Audi has launched its new RS Q8, this model will arrive at dealerships in Germany and other European countries during the first quarter of 2020. Prices in Germany for the sporty SUV coupe start at 127,000 euros.
“For the first time in the 25-year history of Audi RS models, we are putting a large SUV coupe with the genes of a true high-performance sports car on the road,” said Oliver Hoffmann, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH. “With its biturbo V8 gasoline engine, the Audi RS Q8** is the prestigious spearhead of the RS model family.”
Maximum power and high efficiency: the engine
441 kW (600 hp), 800 Nm (590.0 lb-ft) of torque between 2,200 and 4,500 rpm – the 4.0 liter V8 in the new Audi RS Q8 (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 12.1 (19.4 US mpg); combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 277 – 276 (445.8 – 444.2 g/mi)) delivers impressive RS performance. The turbocharged gasoline engine with direct injection accelerates the large SUV coupe from Audi Sport GmbH from 0 to 100 km/h (62.0 mph) in just 3.8 seconds and to 200 km/h (124.3 mph) in 13.7 seconds. The 250 km/h (155.3 mph) top speed is electronically governed.
With the optional dynamic package, top speed is 305 km/h (189.5 mph). The power of the 4.0 TFSI flows to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system via the standard eight-speed tiptronic. Configured as a planetary gear, the purely mechanical center differential typically distributes the drive power in a 40:60 ratio to the front and rear axles. In the event of slip, more drive torque automatically goes to the axle with the better traction. Up to 70 percent can be directed to the front wheels and up to 85 percent to the rear wheels.
Self-confident: the exterior
With its imposing octagonal Singleframe, the RS-specific radiator grille in high gloss black and the gloss black RS honeycomb grille, the new Audi RS Q8 sports a strikingly self-confident face. This combined with the solid side air inlets and the blade in high gloss black perfectly highlights the athletic character of the large SUV coupe from Audi Sport GmbH.
The sloping roofline flows into the forward-canted D-pillars and rests against the quattro blisters above the wheel arches. RS-specific trim strips in the body color widen the body by 10 millimeters (0.4 in) up front and 5 millimeters (0.2 in) in the rear, providing space for the more generous track. Optional 23-inch wheels underscore the powerful appearance of the RS Q8.
The continuous RS sills come standard in Manhattan gray, which makes the body appear even more athletic. An RS roof edge spoiler provides a striking finish at the top; design highlights closer to the road are the RS-specific rear skirt with a diffuser clip in high gloss black and the RS-typical oval tailpipes. The RS roof edge spoiler provides downforce on the rear axle for even balance at high speeds.
Spacious sportiness: the interior
The interior of the new RS Q8 features a deliberately clean design. All elements beneath the black cloth headlining have a logical connection and harmonize with one another. The headlining is optionally available in lunar silver cloth, Alcantara lunar silver or Alcantara black. The slim instrument panel and the strongly horizontal lines 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.
Another primary design element is the wide, symmetrical console of the center tunnel. Framing it are design elements in Aluminum Race, anthracite, which underscore the sporty character of the large SUV coupe.
Connected for safety: the assist systems and infotainment
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.
On the German market, the RS Q8** comes standard with the top-of-the-line infotainment system, MMI navigation plus. It includes the Audi connect data transfer module with the LTE Advanced standard and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The navigation system learns the driver’s preferences from the routes driven and can therefore make intelligent suggestions. The online services from Audi connect add predictive features to the route planning process.
