Audi RS Q8 Review: Unmatched Performance and Luxury

Introduction

The car you see is the Audi RS Q8, the most expensive RS model from Audi. It can be described as an SUV that offers the luxury level of the A8 and the high-performance level of the R8. Does that sound unbelievable? Let’s dive straight into the experience and see if this vehicle lives up to its hefty price tag.

Driving Experience

As the most expensive RS model currently on the market, Audi left no stone unturned in developing this vehicle. They poured their hearts and souls into it, resulting in astonishing performance. With 600 horsepower and 800 Nm of torque from its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, the RS Q8 will surprise you with capabilities that you wouldn't expect from an SUV.

For instance, the car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds, outperforming supercars that cost twice its price. The RS Q8 has a top speed of 280 km/h, which makes it faster than many of the best-known sports cars on the market.

Unlike its competitors, you won't feel like Audi simply took the standard Q8, added more power, and marketed it as a high-performance SUV. Instead, it seems designed to deliver an exhilarating experience from the get-go, evident from the dedicated "RS" button on the steering wheel, the sporty exhaust system that produces an exceptionally thrilling sound, and the quick-shifting 8-speed Tiptronic transmission.

For those unfamiliar, the Nürburgring is a racing circuit in Germany that has become a vital testing ground for automakers worldwide to showcase their high-performance vehicles' speed. Currently, the RS Q8 is the fastest production SUV on the Nürburgring.

On this famous track, the RS Q8 completed the course five seconds faster than the Lamborghini Urus, seven seconds quicker than the Mercedes-Benz GLC63S, and nine seconds faster than the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio, and 32 seconds faster than the Range Rover Sport SVR. This gives you a quick idea of just how fast this vehicle is.

Interestingly, the Audi RS Q8 isn't the most powerful SUV. For example, the Lamborghini Urus has a higher horsepower and torque but can't keep up with the Audi. This is due to Audi's renowned quattro all-wheel-drive system, along with its all-wheel steering for enhanced agility and large, powerful carbon-ceramic brakes.

What’s most remarkable about this vehicle is its ability to transition from the world’s fastest SUV to an exemplary family-friendly vehicle. When you want to tone down its high performance, it features a cylinder deactivation system with a mild hybrid 48-volt system for fuel efficiency, along with sound-insulating glass to keep the cabin as quiet as possible, and adaptive dampers that make for a smoother ride.

Interior

Looking at the interior, you’ll notice its resemblance to the Audi A8 in terms of design and quality. However, as this is an RS model, it features some exciting additions. There’s a flat-bottom steering wheel with the RS badge, RS sports seats with red stitching, black Alcantara on the headliner, and carbon-fiber trims throughout the dashboard and door panels.

In the rear, there’s much more space than you would expect in a coupe SUV, with ample headroom and legroom. It's great to see the carbon-fiber touches and red stitching that starts at the front and continues to the second row. The climate control system is four-zone, allowing the driver, front passenger, and those in the back to set different temperatures for the air conditioning, along with USB charging ports and cup holders.

Specifications and Technology

Being an Audi and a flagship model at that, the RS Q8 is packed with technology. Some standout features include a Bang & Olufsen sound system with 23 speakers. There’s also a full panoramic roof, smooth-closing doors, and Audi's virtual cockpit that transforms the instrument panel into a fully customizable digital display.

On the safety front, you’ll find nearly everything from adaptive cruise control and speed limiters to lane-keeping assistance and a heads-up display on the windshield. However, the standout feature is the 3D parking assistant that uses multiple cameras around the car to make parking as easy as possible.

Exterior Design

Some may agree with me, while others may disagree, but coupe SUVs like the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe do not strike me as beautiful cars. Once again, that’s just my opinion. I don’t see the required harmony in their design, but the Audi RS Q8 truly possesses a stunning look. It’s low, wide, and one of the very few vehicles that maintains its allure even in dull colors like silver!

The design of the Audi RS Q8 lacks the drama of the Lamborghini Urus, but since it’s an RS model, the carbon fiber package includes a black front grille, black Audi badge, a low front splitter, and carbon fiber accents around the grille, which aren’t found on the standard version.

Along the sides, you’ll find 23-inch alloy wheels concealing red brake calipers and side skirts that enhance aerodynamics.

At the rear, you’ll notice an extended rear wing, a large diffuser, and oval black exhaust pipes that are a signature feature of Audi RS models. For those interested in practicality, the trunk space is 605 liters, larger than that of the BMW X6 but smaller than that of the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe. Additionally, there’s a feature to raise and lower the rear when loading and unloading luggage for easier access.

Our Verdict on the Audi RS Q8

You can acquire a brand new Audi RS Q8 for 550,000 AED, but to get it with carbon fiber additions, ceramic brakes, and all the safety systems we tested, you’ll need to pay 685,000 AED.

Do you think it's worth that amount? I would say yes without a doubt. However, if I had 685,000 AED to spend on an Audi, I might choose the R8 instead, but that’s just my personal opinion. Let me know what you think in the comments below.