Fastest Audi Cars: Performance Durch Technik

Audi was once renowned for producing worthy and safe (if rather dull) three-box sedans. However, the revolutionary all-wheel drive design debuted in their 1980 Quattro didn’t just break the mold. It broke the world of rallying, which had hitherto been dominated by the likes of Lancia’s rear-drive Stratos.

Today, Audi’s reputation as a high-performance manufacturer of luxury cars stems directly from the WRC-winning Quattro, whose name underpins the AWD system that gives so many gas-powered Audis tremendous acceleration off the line. Yet today, these gas giants are being challenged by precocious electric siblings like the E-tron, as well as upstart marques including Rivian, Lucid and Polestar.

In compiling our list of the fastest Audis, we’ve surveyed the best of both worlds to assemble the ultimate collection of traffic light titans. We’ve also given you full model details, so you can walk into your nearest Audi dealership armed with knowledge about the fastest sedans and fast sports cars awaiting you in the showroom.

11. SQ7

All things are relative, and the SQ7’s lowly position in our chart doesn’t detract from its blistering performance in isolation. With 568 lb-ft of torque spooled up by two turbochargers, an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission allies with quattro all-wheel drive (written in lowercase to distinguish it from the model) to give this seven-seat SUV relentless shove at all speeds.

10. SQ8 e-tron Sportback

Electric cars are routinely rapid, though lacking the mechanical engagement and evocative soundtracks of V10 and V12 engines. Nonetheless, it’s hard to argue with an EV that can reach 60 in just over four seconds, in near-silence. The SQ8’s red brake calipers and Valcona leather seats highlight that going electric hasn’t diluted the appeal of fast Audis.

9. e-tron GT

The second of three EVs on our list, the e-tron GT might live in the shadow of its RS sibling, but it’s a serious contender in its own right. A boost mode activated via Launch Control increases maximum engine output to 523 hp, though its top speed falls just short of the limited 155 mph offered by most other high-performance German cars.

8. S8

With its red brake calipers, black honeycomb grille, and aggressive lower skirts, there’s no mistaking the hot S8 for a cooking sedan. This is arguably the most sumptuous car on our list, available in a single trim with adaptive air suspension and 22-way power seats, which allow you to get perfectly comfortable before the 563-hp four-liter engine rips your face off.

7. RS 5 Sportback

The first of two mechanically identical hot takes on the A5, the RS 5 Sportback is a symphony of fours. Four-wheel drive, 444 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque collectively bring the 0-60 time below four seconds, allied to a quattro (that’s Latin for four) sport rear diff. There’s so much cornering power that the front seats come with adjustable side bolsters.

6. RS 5 Coupe

It’s a tragedy that Audi killed off the TT, since the RS quattro was good for 0-60 in just 3.7 seconds. The closest you’ll get to a fast Audi coupe now is the RS5, which is only one-tenth faster than its four-door Sportback sibling, and certainly wasn’t designed as a bespoke coupe. It still looks visceral in Progressive Red metallic paint, though.

5. RS Q8

Not to be confused with the SQ8 e-tron, the gas-powered RS Q8 is all about big. It produces 591 hp and a near-identical amount of torque, capable of pulling 7,700 pounds in towing weight. Adaptive air suspension with active roll stabilization helps keep this big beast in check – where else would you find an SUV with a sport rear diff?

4. RS3

Striking some sedan-based revenge for its S4 sibling just missing out on our list, the RS3 demonstrates that while might makes right, light takes flight. Watching this compact sedan scamper away from standstill is an enduring marvel, and yet another testament to the brilliance of all-wheel drive. Best of all, it’s the most affordable car on this list by some margin.

3. RS6 Avant  

People laughed in 1996 when Volvo fitted a five-cylinder 250hp engine into its 850 wagon, but it became a sensation. Audi was watching closely, and the RS6 Avant is the 850R’s spiritual successor, albeit cranking the horsepower up to a frankly astonishing 621. Few cars can beat a Nissan GT-R off the lights while transporting a wardrobe, but the RS6 can.

2. RS 7

Just missing out on top spot, the RS 7 is the joint-fastest gas-powered Audi on our list. If you think a 621hp wagon is a step too far, this equally powerful hatchback might be more satisfying. It packs the same four-liter turbocharged V8 engine and eight-speed Tiptronic transmission into a body that looks fast even parked—Teutonic plates in perpetual motion.

1. RS e-tron GT

In a parallel universe, the Audi R8 GT would have topped this list (3.1 seconds), but it’s been killed off by electrification. Its place is taken by the equally rapid—providing you engage temporary boost—RS e-tron GT. The need to set launch control will displease driving purists, but the e-tron is a fine example of the Ferrari-bothering torque offered by electric propulsion.

Frequently asked questions about the fastest Audis