Audi Brings Brutality And Practicality Together In The New RS Q8

This is the new Audi RS Q8, the top model in the Audi Q product line which was unveiled recently.

Combining the power of an RS model with the elegance and flexibility of a luxury SUV, the RS Q8 is powered by a turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 TFSI engine which kicks out 600 hp and 800 Nm of torque, and paired to the engine is an 8-speed automatic Steptronic gearbox that sends power to all four wheels.

In case you’re wondering how quick this thing is, 0 to 100km/h time stands at an impressive 3.8 seconds, while top speed stands at 250 km/h. With the optional dynamic package, the RS Q8 can go up to 305 km/h.

Further complementing the whole powertrain package is a mild-hybrid system (MHEV) based on a 48-volt electrical system. The core of the MHEV is a belt alternator-starter connected to the crankshaft. During deceleration and braking, it can recover up to 12 kW of power and store it in the compact lithium-ion battery.   

The interplay of the MHEV components improves ride comfort and also has the potential to reduce fuel consumption in everyday driving by as much as 0.8 liters per 100 kilometers.

Another efficiency module on board is the cylinder on demand (COD) system. At low to intermediate load and rpm in the upper gears, it deactivates cylinders 2, 3, 5 and 8 by switching off fuel injection and ignition and closing the intake and exhaust valves.

Damping is handled by the adaptive air suspension system which comes as standard, with RS-specific damper tuning. Depending on driving situation and the driver’s wishes, the body’s ride height varies by up to 90 mm.

Also standard is the all-wheel steering which moves the rear wheels via a high-torque electric spindle drive and two track rods, and eight driving modes to choose from (Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, Efficiency, All road, Off road, and the individually configurable RS-specific modes RS1 and RS2) which can be activated directly via the “RS-MODE” button on the steering wheel.

Featuring a rather imposing exterior design compared to the regular Q8, key features on the model we’re looking here include a blacked out RS-specific radiator grille, large side air inlets, a sloping roofline which flows into the forward-canted D-pillars, RS-specific trim strips in body colour which widen the body by 10 mm up front and 5 mm in the rear, 22-inch wheels, an RS roof edge spoiler, as well as RS-typical tailpipes. Customers can also choose between two different LED headlight configurations.

The interior of the new RS Q8 features a generous dose of black Alcantara upholstery, a slim instrument panel, a MMI touch response display, special RS displays in the Audi virtual cockpit, as well as sport seats in black pearl Nappa leather/Alcantara.

The RS Q8 also comes with a sliding three-seat rear bench as standard. With the seat backrests folded down, the luggage compartment under the power rear hatch holds up to 1,755 litres.

In terms of driver assistance and safety, the new Audi RS Q8 offers over 30 assist systems includes such things as the adaptive cruise assist, efficiency assist, intersection assist, lane change warning and 360 degree cameras.