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Audi RS Q8 performance: price

Just to start with that price: The Audi RS Q8 performance can be ordered from 251,759 euros, excluding options. For that money you get RS carbon-ceramic brake discs (440 mm front, 370 mm rear), Adaptive Air Suspension Sport, a Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System with 3D sound, 22-inch ten-inch double-spoke alloy wheels, front sport seats plus, four-zone climate control, Audi’s new Virtual Cockpit Plus RS, an RS interior and exterior styling package and a host of other desirable features.

Personalization on a larger scale

That leaves little to be desired, right? Well, in addition to the standard equipment, Audi has ensured that the car can be personalized on a larger scale. There are of course several colors available, but you can also choose from three RS design packages in red, gray and exclusive blue. The same goes for the RS brake calipers, which are available in the same colors. The upholstery material Dinamica plays an important role in many packages and individual options. Dinamica has the look and feel of suede, but it is made from recycled PET bottles. Nice that Audi has done something more to reduce its impact on the environment.

23-inch wheels!

For the interior, you can choose from brushed aluminum and matte carbon to diagonally brushed black aluminum. From the factory, the Audi RS Q8 performance gets 22-inch ten-spoke alloy wheels. A novelty are 23-inch rims in six-Y-spoke design, as our test car also has. Those wheels look incredibly cool, but keep in mind a narrow tire sidewall and curbs, as a scuff is easily made. There are also very light 23-inch rims that provide a 20 kg weight reduction. This reduction in unsprung weight makes handling even more precise. In addition, these rims contribute to even better cooling of the brakes. High performance Pirelli P Zero tires (295/35 R 23) are optional.

Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System

Are there any other options? Definitely! Consider a Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System with 3D sound with a price tag of 9,035 euros. A night vision assistant will cost you 3,015 euros and for a head-up display you can pay an additional 1,950 euros. The price tag thus rises to 280,000 euros.

Muddy Audi

Okay, a lot of money, but for the buyer of an Audi RS Q8 Performance it will probably be a Bratwurst whether such a performance SUV costs 250,000 or 280,000 euros. With such a mud-flat Audi, you want to make a statement. This is even more possible with the updated RS Q8 than before. Everything about this top model is about performance. At the front, this is emphasized by the large air intakes, the grille with 3D honeycomb structure and the striking matte gray blades. The large oval exhaust pipes are integrated into the diffuser. In the center of that diffuser is a red reflector.

IDIOTE AUDI! – The new Audi RS Q8 Performance (2024) – AutoRAI TV

Audi laser light

By the way, the Audi RS Q8 performance has Audi laser light as standard. Five light signatures for the daytime running lights – including a checkered flag design – are selectable via the infotainment system. Five signatures are also available for the digitized OLED rear lights. These advanced taillights also have a proximity warning function.

Projections on the ground

The Audi RS Q8 performance also has other exclusive features. For example, it projects the designation “RS performance” on the ground via LEDs. That looks very cool! The Audi Virtual Cockpit (12.3-inch) includes a shift indicator (in manual transmission mode). As the engine speed increases, the color of the tachometer display changes from green to yellow to red to indicate the ideal shifting moment. Launch Control activation is also displayed in the Audi Virtual Cockpit.

An entertainer, such an Audi RS Q8

You can tell from everything that Audi has tried to make this RS Q8 Performance something special, not only cosmetically, but also in terms of dynamics. Indeed, the RS Q8 is – by request – an entertainer. That starts with the powertrain: a V8 biturbo engine with an output of 471 kW (640 hp) and 850 Nm of torque. As mentioned, this is Audi’s most powerful fuel-powered SUV ever. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h takes just 3.6 seconds and the top speed comes out to 250 km/h. A top speed of 305 km/h is optional (Dynamics Package Plus). The V8 engine exhales through a lightweight exhaust system with shiny black exhaust pipes developed specifically for the RS Q8. The sound is fine, very fine. Dark brown rumble with those nice hits. No, subdued it is not, but it is nice.

Mechanical limited slip differential

The biturbo V8 engine transfers all the power to the wheels via Quattro all-wheel drive. Shifting is done with a fine eight-speed Tiptronic transmission. This transmission also has an “entertainment” function, by leaving gearshifts with small shocks. The RS Q8 also has a mechanical limited slip differential, which distributes drive power in a 40:60 ratio to the front and rear wheels, respectively. If the wheels slip, the distribution is adjusted. In doing so, up to 70% can go to the front wheels and up to 85% to the rear wheels.

Air suspension

Adaptive air suspension also has the model. The air suspension allows the ride height to vary by 90 mm. As standard, the Audi RS Q8 performance is also equipped with all-wheel steering. At low speeds, this provides extra maneuverability and a smaller turning circle. At high speeds, the system contributes to improved stability. Optionally available is an advanced suspension consisting of electromechanically controlled active roll stabilization and a sport differential. On poor road surfaces, electric motors can disconnect the two halves of the stabilizers to absorb unevenness. In fast cornering, the electric motor causes the two halves to move opposite to each other. This prevents leaning and enhances dynamics.

How does an Audi RS Q8 drive?

The Audi RS Q8 is a car with multiple faces. You can stroll quietly – still with a lot of exhaust noise – in it, but at the push of a button you transform this SUV into a purebred sports car on high legs. It roars and claps and offers delicious sensations at the same time. The Audi steers razor tight and has firm suspension, even in the most comfortable mode, but that’s fitting for an RS model. The seating position is also well done, as is the operation of the infotainment system. Audi does use a lot of high-gloss surfaces so you quickly see greasy fingers. Also, those elements reflect tremendously in sunlight, for example in winter when the sun is a bit lower than normal. Anyway, these drawbacks are fine to live with. You can take the family on vacation, although a regular Q8 seems the better mile-eater. With an Audi RS Q8 you want to impress. That is quite possible, because this is truly an impressive performance SUV.