THIS MUST BE THE MONTH for ridiculous power outputs. Audi has just announced the arrival of its first-ever RS Q8 SUV. The most powerful SUV in the Audi range combines crushing performance with expressive design, space and comfort of a luxury SUV for all-round functionality.
“The Audi RS Q8 is an extraordinary feat of engineering accomplishment,’ said Paul Sansom, Managing Director of Audi Australia.
“Creating a vehicle that truly serves its purpose as a functional, versatile family vehicle without compromising on the kind of stratospheric performance that is expected of an RS flagship is a remarkable achievement by Audi Sport GmbH.
“We know that this type of exclusive vehicle is one that some of our customers have been longing for, and so we are delighted to bring the first RS Q8 to Australia,” said Sansom.
The all-new Audi RS Q8 is the prestigious spearhead of the Audi RS model range with truly phenomenal performance credentials: it’s the fastest production SUV around the Nürburgring Nordschleife, thanks to a stunning lap of 7:42.253 in 2019, with Frank Stippler at the wheel.
The all-new RS Q8 is powered by a monumental 4.0-litre TFSI V8 engine with twin turbochargers, and develops an immense 441kW of power and 800Nm of torque, (the latter from 2200 to 4500rpm). This relentless engine performance catapults the RS Q8 to sprint to 100 km/h from rest in just 3.8 seconds, to 200 km/h in just 13.7 seconds, before reaching a limited top speed of 250 km/h.
The roar of the drivetrain is just as vocal as the engine itself, with its aural 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 firing order amplified through the standard RS sports exhaust – easily activated via the Audi drive select function on the RS-specific virtual cockpit display. Visually, the dual exhaust system is sleek with an oval tailpipe on each side, complete with black trims that create a suave, yet athletic appearance.
Progressive efficiency technologies further enhance the characteristics of the engine with its 48-volt mild-hybrid (MHEV) system. During deceleration and braking, the RS Q8 is able to draw on this system and recover up to 12kW of power while coasting or under light throttle. The start/stop system also draws on the 48V electrical system and functions at speeds up to 22km/h, saving up to 0.8 litres of fuel, per 100km. Additionally, cylinder-on-demand (CoD) technology can shut down four cylinders under light throttle load, resuming within milliseconds when required. All of this is imperceptible to the driver and passengers.
To fully harness the strength of the engine, the all-new RS Q8 is equipped with a quick-shifting eight-speed tiptronic transmission, directing power to the road via the legendary Audi quattro permanent all-wheel drive. Under normal driving conditions, torque is distributed asymmetrically: 40:60, front to rear respectively. This provides the perfect platform for dynamic handling with optimal traction, however up to 85 percent of engine torque can be directed to the rear wheels for especially sporty handling. The quattro sport differential can provide further adjustment, directing almost all of the rear axle’s torque to either wheel during particularly dynamic driving.
With potential for such high-speeds, the braking system that underpins the RS Q8 is aptly powerful. The standard system comprises of steel brakes, with red 10-piston calipers clamping 420mm front discs, with 370mm at the rear. The optional RS ceramic braking system saves 34kg in unsprung weight, and comprises even larger front discs, at 440mm, and a choice of colour for the calipers (grey, red or blue).
The RS Q8 also benefits from dynamic all-wheel steering as standard to ensure complete stability on the road, despite unpredictable driving situations. The rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels at low speeds, reducing the turning circle by up to one metre, turning the same direction as the front wheels at speed, which provides dynamic handling with unshakable stability. Also equipped is the RS-specific adaptive air suspension, which has a very broad depth of ability. The system can adjust ride height by up to 90mm and the balance between suppleness and firmness depending on the driving conditions. A comfortable ride and agile handling are assured at all times.
This is enhanced by the electromechanical active roll stabilisation system, which is powered by the 48v electrical architecture and offers unparalleled levels of body control. Adjustable stabilisers reduce the body movements on uneven roads when driving in a straight line. When cornering, the focus shifts to optimum roll compensation and the tendency of the car to lean into the bend is reduced substantially.
All of these dynamic systems, the Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC) and the standard RS sports exhaust, are integrated through the Audi drive select, including two new RS 1 and RS 2 modes that can be quickly accessed via the steering wheel and configured for specific high-performance settings.
The new face of the Audi Q family offers an imposing exterior design, with all the physical qualities of a luxurious SUV, but embodying the genes of a high-performance sports car. The wide Singleframe grille combines a black gloss finish with the RS-specific honeycomb structure, edged by arresting air inlets that sit below the standard dark tinted HD Matrix LED headlights (with front and rear dynamic indicators), creating sheer dominance on the road.
For the first time ever on an Audi production vehicle, 23-inch alloy wheels feature as standard, alongside a range of other features, including:
- Anti-theft wheel bolts w/ loose wheel detection
- Electric tailgate
- Power assisted door closure
- Privacy glass (rear side and rear windows)
- Panoramic glass sunroof
- Convenience key (including gesture control for boot opening)
- Metallic paint
- Exterior mirrors (electrically adjustable, heated, folding, automatically dimming with memory function and kerb side function on passenger side)
In conjunction with its extraordinary road presence, the all-new RS Q8 provides exceptional levels of comfort and versatility with tremendous interior room for occupants. The luggage capacity can store up to 1755 litres (with the backrests folded down), while the rear seat can be split 40:20:40, and slides fore and aft to create additional legroom during longer journeys. Inside, the cabin is upholstered in premium Valcona leather with honeycomb stitching, alongside RS sport front seats with ventilation that feature full electric adjustability to further enhance the athletic ambience of the RS Q8. Additional standard equipment highlights, include:
- 4-way lumbar support
- Heated front and rear seats
- 4-zone climate control air conditioning
- Multi-function, 3-spoke ‘RS’ leather steering wheel
- Electric sunblind for rear side windows and manual sunblind for rear window
- Air quality package (includes 2 fragrances and air ionisation)
- Extended aluminium look (centre console buttons)
- Illuminated door sill trims with aluminium inlay and RS logo
Intuitive technology and the very latest in infotainment systems defines the all-new RS Q8, creating a truly connected driving experience. The MMI touch response system offers countless controls and switches for a clean, minimalist layout with 10.1-inch (lower) and 8.6-inch (lower) touch screen, further improved with the Audi virtual cockpit and Audi Smartphone Interface with the integration of approved apps (Android auto, wireless Apple CarPlay). Additional features include the Bang & Olufsen 3D Sound System (17 speakers, 730 watts), Audi phone box light with wireless charging for mobile phones (with Qi standard), Audi music interface with two rear USB outlets and Audi connect plus for a range of infotainment, security and assistance services.
The full suite of available Audi driver assistance systems is fitted to the RS Q8 as standard, including Adaptive cruise assist with Stop&Go and traffic jam assist, front and rear parking sensors, Audi pre-sense front and rear, active lane assist and side assist with cross traffic assist, collision avoidance and turn assist and 360-degree cameras with kerb view. Additionally, tyre pressure monitoring, an alarm and head-up display round out the safety features.
The all-new RS Q8 is offered with the comprehensive Audi service plan package, priced at $4060 for five years.
The Audi RS Q8 offers several equipment option packages with further interior customisation available, including a Sensory package, two exterior styling packages including a matt aluminium styling package and the carbon and black styling package, the RS design package and the RS Dynamic package plus (with ceramic brakes and raised 305 km/h speed limit).
Eight exterior colours are available on the Audi RS Q8, as well as three interior trims.
The all-new Audi RS Q8 is on-sale now in Audi Sport dealerships around the country, and is also available to order through the Audi online purchase platform
Pricing (plus on road costs)
RS Q8 quattro Tiptronic 444kW $208, 500
Once we have tested and assessed the new Audi RS Q8, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.