Audi has launched a more-powerful variant of its RS Q8 SUV as well as updated the existing one, creating something that can both move a family in comfort and attack the track with sports car-like ferocity.

The new machines are both powered by a twin-tubro eight-cylinder engine.

In the updated RS Q8, the powerplant produces 591 hp and 590 lb.-ft. of torque. Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h comes in 3.8 seconds.

In the newly launched model, the RS Q8 performance, the engine produces 631 hp and 634 lb.-ft. of torque. Standstill to 100 km/h is achieved in 3.6 seconds, Audi says.

Furthermore, Audi has taken the RS Q8 performance to the Nürburgring Nordschleife racetrack where racing and development driver Frank Stippler completed the circuit in a time of 7:36.698 minutes, which is reportedly the fastest time for a production SUV.

To put that lap time in perspective, according to fastestlaps.com, other cars to complete Nürburgring in 7:36 minutes include the Honda NSX (Mk II) and the Nissan GT-R (522 hp). To put it another way, the RS Q8 performance’s pace at The Green Hell puts it in the territory of Audi’s own supercars, including the R8 GT (Mk I), which had a reported time of 7:34, and the R8 V10 Plus (Mk II), which had a time of 7:32.

“The RS Q8 performance owes its lap record to the interplay of the V8 engine and chassis components as well as the passion of the Audi Sport GmbH team for absolute performance.,” said Audi Sport boss Rolf Michl in a news release.

Both models come with quattro all-wheel drive, an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission and a wholly mechanical centre differential with a compact and lightweight design, which distributes power to the front and rear wheels at a ration of 40:60.

Both models also come with adaptive air suspension sport and controlled damping, tuned for the RS and ride height varies by up to 90 millimetres.

Both models offer optional electromechanical active roll stabilization (eAWS), which minimizes lateral movements of the body. The system is disconnected when the SUV is being driven straight and activates when taking corners. The system features two compact electric motors between the two halves of the stabilizer and is powered by a 48V lithium-ion battery.

An optional dynamic package plus for the RS Q8 includes the eAWS, increases the SUV’s to speed to 305 km/h and includes other goodies, including RS ceramic brakes, which are standard on the RS Q8 performance.

Canadian pricing has not been announced. The current 2024 RS Q8 starts at $153,592, which includes an MSRP of $141,265 plus fees and levies. The new models went on sale in Germany June 27, while no timeline has been provided for the Canadian market.