- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru Fr
2020 Audi RS Q8 SUV. 1st generation
The Audi RS Q8 was officially unveiled at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show, and for good reason: this model is the first SUV by the German brand from the RS family to be offered in the US market. The vehicle is also the most powerful Audi SUV that shares the platform and technology with the Lamborghini Urus after some simplification.
The Audi RS Q8 is a luxury mid-size sports SUV by Audi (Germany). This vehicle is currently the most powerful coupe-SUV by Audi Sport, developing an impressive 600 hp. It is an outstanding representative in its segment. The RS Q8 is capable of incredible transformations. It combines an elegant and dynamic design with German practicality. In 2021, the first generation SUV can be purchased in Israel.
Exterior
The 2020/2021 Audi RS Q8 has a sophisticated design, which is clearly evidenced by the front optics, made in compliance with the matrix scheme. Its units are comfortably located on the sides of the massive hexagonal radiator grille. The side lights now feature dynamic direction indicators. The front bumper houses the original splitter and air intake grilles, typical of the RS family. The vehicle differs from the regular Audi Q8 by enlarged air intakes and carbon fiber decor. It includes the radiator grille frame, mirror housings and bumper covers. The bumper is wide and flat, tilted slightly forward, and the A-pillars with a viewing window are tilted back at a large angle. This creates a favorable view for the driver and provides excellent aerodynamic performance with a low drag coefficient. The standard wheels are 23-inch. Overall, the SUV looks stylish, elegant and dynamic. It is 5,012 mm long, 1,998 mm wide and 1,694 mm high. The wheelbase is 2,998 mm.
Interior
The interior features sports seats, special virtual instrument graphics, a trimmed-rim sports steering wheel and sports seats with excellent lateral support in black Alcantara/leather upholstery and embossed RS logo on the backrests. The new Audi RS Q8 comes with a number of digital technologies that create a sporty atmosphere. Special indicators and modes that display the operation of vehicle systems, which are only possible for RS models, are shown on the display of the Audi virtual cockpit. They show information about torque, power, acceleration, lap times and overcharges. This data clearly underlines the power of the RS Q8. In the standard version, most of the onboard functions are controlled via the touchscreen of the MMI Touch Response infotainment center. Multi-zone climate control for superior temperature control is controlled via a special touchscreen monitor.
Importantly, the flagship SUV is not only powerful and dynamic, but it is also very convenient, practical and suitable for everyday driving. With the backrests folded down, the trunk volume increases to 1,755 liters, and the comfortable three-seater rear row of seats can be moved back and forth as standard. The interior design is thought out to the smallest details and nuances. Everything is aimed at creating the highest level of comfort for everyone inside the vehicle.
Powertrains
The 2021/2022 Audi RS Q8 is powered by the mighty 4-liter twin-turbo V8 TFSI engine, developing an output of 600 hp and a maximum torque of 800 Nm. The Audi RS 6 Avant estate and the RS 7 Sportback liftback have the same indicators. However, the Lamborghini Urus, which is based on the same platform, has a greater output with the same engine: 650 hp and 850 Nm. The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system with an asymmetric differential (torque distribution of 40:60 (front axle: rear axle)) and an 8-speed automatic transmission enable the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds. The maximum speed is limited to 250 km/h. The mild hybrid system and the Audi cylinder on demand partial cylinder shutdown technology, which stops half of the cylinders when the engine is not fully loaded, reduce the fuel consumption of a large and turbocharged unit to acceptable levels: 17 liters per 100 km within the city, 9.3 liters outside the city.
It is worth mentioning the RS-specific adaptive sport air suspension. Interestingly, in this case, the vehicle is fully steerable, with steering wheels on the rear axle, which reduces the turning radius when driving at low speeds and increases stability and steering sensitivity when driving at high speeds. There are seven modes of driving electronics to choose from: comfort, auto, dynamic, allroad, offroad, as well as extreme RS1 and RS2, which are activated by a separate button on the steering wheel.
Equipment
The flagship SUV comes to Israel with a gorgeous list of equipment: 6 airbags, an active lane departure warning system, an automatic emergency braking system, adaptive cruise control, a pedestrian identification system, a two-wheeled vehicle identification system, and automatic high beam control.
The entry-level version comes with matrix headlights, combined seat upholstery, four-zone climate control, electric fifth door, virtual instruments, head-up display and much more. The driver and passengers have a huge sunroof and a Bang & Olufsen sound system with 15 speakers with a total output of 730 watts, located in various interior points for a luxurious surround sound, and much more. Yes, this is a worthy representative of the luxury segment.
