Defying physics

With its 471kW of power at 6000rpm and 850Nm of torque between 2300 and 4500rpm, the all-new Audi RS Q8 performance represents not only a masterpiece of engineering but another milestone for Audi. The pinnacle of the Q8 model range and the benchmark luxury SUV for the brand, the RS Q8 performance also holds the title of most powerful series production combustion-engined model in the brand’s history – once again demonstrating Audi’s commitment to continually push the envelope in vehicle development and technology.

Those performance credentials are further enhanced by the title of fastest large SUV around the famed Nurburgring Nordschleife, lapping the Green Hell in a cool 7:36.698 minutes.

Arriving in Australia from $255, 800*, the performance variant of the RS Q8 line lifts the already impressive bar set by the original RS Q8, spearheading a two-model offering for those seeking the ultimate in combustion performance and absolute luxury motoring in the large SUV ranks. Sitting above the Q8, SQ8 and Q8 TFSI e plug-in hybrid models, they complete a comprehensive offering in the combustion Q8 ranks.

The ‘performance’ model will be offered along with the ‘standard’ RS Q8 from $230,900* – a sentence that feels strange to write, given that there is nothing remotely ‘standard’ about any vehicle bearing the RS moniker, never mind one at the ‘big end’ of the model spectrum.

These are finely honed performance models that also deliver the ultimate in terms of luxurious ride and appointment. Although theoretically at loggerheads, the RS Q8 models represent the pinnacle of luxury, technology, connectivity and appointment, but also delivering supercar acceleration and handling that bely their impressive size.

At this end of the scale, every fraction of a second is hard fought. With its 441kW and 800Nm of torque, the ‘entry model’ RS Q8 hits 100km/h from a standing start in just 3.8 seconds, while its performance sibling shaves a cool 0.2 seconds off that time to make it 3.6 seconds. Bear in mind too that Audi tends to be conservative with its claimed performance times – but that’s something for you to explore yourself, in a safe environment of course.

Even on their own, these figures are impressive enough and put the RS Q8 models in very rarified company indeed. But when you take into account their size and the level of equipment each carries as standard, those numbers take on an added significance. 

While boasting a highly tuned performance engine, the RS Q8 doesn’t just impress at the outer reaches of performance but also with the tractable nature of this powerplant. Pulling from practically nothing on the rev range, the RS Q8 can be as gentle as a lamb in slow traffic, but with the capacity to simply ‘erupt’ when the full fury of its highly-tuned 4.0-litre, twin-turbo V8 (with 48V mild-hybrid system) is required.

The sound too is music to the ears of performance enthusiasts, growing from a menacing rumble at low rpm to a purposeful roar at full noise – something that requires the safety of a race track to fully explore.

Matching the extraordinary acceleration is equally impressive braking and of course, handling. Sporting the world’s largest brakes on the performance model as standard, the ceramic 440mm front discs with 10 piston fixed calipers and 370mm six-piston calipers on the rear, provide unparalleled stopping power. 

Then there is the combination of all-wheel steering, adaptive air suspension sport and quattro sport differential that give this large SUV the handling characteristics of a small, compact sportscar. The active roll stabilisation system producing a ride and handling characteristics with nary a hint of roll regardless of the ‘enthusiasm’ with which you turn in to bend at speed, allowing the big SUV to go around corners ‘as if it were on rails’ – to use an old, but in this case, completely appropriate expression.

All of these factors, along with quattro all-wheel drive come together to effectively 

‘shrink’ the RS Q8 performance around the driver, giving the big, luxurious SUV a turn of speed and agility that shouldn’t be possible. That it can do what it does, while providing unparalleled space and comfort for an entire family plus luggage, only adds to its tremendous versatility and appeal. With 605 litres of storage space in the luggage area, which increases to 1755 litres when the spacious rear seats are not occupied, makes for a vehicle that can carry vast amounts of equipment should the need arise. And for those who do travel in the rear seats, the overall space, head and leg room is impressive for even tall passengers.

To really get the most from the Audi RS Q8 in either guise requires an unrestricted stretch of autobahn or a racetrack, but even on the right mountain road it exhibits handling characteristics and mechanical grip that is truly impressive. At the risk of sounding repetitive, this is a vehicle that defies its physical dimensions and handles all situations and indeed road surfaces with aplomb.

On freeway hauls it becomes the ultimate grand tourer and covers long distances just as it does everything else – with laughable ease.

But much as a spirited drive in the mountains or on a country road might excite the senses, the bulk of motoring is conducted at civilised speeds and even, unfortunately, in the close quarters world of city traffic. Here, where a highly strung supercar would be hard work, the RS Q8 again shows its softer side and versatility. In slow -speed traffic it moves around with ease – the low burble of the V8 the only hint of what it’s capable of. But that almost instantaneous acceleration is just a squeeze of the right foot away should a break in the traffic open up. 

Despite its feel on the right roads, a pared down sportscar the RS Q8 is not, and equipment levels across the board are likewise impressive. 

The RS Q8 performance boasts everything from specially lightened 23-inch wheels and the aforementioned ceramic brakes as standard equipment, along with HD Matrix LED headlights with laser light and OLED rear lights. Likewise the dynamic all-wheel steering and RS adaptive air suspension sport. Then there is the electromechanical active roll stabilisation, quattro sport differential and RS Sport exhaust system. These are the things that quicken the heart rate and help make the RS Q8 performance the veritable race car it is. But it also delivers levels of comfort and refinement that put most luxury conveyances to shame. Everything from the RS sport front seats with heating and ventilation swathed in fine Nappa leather upholstery with that distinctive honeycomb stitching, right down to an air quality package with ioniser, four-zone climate control and panoramic sunroof, make for an exceptional experience inside the expansive cabin. Even little touches like the power-assisted door close function and tail gate open and close function speak to the absolute quality of the RS Q8 performance.

Onboard technology is no less extensive, with Audi connect plus navigation and infotainment, MMI navigation plus with MMI touch response, Audi phone box light and smartphone interface, virtual cockpit with white dials and dual USB ports in the front and rear, topped off with the 730 watt B&O 3D sound system with 17 speakers. 

As always, safety and driver assistance is a key consideration, with everything from adaptive cruise assist and lane change warning with blind spot indicator, rear cross traffic assist and active lane assist on hand, along with the likes of hill descent control and emergency assist and direct tyre pressure monitoring to highlight just a few of the key systems.

Despite the level of standard equipment, there is also the opportunity to further customise your vehicle further. An RS design package plus from $4100* allows customers to specify custom stitching, while the Sensory package ($9,700*) adds massage function for front seats, Dinamica headlining in black and Bang & Olufsen 3D Advanced Sound System with 1920 watts and 19 speakers. In terms of styling, a carbon and black styling package ($9800*) sees the Singleframe grille’s mask finished in matt carbo, as well as the wing mirror caps, trim strips on the side windows in gloss black and front spoiler, luggage compartment trim strip and rear diffuser insert in matt carbon.

In either guise, the RS Q8 models again represent the pinnacle of the brand’s combustion range and impress in every situation. With high-performance capabilities at the very top of the scale and a level of luxury finish and appointment that is likewise at the very top end, the RS Q8 can lay claim to the mantle of being all things to all customers. That a large, luxury SUV can deliver this level of ride and performance though, remains a hard to comprehend. Truly a vehicle that needs to be experienced first hand to be fully appreciated.

Learn more about the extraordinary RS Q8 models at audi.com.au

(*Manufacturer List Pricing [MLP] – excludes dealer delivery and government statutory charges)