RS Q8 is Audi's Most Potent SUV Yet

Taken the Q8 to a new performance standard

Audi is betting big on performance SUVs for 2020. The German brand is exploiting its Q8 five-door coupé’s style and proportions with a very potent RS-variant. This is the fastest Audi SUV yet and uses all the brand’s bets bits, to create an awesomely capable all-rounder. And yes, you can have it in Lime Green, which shows-off its lines and proportions best.

A new standard of Audi performance SUV

With its RS Q8 Audi is pushing into an unexplored market, that of the premium performance SUV. The brand’s RS-vehicles have always been for its most committed customers. Those who value performance above all else. Audi’s engineers have realized that disappointing these customers, is just not an option, and as such, there are specific features which ensure that this R8 is worthy of its RS-badging.   

A big SUV with even bigger tires

One of the interesting features of the RS Q8 is its wheels and tires. You can have 22-inch rims as standard, and size that up to 23s, for a stronger visual statement. With its wheels and tire choice, Audi is not merely trying to give RS Q8 an imposing stance and strong side-profile view. There is a functional mechanical grip level that engineers wished to attain with this large performance SUV. And to achieve that, it rolls 295/40 tires, which are larger than anything else you’ll find on an Audi production vehicle. 

Look nice and work a treat - too

Inside the RS Q8, you can option Valcona leather-quilted sports seats. These feature a hexagon quilted stitch structure with deep bolstering to hug the occupants. This not only looks great but has real ergonomic comfort benefits on longer journeys. As with any Audi, the RS Q8’s cabin architecture exudes quality and contemporary design feel. 

Aerodynamic and dramatic

One of the true defining exterior styling elements of the RS Q8 is its grille. Audi’s stylists have managed to combine a great contrast of surface textures and shapes here, appropriate for a performance SUV. The honeycomb grille is framed by a composite texturing and the characteristic The quattro heritage hood slots create perfect visual tension between the vertical and horizontal planes of the RS Q8’s front section. 

It really fills a parking space

That aggressive stance of the RS Q8 is not a visual illusion or trickery of the mind. This RS version rides slightly lower than other Q8s and its air-suspension system features an electronically actuated anti-roll bar, for superior cornering stability at speed. It is wider too, adding to the visual presence. At the front axle’s fender width, there are 0.4-inches more Q8 and at the rear, the RS version is 0.2-inches wider than Audi’s conventional factory bodywork specification. 

Fastest around the 'Ring

How potent is this RS Q8? Well, the numbers tell their own story. It is powered by a 592hp version of Audi’s twin-turbocharged 4-liter V8. That makes it the most powerful Audi SUV yet. With the benefit of quattro all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission, the RS Q8 will run 0-62mph in only 3.8 seconds. Top speed is 189mph, which sits it atop the list of fastest performance SUVs. Those numbers all combine to also gift it the current record, for fastest SUV around the testing Nürburgring, with a lap time of only 7:42.253. 

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