSA Safety Index. No recalls are on record across those years.
The 2025 Audi RS Q8 Performance is a high-performance luxury SUV aimed at enthusiasts who refuse to compromise between family utility and supercar-level speed. Sitting at the very top of Audi's Q8 lineup, it competes in the ultra-premium performance SUV segment against rivals like the Lamborghini Urus and Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, targeting affluent buyers who want an everyday driver with genuine track credentials.
The 2025 Audi RS Q8 Performance earns a MotorCaliber Safety Index of 86 out of 100, landing it firmly in the Strong band, which is a genuinely encouraging result for a vehicle in this segment. NHTSA rollover testing produced a 4 out of 5 stars, a reasonable outcome for a tall, wide SUV carrying significant curb weight. Frontal and side crash ratings are listed as Not Rated, meaning NHTSA has not yet published star scores in those categories for this model year. Shoppers should note that absence of a rating is not the same as a passing grade, and we would like to see full frontal and side results before drawing firmer conclusions on occupant protection. On the recall and complaint front, the picture is remarkably clean. The 2025 RS Q8 Performance carries zero federal recalls and zero owner complaints logged with NHTSA across all covered model years. While a complaint count of zero on a very low-volume, recently launched performance SUV is not surprising, it is still a positive early signal. No crash, fire, injury, or death allegations have been filed, which is worth acknowledging. Bottom line: the RS Q8 Performance shows a solid foundation in the safety data available, but the incomplete crash-test picture means cautious shoppers should watch for updated NHTSA ratings before committing.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the RS Q8 Performance as one of the most dynamically capable large luxury SUVs on the market, praising its remarkable straight-line performance and composed handling for its size. Most acknowledge that the premium price demands a lot from the ownership experience, and many note the interior quality and technology as genuine strengths of the package.
- The 2025 RS Q8 Performance earned an NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band, which is a competitive result for a high-performance luxury SUV of this size and weight.
- NHTSA frontal and side crash-test star ratings are listed as Not Rated for this model year, meaning the full occupant-protection picture is incomplete. Shoppers should monitor NHTSA's website for updated results before purchasing.
- The rollover rating of 4 out of 5 stars is solid but not perfect, and is worth keeping in mind given the RS Q8 Performance's elevated ride height and the high speeds this vehicle is capable of reaching.
- As of the data covered, this model has zero federal safety recalls and zero owner complaints filed with NHTSA, including no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths. For a low-volume, recently launched vehicle this is an encouraging early record, though it reflects limited real-world exposure time.