Audi RS Q8 2021 review
Content
- Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 8/10
- Is there anything interesting about its design? 9/10
- How practical is the interior space? 8/10
- What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 9/10
- How much fuel does it consume? 6/10
- What is it like to drive? 9/10
- What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 9/10
- How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 7/10
- Verdict
Close your eyes for a moment and imagine a mountain of pure performance—a towering, shimmering mound of unbridled grunting.
Okay, got it? Now open your eyes and look at the photos of the brand new Audi RS Q8. There are some similarities, right?
Audi's first performance SUV in the large car segment looks businesslike. It also looks, if you squint a little, a bit like the Lamborghini Urus, with which it shares an engine and platform.
But while Lamborghini tips the price tag at an impressive $391,968, the Audi RS Q8 is a comparative bargain at just $208,500.
So, can you consider it a Lambo at a discounted price? And is there any correspondence to this whole show? Let's find out.
| Audi RS Q8 2021: Tfsi Quattro Mar | |
|---|---|
| Safety Rating | - |
| engine's type | 4.0 L turbo |
| fuel type | Hybrid with premium unleaded gasoline |
| Fuel efficiency | 12.1l / 100km |
| Landing | 5 Places |
| Price from | No recent ads |
Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 8/10
It's a bit odd to label such an expensive SUV so high in price, but the truth is that, comparatively at least, it's something of a bargain.
As I mentioned above, the main competitor for such a car is the Lamborghini Urus (which is Audi's stable) and it will set you back around $400k. Audi RS Q8? Nearly half as much, for only $208,500.
The RS Q8 is over 5.0m long.
Look, it's a steal! For the money, you get an engine that can power a small city, and the kind of performance kit you need to get a 2.2-ton SUV around corners at speed. But we will return to all this in a moment.
You also get massive 23-inch alloy wheels on the outside with red brake calipers peeking out from behind, as well as RS adaptive air suspension, qauttro sport differential, all-wheel steering, electronic active roll stabilization, matrix LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof. and an RS sports exhaust.
The RS Q8 wears massive 23-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, you'll find heated Valcona leather seats in both rows, ambient interior lighting, leather everything, automatic sunblinds, illuminated door sills, and pretty much every other Audi kit you can find in its big bag.
In terms of technology, you'll find Audi's "Audi Connect plus" and Audi's "Virtual Cockpit" as well as a 17-speaker Bang and Olufsen 3D sound system that pairs with two screens (10.1" and 8.6"). seriously techno-heavy cabin.
The upper touch screen controls satellite navigation and other multimedia systems.
Is there anything interesting about its design? 9/10
It looks pretty impressive, the RS Q8, especially in a bright green colorway reminiscent of its Lamborghini sibling.
Massive black-on-silver alloys, bright red brake calipers the size of dinner plates, and body creases that protrude from the rear arches like a 1950s pin-up model. All this looks great.
Step to the rear of the car and you'll be greeted by twin tailpipes framing a massive textured diffuser, a single LED that shares multi-sphere LEDs, and a sleek roof spoiler.
The RS Q8 is very striking.
However, it's the front view that's most impressive, with a black mesh grille that looks as big as a hatchback, two slim LED headlights and a massive side vent.
Climb into the cabin and you'll be greeted by a wall of leather and technology, not to mention the feeling of vast space.
Of course, everything is digital and touch, and yet it does not seem flashy and exaggerated.
Climb into the cockpit and you'll be greeted by a wall of leather and tech.
How practical is the interior space? 8/10
Really damn practical. Which isn't a big surprise given the size of the device, but still impressive given its performance.
It stretches over 5.0m in length, and those dimensions translate into an absolutely massive cabin that is actually most visible in the rear seat, which is gigantic. Basically, you can park an Audi A1 in the back, such is the space on offer, but you'll also find two USB ports, a 12-volt outlet, digital air conditioning controls, and leather as far as the eye can see.
There are two cupholders at the front, two more in the drop-down divider at the rear, bottle holders in all doors, and ISOFIX anchor points for child seats.
Storage? Well, there are plenty… The rear seat slides forward or backward to make room for passengers or cargo, opening up 605 liters of luggage space, but when folded, the RS Q8 delivers 1755 liters of space. Which is a lot.
What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 9/10
The Audi RS Q8's twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine produces a whopping 441kW and 800Nm of torque, which is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed Triptronic automatic transmission.
Weighing over two tons, it's a big car, but it's also a lot of power, so a fast SUV can hit 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds.
The 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine delivers 441 kW/800 Nm.
The RS Q8 also features a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that is ostensibly designed to improve fuel consumption but is actually more useful for plugging any turbo holes when you really put your foot down.
How much fuel does it consume? 6/10
For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction, right? Well, the reaction to all this power is a lot of fuel consumption.
Audi reckons the RS Q8 will consume 12.1L/100km on the combined cycle, but we suspect that's wishful thinking. It is also reported to emit about 276 g/km CO02.
A large SUV is equipped with a huge 85-liter tank.
What is it like to drive? 9/10
How would you describe the driving experience of the RS Q8? Absolutely, absolutely amazing.
I will give you an example. You walk up to a hulking SUV, look at its massive rubber-wrapped alloys, and you know—just know—that it will ride like a broken cart on anything but the silkiest smooth road surfaces.
And yet it is not so. Thanks to a clever air suspension (which lowers the ride height by 90mm when switching between Off-Road and Dynamic modes), the RS Q8 glides confidently over twisty road surfaces, negotiating bumps and bumps with amazing aplomb.
The RS Q8 is a high-tech spacecraft that is remarkably light at low speeds.
So, you're thinking, okay, we're set to match, so this big behemoth will be walking around corners with all the dynamics of a spilled cereal bowl.
But again, this is not the case. In fact, the Audi RS Q8 attacks corners with incredible brutality, and active roll protection systems work their dark magic to keep the towering SUV straight and without a hint of body roll.
The clutch is terrible (we have yet to find its outer limits), and even the steering feels more direct and communicative than in other smaller, ostensibly sportier Audis.
The Audi RS Q8 attacks the corners with unbelievable brutality.
The result is a high-tech spacecraft that is surprisingly light at low speeds and quiet even on rough roads. But one that can also activate warp speed at will, leaving small cars in its sizable footprint on the right stretch of road.
Disadvantages? He's not quite ready to jump off the line. Of course, he makes up for it in the long run, but there's a noticeable moment of hesitation, as if he's contemplating his considerable weight before finally charging forward.
Plus, it's so competent, so efficient, that you might feel a little detached from driving, or like Audi does all the hard work for you.
Warranty and safety rating
Basic Warranty
3 years / unlimited mileage
guarantee
What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 9/10
The RS Q8 gets six airbags as well as a host of high-tech safety equipment.
Think stop-and-go adaptive cruise, lane keep assist, active lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, and a 360-degree parking camera. You also get a parking system, rear wheel pre-sensing for nose-to-tail collisions, and an AEB system that operates at speeds up to 85 km/h for pedestrians and 250 km/h for vehicles.
There's also Collie Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Cross Crossing Assist, and Exit Alert.
Don't expect Audi to smash the RS Q8 anytime soon, but the regular Q8 earned a full five stars in 2019 ANCAP testing.
How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 7/10
All Audi vehicles are covered by a three-year unlimited mileage warranty and require annual maintenance. Audi will let you pay up front for the first five years of service for $4060.
Verdict
The Audi RS Q8 is as good as it is striking, and it's a pleasure to look at. It's certainly not for everyone, but if you're looking for a big, noisy SUV, the Audi fits the bill.
And if you happen to buy a Lamborghini Urus, be sure to drive it before you sign the dotted line…
