Unleashing Incredible Power in SUV Clothing
Among the growing cohort of high-performance SUVs, the Audi RS Q8 Performance stakes its claim as the ultimate expression of brute force and refinement. Building on the solid foundations of the 600hp RS Q8, Audi Sport has pushed the envelope with an upgraded 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 delivering a staggering 640hp and 627lb-ft of torque. This flagship Q8 variant not only eclipses the power output of the now-discontinued R8 V10, but it also transforms the notion of what a two-tonne SUV can achieve on both the road and racetrack.
Heart-Pounding Acceleration and Top-Speed Thrills
With launch control engaged, the RS Q8 Performance rockets from 0 to 62mph in an astonishing 3.6 seconds—faster than many exotic sports cars. Its eight-speed automatic gearbox and quattro all-wheel-drive system channel every ounce of the 640hp through all four wheels, achieving a governed top speed of 174mph. The result is a visceral surge of thrust that defies the high-riding silhouette, delivering overtakes and mid-corner bursts with the immediacy and authority of a dedicated supercar.
Chassis Mastery: Air Suspension, Active Anti-Roll Bars and More
Given its mass—over 2,300kg when fully fuelled—the RS Q8 Performance requires advanced suspension and handling technology to remain agile. Audi Sport incorporates:
- Adaptive Air Suspension with dynamic ride height adjustment, granting a supple Comfort mode or a lower, firmer stance in Dynamic mode.
- Active Anti-Roll Bars driven by 48-volt electric motors to virtually eliminate body roll and maintain composure through fast bends.
- Rear-Wheel Steering that turns the rear wheels opposite to the fronts at low speeds for tight manoeuvres, and in the same direction at high speeds for stability.
- Torque Vectoring to balance power delivery between the rear wheels, sharpening turn-in and boosting corner-exit traction.
As a result, the RS Q8 Performance handles with an unexpected lightness, masking its bulk until pressed hard into challenging corners. Even the most enthusiastic drivers will be impressed by a chassis that can switch from compliant cruiser to focused sports machine at the twist of a dial.
Braking Brilliance: Carbon-Ceramic Stoppers
Stopping a vehicle with supercar-beating acceleration demands equally formidable brakes. Audi equips the Performance model with carbon-ceramic discs—440mm upfront and 370mm at the rear—clamped by six-piston calipers for immediate, fade-resistant stopping power. Whether on a tight track lap or a panicked highway stint, these brakes inspire confidence and ensure the RS Q8 can decelerate as impressively as it accelerates.
Luxurious Interior Fitted for Speed
Inside, the RS Q8 Performance shares much of its cabin architecture with the standard Q8, elevated by:
- RS Super Sport Seats upholstered in Alcantara and leather, heated and ventilated, with pronounced bolstering for high-g cornering.
- Flat-bottomed Alcantara Steering Wheel featuring multi-function controls and an RS drive mode selector.
- MMI Touch Displays comprising a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.1-inch infotainment screen, and an 8.6-inch climate interface.
- High-Quality Materials throughout, from leather-wrapped dash trim to metal-accented controls.
The digital cockpit integrates seamless smartphone connectivity, navigation, and Audi’s suite of driver assists, all delivered via one of the most intuitive infotainment systems on the market.
Family-Friendly Practicality Amid Supercar Performance
Despite its hypercar-beating stats, the RS Q8 Performance remains a true five-seater. The rear bench slides to balance legroom and luggage capacity, while the 605-litre boot swallows everyday loads with ease. Whether ferrying passengers or splitting trips between track day and grocery run, this SUV manages to combine rare performance with everyday usability.
Pricing, Trims and Fuel Considerations
Starting at just over £140,900, the RS Q8 Performance sits above the £125,000 standard RS Q8 but justifies its premium with enhanced power, carbon-ceramic brakes, and exclusive trim. Two additional variants—the Carbon Black edition with matte carbon trim and 23-inch wheels, and the Vorsprung pack adding a panoramic roof and power-closing doors—push the price to as much as £159,440. Fuel economy remains a secondary concern in this league, with an official 21.9mpg WLTP rating and CO₂ emissions of 295g/km—figures typical of a 640hp turbo-charged V8.
Living with a Performance-Driven SUV
Owning an RS Q8 Performance demands a willingness to embrace its extremes. Expect punishing fuel stops if exercised vigorously, but also relish the unmatched thrill of supercar acceleration in a high-riding, five-door body. Audi has shown that when engineered without compromise, even the heaviest SUV can deliver an iron-fist performance wrapped in a velvet glove of luxury and technology.