2021 Audi RS Q8 review

Audi has been on a high-performance mission in 2020, reinvigorating its RS brand, which sits at the pinnacle of a vast and varied line-up.

Previously sporadic models have morphed into a smorgasbord of eight core vehicles covering everything from the compact RS3 and RS Q3 to the RS4 and RS6 wagons and the TT RS and R8 supercar.

The arrival of the first RS Q8 adds serious SUV heat to the mix, complete with 305km/h potential.

Based on the regular Q8 — a sleeker, sportier body style using many of the mechanicals of the larger Q7 — the RS gets a big dose of punch.

Priced from $208,500 (plus on-road costs), the five-seat SUV has a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 at its heart.

It’s the same basic unit as is used in the Porsche Cayenne Turbo and Lamborghini Urus, but tuned specifically for life in Audi’s fastest SUV.

Power outputs slot between the two, but Audi says the RS Q8 is faster around the famed Nurburgring.

Key to its pace is a full 441kW and mighty 800Nm, the latter providing a lovely mid-rev surge belying the 2.2-tonne-plus heft.

An eight-speed auto diverts drive to all four wheels via Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Traction out of tight corners is phenomenal, with the RS Q8 never so much as chirping a tyre.

There’s some laziness from the transmission at low revs as it calculates, then quickly shuffles down a ratio or two; manual override overcomes that, or you can select Sport to better prime the auto.

Pre-programmed RS1 and RS2 buttons on the steering wheel allow the driver to tune everything from the exhaust and steering to throttle response and suspension stiffness.

There’s also a 48V mild hybrid system claimed to save 0.8 litres of fuel per 100km, at least according to the official fuel figures.

But with claimed average consumption of 12.1L/100km – more if you’re one to enjoy all that’s on offer — it’s anything but a miser.

Indeed, the V8 does most of the heavy lifting: the hybrid system is largely indistinguishable.

Mild added muscle during gentle take-offs from idle is the only clue there are electrons adding to the premium unleaded headline act.

A muted V8 flutter is amplified outside the car, the engine’s free-revving nature adding to its aural delights.

But it’s corners where the RS Q8 reinforces its competence.

Riding on enormous 295mm-wide 23-inch tyres sets the foundations for an SUV that relishes bends.

Active stabiliser bars use the 48V electrical architecture to all but eliminate leaning and lurching.

Darting from left to right reinforces the terrific body control.

More fluidity to the steering would complete the picture for an SUV which nails the numbers, occasionally at the expense of charisma.

Lateral grip is remarkable, with the RS Q8 more supercar-like in the way it claws the bitumen. There are penalties to having a relatively high centre of gravity, with less compliance than some may expect in an SUV.

While the adaptive air suspension adjusts the height and firmness there’s no hiding the tautness, combining with low-profile tyres to make sharp bumps occasionally jolt.

There are no such qualms with sheer braking performance, which boast enormous 10-piston calipers up front.

Optional carbon ceramics add $19,500 but step the top speed up from an electronically limited 250km/h to 305km/h.

They require a decent prod of the pedal to slow things but never hint at giving up, no matter how much punishment you direct their way.

Various drive modes allow you to tailor the driving flavour and there are even off-road and all-road modes, even if it’s impossible to imagine anyone running anything other than bitumen under that autobahn rubber.

While outright pace is the focus, the RS Q8 still delivers on everyday practicalities, complete with quality finishes and attention to detail.

Rear seats are surprisingly welcoming and dual rear USB ports keep devices juiced up.

Air vents with separate AC controls ensure those in the back aren’t overlooked.

Dual infotainment screens house Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and there’s a digital instrument cluster.

A long list of equipment includes doors which suck themselves closed, a panoramic sunroof, head-up display, smart key entry, matrix LED lights and a Bang & Olufsen sound system.

There’s also an armoury of active safety kit, including auto braking, intersection assist and exit warning to reduce the chances of opening a door into a cyclist or car.

Fast, and vaguely sensible.

• Price $208,500
• Engine 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol
• Output 441kW/800Nm
• Transmission Eight-speed automatic
• Fuel economy 12.1L/100km