Like most other car makers, Audi are consolidating their current range of vehicles across the board. Featured today then are two new and powerful Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV) which round out the Audi Q8 SUV model range. There’s a new RS Q8 model with an output of 592BHP (600PS) and they’ve also added a new, second version to the top model in the catalogue: the RS Q8 SUV Performance. On the latter, there’s an increased output of 631BHP (640PS), which makes this one the most powerful series-produced combustion model in the history of the premium German company.
Both vehicles boast outstanding driving dynamics, we learn, thanks to an optimized, self-locking centre differential while guaranteeing an equally impressive suitability for everyday use. A car for all reasons.
On The Outside
With the new RS Q8 and RS Q8 Performance, Audi Sport is intensifying its focus on the dynamics of the two high-performance SUVs. A new front apron with striking air intakes, a distinctive grille, and a blade in high-gloss black (the Performance features matte grey) clearly identify the cars as the top models in the series. The large ‘singleframe’ grille features a reinterpreted honeycomb structure where each individual honeycomb cell is now three-dimensional, for effect.
The rear section also plays a part in advancing the models’ position at the top of the range. The two oval tailpipes are the first distinguishing feature of an RS model. Audi has placed a diffuser between them, which is divided down the middle by a reflector.
Further, an extensive range of new paint finishes is available for the exterior, including three new metallic options: Sakhir Gold, Ascari Blue, and Chili Red. In addition to the standard range, Audi can fulfil customer requests for individual finishes. The RS Q8 SUV and RS Q8 SUV Performance are distinguished primarily by the different standard colours and materials of many exterior components. While the exterior mirrors, front spoiler elements, and trim on the windows and rear diffuser always come in black on the RS Q8 SUV, the Performance version features matte carbon exterior mirrors, front spoiler elements, and a matte grey rear diffuser, with all other equipment in high-gloss black.
New optional 23 inch light-alloy wheels in a 6-Y spoke design and 295/35 tyres give the upgraded RS Q8 SUV a distinctly different look from the standard models. They are also optionally available in metallic black, matte Neodymium Gold, burnished silk matte grey, or burnished metallic black. As standard, both top versions of the series come with 22-inch 10-spoke light-alloy wheels (295/40).
On The Inside
So far, so Audi and it’s the same on the inside. Not much changes but, as models progress, so do the finishing touches and technology. Red, grey, or blue RS design packages are available for the interior but the blue package is exclusive to the RS Q8 SUV Performance. The centre console, the floor mats, the steering wheel, and the seat belt edges feature red or grey contrasting stitching. The seat belts are entirely in Ocean Blue as a special feature of the blue RS design package.
The steering wheel is covered with the now ubiquitous ‘Alcantara’. The selector lever knob and the side of the blade in the centre console are covered in ‘Dinamica’ microfibre, which is made from recycled products. The perforated sports seats with honeycomb stitching also feature contrasting stitching in the chosen package colour. Decorative inlays for both models are available in aluminium with Race Anthracite, matte Carbon Twill, or Grey Oak. As a further exclusive option, diagonal brushed black aluminium is available for the RS Q8 SUV performance.
The RS design packages ‘Plus’, again in three colour choices, offer additional features on request for new orders. One exclusive feature of this equipment variant is the seat centre panel with grey, red, or blue inlay. The customer’s chosen colour is revealed through the perforated sports seats. Moreover, the seat backs feature an RS logo embossed in matching colours.
There are additional special features for the Performance version: Besides an entrance LED that projects the lettering “RS Performance” onto the ground, the 12.3 inch Audi virtual cockpit ‘Plus’ features a shift light indicator in manual mode. It changes the rpm display from green to yellow to red, flashing in a manner identical to that used in motor sports to indicate the optimal time to change gears. Launch Control fully exploits the acceleration potential of the RS Q8 SUV Performance, additionally.
On The Road
With power designed to impress and a mighty 800Nm of torque, the output of the twin-turbocharged, eight-cylinder engine makes for outstanding driving dynamics. The RS Q8 accelerates 0-62mph in just 3.8 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 155mph. Thanks to its increased output of 631bhp (640PS) and 850Nm of torque, the Performance is even quicker, accelerating from 0-62mph in just 3.6 seconds and hitting a top speed of 174mph. It is the most powerful series-produced combustion engine in Audi’s history.
The newly developed, lighter RS sport exhaust system increases the output of the RS Q8 SUV performance while creating a sportier, more evocative sound. Both the new cars thus embody sportiness and elegance. The top model of the Q8 series combines a lust for performance whilst adding prestige and suitability for everyday use. Overall, it’s an exhilarating automotive experience. In short the whole package adds up to the automotive equation: Driving dynamics plus practicality equals maximum driving fun.
To continue, there’s a self-locking centre differential and both versions of the new RS Q8 come as standard with permanent, tried and tested quattro all-wheel drive, combined with an eight-speed ‘tiptronic’ gearbox with faster shifting times as standard. The wholly mechanical centre differential, with its compact and lightweight design, distributes engine power to the front and rear axles at a ratio of 40:60. If slippage occurs, no more than seventy percent of the drive torque is applied to the front and up to 85% to the rear axle. This mode of operation should result in more precise cornering, less understeer and more exact turn-in.
Agility and stability in every situation; that’s the thinking: The suspension setup offers an ideal balance of sportiness and comfort and both come with adaptive air suspension sport with controlled damping, tuned specifically for the RS. The ride height of both versions varies by up to 90mm, depending upon driver input.
It’s good to see, in this electric era, a manufacturer sticking with potent 8-pot internal combustion engines. Maybe over time we’ll see both technologies offered alongside each other. In the meantime, this new performance car is available to order around July 2024 with deliveries starting in September.
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