Whether you love it or hate it, luxury and performance SUVs are a gold mine for carmakers. It is one segment where Audi continues to dominate, offering a huge selection of big, fast SUVs, yet it seems like Audi’s skunkworks isn’t content to rest on its laurels. They’ve just raised their own goalpost even higher, with its recent unveiling of the all-new RS Q8 SUV, and specifically, the RS Q8 SUV Performance. The latter is even currently the most powerful series-production model from Audi Sport, boasting outrageous performance and sharp handling (for an SUV).
The RS Q8 and RS Q8 Performance share the same twin-turbocharged V8 engine but are tuned differently. In particular, the RS Q8 outputs an impressive 600PS and 800Nm of torque, while the RS Q8 Performance cranks out a more ridiculous 640PS and 850Nm of torque. That ought to be good for a 0-62mph sprint in a mere 3.8 seconds and 3.6 seconds, respectively. Besides that, while the RS Q8 has a limited top speed of 155mph, the RS Q8 Performance manages a top speed of 174mph. Paired with a new RS sports exhaust, it sounds rather nice, too.
Bringing Huge Power Into A Luxury Family SUV
While you might expect a large SUV like the RS Q8 to handle like a barn, Audi has made rather significant improvements to make sure it’ll handle sharply. Both models of the RS Q8 come as standard with permanent Quattro all-wheel drive, in addition to an 8-speed transmission, and a mechanical self-locking centre differential. The latter distributes engine power front and rear at a ratio of 40:60, but if there’s slippage, it’ll send up to of 70% of torque to the front axle, or 85% to the rear. This should help you turn in faster, with less understeer and precise handling.
As standard, the RS Q8 also includes Audi’s electromechanical active roll stabilization (e-AWS), which uses a small 48V electric motor between the axles to cope with excessive body roll. And, the RS Q8 will also come with a standard rear-wheel steer, as well as adaptive air suspension, in addition to controlled damping. Altogether, it combines to make the RS Q8 a supremely stable and agile machine, despite its larger size. On top of that, Audi will also throw in a massive set of ventilated composite brakes, with 10-piston calipers up front, and superb stopping power.
A Super-Sports Performance SUV Inside And Out
Elsewhere, Audi has gone through the RS Q8 with a fine tooth comb to cut down weight as far as it can. Most notably, you’ll get lightweight 22-inch alloy wheels, which you could choose for a bigger set of 23-inch lightweight forged alloys. Despite being an inch larger, the optional 23-inch alloy wheels actually reduce unsprung mass by 5kg on each corner, totalling 20kg worth of weight savings. Of course, since you’re spending a lot more for the RS Q8 (and more so with the spicier Performance trim), Audi makes it easier to let others know you have it best.
These new RS Q8 models will come with distinct RS badges and design elements to stand out from the rest of the Q8 range. For instance, there’s a distinct front fascia and a big honeycomb grille, alongside two oval tailpipes in the rear. You can choose from a suite of distinct colours for the exterior, such as Sakhir Gold, Ascari Blue, and Chili Red metallic paints. You can expect similar attention to detail once you step inside too, with Alcantara and leather aplenty. While UK pricing has yet to be announced, more details and specs will be announced later in July.
