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.
Why you can trust Luxe Digital? We grew up worshiping the fast Audis of yore – the S3s and TTs that cemented Audi’s status for building supercar slayers. We’ve compiled a list of the 11 fastest Audi cars currently on sale, disregarding discontinued models like 2019’s R8 V10 Performance (2.8 seconds) or 2017’s S8 Plus (3.7 seconds). We’ve also ignored custom builds, third-party adaptations, or prototypes.
Check our detailed brand page to learn more about all the Audi car models, their official price range, and the story behind the German car manufacturer.
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.
| 0-60 mph: | 4.3 seconds |
| Top speed: | 155 mph (250 km/h) |
| Horsepower: | 500 |
| Released: | 2006 |
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.
| 0-60 mph: | 4.2 seconds (with boost engaged) |
| Top speed: | 130mph (209 km/h) |
| Horsepower: | 496 |
| Released: | 2023 |
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.
| 0-60 mph: | 3.9 seconds (with boost engaged) |
| Top speed: | 152mph (244 km/h) |
| Horsepower: | 523 (with boost engaged) |
| Released: | 2021 |
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.
| 0-60 mph: | 3.8 seconds |
| Top speed: | 155mph (250 km/h) |
| Horsepower: | 563 |
| Released: | 1996 |
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.
| 0-60 mph: | 3.8 seconds |
| Top speed: | 155mph (250 km/h) |
| Horsepower: | 444 |
| Released: | 2018 |
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.
| 0-60 mph: | 3.7 seconds |
| Top speed: | 155mph (250 km/h) |
| Horsepower: | 444 |
| Released: | 2010 |
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?
| 0-60 mph: | 3.7 seconds |
| Top speed: | 155mph (250 km/h) |
| Horsepower: | 591 |
| Released: | 2019 |
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.
| 0-60 mph: | 3.6 seconds |
| Top speed: | 155mph (250 km/h) |
| Horsepower: | 401 |
| Released: | 2011 |
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.
| 0-60 mph: | 3.3 seconds |
| Top speed: | 155mph (250 km/h) |
| Horsepower: | 621 |
| Released: | 2008 |
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.
| 0-60 mph: | 3.3 seconds |
| Top speed: | 155mph (250 km/h) |
| Horsepower: | 621 |
| Released: | 2013 |
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.
| 0-60 mph: | 3.1 seconds (with boost engaged) |
| Top speed: | 155mph (250 km/h) |
| Horsepower: | 637 (with boost engaged) |
| Released: | 2021 |
Frequently asked questions about the fastest Audis
Providing you use Launch Control to engage a temporary power boost, the RS e-tron GT leaves even the fastest Audis trailing with its 637 hp generated by dual synchronous electric motors. That’s enough power to scare Lotus and Lamborghini drivers.
While America measures acceleration in miles per hour, Europe measures it in kilometers per hour. One hundred kph is 62 mph, so the RS e-tron GT is the fastest Audi to 100 kph.
The Audi R8 was one of the fastest Audis ever made. However, like many fast sports cars, it’s been killed off as manufacturers migrate from internal combustion to electric power.
The Audi S4 is one of the fastest sedans. It just missed out on our shortlist – a 0-60 time of 4.4 seconds didn’t quite make the cut. Most of the fastest Audis have top speeds limited to 155mph, and the S4 is no exception.
