1. It's ridiculously FAST!
The 441 kW / 800 Nm RS Q8 is the most powerful SUV the Audi has ever created, and has already been crowned fastest SUV-king of the Nürburgring, with a 7:42.253 lap time! (Search AutoTrader for Audi Q8 45TDI models here!)
Quick enough to beat the Porsche Cayenne Turbo in a drag race, the RS Q8 will hit a 100 km / h in a face-meltingly fast 3.8 seconds, thanks to a roaring twin-turbo, 4.0-litre V8 engine (with a mild hybrid system), also found in the Lamborghini Urus and Bentley Bentayga. The RS Q8 will reach an electrically-governed top speed of 250 km per hour, unless you have a bit more money to spend... (Search AutoTrader for Audi Q8 55TFSI models here!)
Related: Video review - Audi Q8 55 vs. GLE 450 (2019)
2. You can spec it to go even faster.
The top speed can be increased from 250 km/h to 305 km/h h by specifying the Dynamic Package Plus, which also adds carbon ceramic brakes and a sport differential in the rear to Audi's electromechanical active roll stabilization, for superb corner-carving ability.
"Active roll stabilization helps to improve driving dynamics by distributing roll torque between the front and rear axles. When driving straight ahead, the two halves of the stabilizer are decoupled, reducing body movement on uneven roads and increasing ride comfort. During cornering, the halves of the stabilizer are twisted in opposite directions, reducing vehicle lean", says Audi.
The "regular" Q8 gets adaptive dampers, but air suspension with additional sporty driving modes will be included in the RS Q8's price. If you prefer to have your bread buttered on both sides, you can also raise or lower your RS Q8's suspension by up to 9cm, to suit super sporty driving or when venturing (not too far, we hope!) off-road.
Related: Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic edition (review, 2020)
3. And it sounds terrific!
"The 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 ignition sequence gives the engine a robust and unique sound. As is typical for RS models, the dual exhaust system features an oval tailpipe on each side. The optional RS sport exhaust system with black tailpipe trims offers an even sportier sound", promises Audi. You can
4. Driving modes galore, thanks to RS-specific Audi Drive Select...
The Audi drive select system in the RS feature seven different profiles: comfort, auto, dynamic, allroad, offroad and the individually configurable RS-specific modes RS1 and RS2, which can be activated by pressing the “‘RS-MODE’” button on the steering wheel.
The ESP-controlled all-wheel-steering is standard too, allowing you greater manoeuvrability at lower speeds and in town, and a sportier feel on the highway. This is because the steering system approaches the steer angle and directional stability as separate entities.
5. Unique RS-looks, inside and out
The enhanced RS cabin is testament to this Q8's athletic aspirations: The seats are properly bolstered to keep you and your lucky passengers well-cosseted when you're giving it horns over your favourite mountain pass. The leather interior with suede inserts will keep your thighs from sticking to the seats when things get exciting, and heated/ventilated seats with a massaging function will soothe away any tension you may have built up during an adrenaline-filled journey. (Various leather design options will be available at launch.)
The RS Q8 infotainment system also gets the RenSport magic treatment, with gauges for drivetrain / tyre temperatures, G-forces, lap times, and so forth.
American RS Q8 models come equipped with a standard Bang & Olufsen 3D Sound System with 17 speakers and 16-channel amplifier, or an optional Bang & Olufsen 3D Advanced Sound System with 23 speakers, with a peak output of 1,920 watts.
So, how much should I hope to win in the national lotto?
At the time of the launch, pricing for the United States model was a cool $113 000, which is almost R2,1 million. Currently, the RSQ8 quattro retails for R2 730 000.
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Source: Audi Global Newsroom
