Review of the Audi RS Q8

The Audi RS Q8 is a high-performance luxury SUV with an eye-catching exterior and powerful on-the-road capabilities. An option for family-oriented drivers looking for a bit of fun, the RS Q8 has a twin-turbo V8 engine, a luxurious interior, and advanced technology.  

Rivals to the RS Q8 include the Porsche Cayenne Coupe, Range Rover Sport, Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio, and BMW X6M. 

Our Audi RS Q8 review covers:

• Aggressive exterior design 
• Fantastic interior with sporty features
• 605-litre boot
• 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine 
• Three trim levels 

Pros:

• Superb performance 
• Luxurious interior 
• Handles like a sports car 

Cons:

• Guzzles through fuel  
• The automatic gearbox isn't the best 
• Very expensive 

You could argue that the RS Q8 has the most aggressive-looking front end on the market. You'll find sharp LED headlights, a black front grille, and large air intakes. Combine all these with large 22-inch alloy wheels, making for some serious road presence. 

Space inside the RS Q8 is generous throughout the cabin. There's plenty of space in the front for a pair of six-footers, while three adults can easily fit in the rear. The rear bench is also adjustable if you're looking for a bit more space. 

Boot space comes in at 605 litres for the RS Q8, which is the same as the standard Q8 and exceeds the BMW X6. A hands-free electric tailgate comes as standard, and the boot is a square shape, which is handy for loading larger items. 

The RS Q8 has a fantastic interior that's a nice blend of sporty details and a simple design. Get behind the steering wheel, and you'll be blown away by everything at your disposal, and everything you touch feels lovely and built to last. There are a few more sporty features than the standard Q8, such as the seats, and we'd even go as far as saying it's one of the best interiors in its class. 

Sitting inside the RS Q8 is like being in a personalised tech shop. On the dash, there's a dual-screen set-up in the form of a 10.2-inch top screen that covers the infotainment system and an 8.6-inch lower screen for the climate controls. Both screens display sharp graphics and are responsive to touch. 

Behind the steering wheel is a 13.3-inch digital instrument cluster that uses graphics with a 3D impression to display all the required driver information. 

Three trim levels are available for the RS Q8: Standard, Carbon Black, and Vorsprung. 

Standard has 22-inch ten-spoke-star alloy wheels, matrix LED headlights, RS-specific styling, four-zone climate control, a three-spoke heated leather steering wheel, a dual-screen display, a 12.3-inch virtual cockpit, adaptive air suspension, cruise control, lane departure warning, and parking system plus. 

Carbon Black adds 23-inch five-Y-spoke alloy wheels, a carbon styling pack, a matt carbon twill inlay, an RS interior styling pack in grey, and an Audi music interface in the rear. 

Vorsprung has a panoramic glass sunroof, front seat ventilation and massage function, a Bang and Olufsen premium sound system and driver assistance packs. 

Under the bonnet is the RS Q8's party piece. You get a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine that returns 600hp and shoots from 0-62mph in just 3.8 seconds. It comes with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive. 

You also get 48V mild-hybrid technology, which helps regenerate energy when coasting on the motorway and when braking. This is always welcomed, but it doesn't influence fuel economy for the RS Q8, and you'll be lucky to get 25mpg. 

Get on the road, and the RS Q8 is superb to drive. A car of its size has no right corner, accelerates, and brakes as it does, and it's the definition of explosive power. 

What we love is how it's great to drive in all settings. When cruising around town, the RS Q8 excels with its adaptive air suspension, ensuring a comfortable ride. You'll also get precise and responsive steering, which makes manoeuvring through traffic effortless. 

The RS Q8 shines on the motorway with its powerful V8 engine and smooth acceleration. The suspension once again provides a stable and comfortable ride, with little road and wind noise. 

Venturing onto a country road, the RS Q8 shows its agility and sporty DNA. Its steering is responsive and well-tuned, allowing you to really enjoy the dynamic capabilities of a performance SUV. The four-wheel drive system complements this very well, allowing you to trust the car through the corners. 

Prices for the new Audi RS Q8 start from £118,675.00 OTR* or to lease from £1,537.58 per month.

Looking to get behind the wheel of the Audi RS Q8? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is one of the UK's largest car leasing brokers and offers a range of leasing deals to suit your every need.

Leasing may be cheaper than an outright purchase, thanks to a low initial deposit and fixed monthly rentals.

*' On the road' price correct at time of publication and includes one year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee and number plate fee. Prices are subject to change; always check with your nearest retailer.