Highs Whup-ass twin-turbo V-8, surprisingly agile for an SUV, toned-down styling makes it something of a sleeper.
Lows Not as exciting or as seductive as the RS6 Avant station wagon, soft brake pedal feel, Porsche Cayenne Turbo feels more playful.
Verdict The RS Q8 sports almost every go-fast bauble Audi has, which makes for a wickedly fast, riotously fun SUV.
Overview
If the amazing Lamborghini Urus is too expensive or too flashy for you, the 2022 Audi RS Q8 offers a similar package and nearly identical performance. The reason for the similarities is the close mechanical ties between these two top-tier hyper-performance SUVs. Although the Audi's version of their shared twin-turbo V-8 makes 50 fewer horsepower, its acceleration virtually as breathtaking. Despite commanding a six-digit transaction price the Audi could and should be considered a performance bargain considering that it costs about half as much as the Lambo. Inside, the RS Q8 offers the same tech-forward cabin we've come to expect from modern Audis, with a dual touchscreen infotainment setup, an all-digital gauge cluster, and plenty of other gadgets. While we'll stop short of calling it the ultimate Audi—that title belongs to either the R8 sports car or the RS6 Avant station wagon—it's most definitely the ultimate Audi SUV.
What's New for 2022?
Audi's most badass SUV is mostly unchanged for 2022 except for a few new standard driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The optional Executive package now includes traffic sign recognition and an Intersection Assist feature, while a new RS-Design package is available and includes carpeted floormats with the RS logo, striped seatbelts, and faux-suede Alcantara upholstery on the center console, steering wheel, and shift knob.
The RS Q8 comes with a six-figure price tag, but its performance, styling, and featured content are likely to be worth the investment. All RS Q8 models come with a standard adaptive air suspension system, 22-inch wheels, heated and ventilated front seats, and a 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo system.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The RS Q8 has a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine that produces 591 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. It pairs with the Quattro all-wheel-drive system and an eight-speed automatic, and there's also a 48-volt hybrid system to improve fuel efficiency. In November 2019, Audi set a record at the Nürburgring race course with a camouflaged prototype of the RS Q8. When we tested the RS Q8, it blasted to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds, only 0.1 second behind the far more expensive Urus.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
EPA fuel-economy estimates for the RS Q8 are a dismal 13 mpg city and 19 mpg highway. That's the price you pay for the RS Q8's performance potential. We haven't had a chance to test the RS Q8 on our 75-mph highway fuel economy test route, but when we do we will update this story with its test results. ...
Lows Not as exciting or as seductive as the RS6 Avant station wagon, soft brake pedal feel, Porsche Cayenne Turbo feels more playful.
Verdict The RS Q8 sports almost every go-fast bauble Audi has, which makes for a wickedly fast, riotously fun SUV.
Overview
If the amazing Lamborghini Urus is too expensive or too flashy for you, the 2022 Audi RS Q8 offers a similar package and nearly identical performance. The reason for the similarities is the close mechanical ties between these two top-tier hyper-performance SUVs. Although the Audi's version of their shared twin-turbo V-8 makes 50 fewer horsepower, its acceleration virtually as breathtaking. Despite commanding a six-digit transaction price the Audi could and should be considered a performance bargain considering that it costs about half as much as the Lambo. Inside, the RS Q8 offers the same tech-forward cabin we've come to expect from modern Audis, with a dual touchscreen infotainment setup, an all-digital gauge cluster, and plenty of other gadgets. While we'll stop short of calling it the ultimate Audi—that title belongs to either the R8 sports car or the RS6 Avant station wagon—it's most definitely the ultimate Audi SUV.
What's New for 2022?
Audi's most badass SUV is mostly unchanged for 2022 except for a few new standard driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The optional Executive package now includes traffic sign recognition and an Intersection Assist feature, while a new RS-Design package is available and includes carpeted floormats with the RS logo, striped seatbelts, and faux-suede Alcantara upholstery on the center console, steering wheel, and shift knob.
The RS Q8 comes with a six-figure price tag, but its performance, styling, and featured content are likely to be worth the investment. All RS Q8 models come with a standard adaptive air suspension system, 22-inch wheels, heated and ventilated front seats, and a 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo system.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The RS Q8 has a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine that produces 591 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. It pairs with the Quattro all-wheel-drive system and an eight-speed automatic, and there's also a 48-volt hybrid system to improve fuel efficiency. In November 2019, Audi set a record at the Nürburgring race course with a camouflaged prototype of the RS Q8. When we tested the RS Q8, it blasted to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds, only 0.1 second behind the far more expensive Urus.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
EPA fuel-economy estimates for the RS Q8 are a dismal 13 mpg city and 19 mpg highway. That's the price you pay for the RS Q8's performance potential. We haven't had a chance to test the RS Q8 on our 75-mph highway fuel economy test route, but when we do we will update this story with its test results. ...
Category
🚗
Motor