Surely with RS Q8 Audi has taken the performance SUV crown away from the Mercedes AMG gunslingers. Perhaps the Audi RS Q8 is the King of Cool certainly this new, admittedly unnecessarily fast SUV has got everything going for it. So why do we need superfast SUVs? We see the RS Q8s of this world as pushing current technology to its limits, de-restricted even though the engineering and design are ultimately governed by many restrictive policies. Perhaps the RS Q8 is the last of its breed as the shift to cleaner technology gathers momentum, a steam train in the age of electric car “rocket ships”. But we’ll enjoy it while it lasts.
So what is the RS Q8, the King of SUVs, all about? At its heart is a 4.0-litre V8 TFSI that accelerates the new RS Q8 to 62mph from rest in just 3.8 seconds and to 124mph in 13.7 seconds. The top speed is electronically governed to 155mph. Deretsricted it can go close to 181mph.
The Audi drive select dynamic handling system is equipped with eight profiles: comfort, auto, dynamic, efficiency, allroad, offroad and the individually configurable RS-specific modes RS1 and RS2, which can be activated directly via the “RS-MODE” button on the steering wheel.
Audi drive select is a Jeykel and Hide switch that effects changes to the engine and transmission management, steering boost, air suspension, all-wheel steering and even the sound of the engine.
The biturbo V8 in the new RS Q8 draws on a mild-hybrid system (MHEV) that uses a 48-volt main electrical system. The new RS Q8 recuperates or coasts for up to 40 seconds with the engine off at speeds between 40-99mph.
MHEV technology allows for start/stop operation at a speed of up to 13mph. The mild-hybrid system is connected to the camera sensors. When stopped, the engine starts up while the brake pedal is still depressed as soon as the front camera detects that the vehicle in front of the new RS Q8 begins to move.
Audi claims the MHEV can reduce fuel consumption in everyday driving by as much as 0.8 liters per 100 kilometers.
The new RS Q8 comes standard with 22-inch aluminium wheels in a 10-spoke star design with 295/40-series tyres – the largest ever factory-installed on an Audi production model. Optional 23-inch cast aluminium wheels in a 5 Y-spoke rotor design are available exclusively for the RS Q8.
Carbon Black editions are fitted with the 23-inch 5-Y spoke wheels in gloss black, while an anthracite black with diamond-turned finish is applied to the Vorsprung. Behind the large wheels is an RS brake system with internally vented composite discs (420 mm) upfront, 370 mm at the rear. Their 10-inch piston calipers are painted black as standard but are available in red as an option.
The interior of the new RS Q8 is pure Audi, Audi has the best build and perceived quality in the business and doesn’t disappoint with the RS Q8. The headlining is black Alcantara for Carbon Black and Vorsprung specifications. The slim instrument panel and the strong horizontal lines are designed so to convey a feeling of spaciousness.
The central element in the cockpit is the top MMI touch response display. With its black-panel look, it almost dissolves into a large, black surface when switched off.
Special RS displays in the Audi virtual cockpit and MMI display provide information on such things as tyre pressure, torque, output, temperature, lap times and g-forces. The shift light display prompts the driver to upshift when the rev limit is reached.
The head-up display, exclusively available on Vorsprung versions, also offers several RS-specific graphics.
Luxurious RS sport seats in Valcona leather with a honeycomb pattern and RS embossing are fitted as standard. Ventilation and a massage function are also added to the Vorsprung specification.
The new Audi RS Q8 supports the driver in many situations. The comprehensive range of over 30 assist systems includes such things as the adaptive cruise assist, efficiency assist, intersection assist, lane change warning and 360 degree cameras.
The Audi Rs Q8 will be available to order in the from early next year. It will be very expensive.
