- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru Fr Ar
One of the fastest
The Audi RS Q8 is a luxury mid-size sports SUV by Audi (Germany). It debuted relatively recently, following the original Q8 model, which was released back in 2019. And even before its official release, the RS Q8 was the fastest SUV in the history of the Nürburgrin Nordschleife. It speeded past the iconic track in just 7 minutes 42.2 seconds, beating the previous record holder, the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S, by 7 seconds. Let’s explore the fast and high-tech flagship from Germany.
The new Audi RS Q8 is currently the most powerful coupe-SUV by Audi Sport, developing an impressive 600 hp. At the same time, the SUV is capable of incredible transformations. It combines an elegant and dynamic design with phenomenal practicality. It provides many seemingly incompatible opportunities, while boasting of incredible power and dynamics, but at the same time it is surprisingly convenient and practical for your everyday driving. In 2021, the first generation SUV can be purchased in Israel.
Exterior
The exterior of the SUV is very eye-catching and characteristic of RS models. The vehicle has all the image elements of the sports model range, such as a glossy black diffuser insert with a horizontal carbon fiber strip, oval exhaust pipes, and an aerodynamic spoiler on the roof edge. The RS side skirt linings and extensions that surround the lower body are painted in the vehicle’s primary color. They highlight the power, dynamics and distinctive design of the 2020 Audi RS Q8. The specially shaped RS sport bumper, combined with a high-gloss black honeycomb grille, carbon fiber trim and large air intakes, as well as a front aerodynamic spoiler, create striking accents at the front of the car, making it even more attractive.
The LED headlights are standard. The vehicle features a special camera registering surface features, vehicles on the road and many other parameters, adjusting the road illumination using 32 LEDs in each headlight, located in two rows, and several reflectors. The advanced system provides lighting that works with high precision without dazzling oncoming drivers, because it knows how to identify oncoming objects and prevents them from being illuminated. The bright light imitates daylight and does not tire the eyes.
Interior
It’s safe to say that the SUV is thought out to the smallest detail. The dashboard is truly elegant, and the accentuated horizontal lines enhance the sensation of spaciousness in the rather large passenger compartment. The wide, monumental center console is a key design element with special perimeter finishes such as matte carbon inlays. The sports seats with a black Alcantara/leather combination upholstery and an embossed RS logo on the backrest provide excellent lateral support while driving, even in the most extreme conditions.
The 2020/2021 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.
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.
Powertrains
The engine is perhaps the most important component of a charged SUV. The new Audi RS Q8 is powered by the mighty TFSI V8 engine. This 4-liter twin-turbocharged engine develops an output of 600 hp and a maximum torque of 800 Nm. These figures, combined with quattro permanent all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission, guarantee outstanding dynamics: acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h occurs in just 3.8 seconds. The mild hybrid system and Audi cylinder on demand, which halts half of the cylinders when the engine is not fully loaded, reduce fuel consumption by up to 13.4 liters in the combined cycle.
As standard, the 2021/2022 Audi RS Q8 is equipped with quattro permanent four-wheel drive, an optional sports differential, which allows the balanced distribution of power to each of the wheels. An excellent addition is 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. Optional electromechanical anti-roll bars further improve driving dynamics when cornering at high speeds. The special RS sport modes are controlled by pressing the corresponding button on the steering wheel. At the same time, Audi drive select allows you to instantly change the settings for the operation of the most important vehicle systems.
Equipment
Audi cars are always well-equipped. And the flagship SUV has 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 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.
There are various vehicle accessories, for example, a safety belt for dogs in three sizes, LED thresholds of 4 types or boxes, roof racks and mounts for transporting sports equipment on the roof, as well as child seats of different sizes or even an Audi stroller.
