2023 Audi RS Q8 SUV

　　

2023 Audi RS Q8 Review

byKurt NiebuhrSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　The 2023 Audi RS Q8 is an ultra-high-performance midsize two-row luxury SUV. It is based on Audi's flagship Q8 and sits above the high-performance SQ8 SUV. You can tell them apart by the RS Q8's more aggressive styling, including a black front grille, oversized mesh air inlets and bright red brake calipers. It puts forth a fierce sporty look while not straying too far from its subdued corporate styling roots.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Audi RS Q8 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$293/mo  for RS Q8 Base

　　RS Q8 Base

　　4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) (Most Popular) - $125,800 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　The Audi RS Q8 boasts a turbocharged V8 engine that pumps out 591 horsepower, considerably more than the SQ8's 500 hp. Audi says it will go from 0 to 60 mph in an impressive 3.7 seconds. It is considered a mild hybrid due to its 48-volt electrical system, which makes stops and starts smoother and slightly improves fuel economy. As fast as the RS Q8 is, it's the way the big Audi tackles a twisty road that is even more impressive. Thanks to all-wheel steering, the RS Q8 feels far more nimble than its size, and weight, would suggest, and it's an absolute hoot on a good stretch of tarmac.

　　Inside, the RS Q8 offers the same tech features and luxurious appointments available on the standard Q8 SUV, but with extra touches to signify its performance potential. There's an impressive array of standard equipment, and even though the RS Q8 sports a more cutdown profile than the more traditionally SUV-shaped Q8, there's a reasonable amount of passenger and cargo space inside.

　　Super SUVs aren't quite as rare as you might think, with similar offerings such as the BMW X6 M, Porsche Cayenne Turbo Coupe and Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe offering similar performance for similar money. If you want to go a bit further afield, Range Rover offers a stout version of its very traditional luxury off-roader, and if you want to go even faster, we'd be remiss if we didn't mention the Tesla Model X Plaid.

　　

Which RS Q8 does zzdcar recommend?

Since there's only one trim level for the RS Q8, your upgrade options are limited to a few trim packages and a few stand-alone options. Our choice add-ons would include the carbon-ceramic brakes for increased stopping power and fade resistance on challenging roads and the upgraded Bang & Olufsen audio system.

　　

Audi RS Q8 models

Audi packages the 2023 RS Q8 one way: well equipped. Everything is standard aside from a handful of stand-alone upgrades and option packages. A twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine (591 horsepower, 590 lb-ft of torque) lives under the hood, transferring its output to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

　　Standard equipment highlights include:

　　22-inch alloy wheels High-performance brakes Sport-tuned adaptive air suspension (enhances handling and ride comfort and can adjust the vehicle's ride height) Four-wheel steering (enhances the RS Q8's maneuverability and agility) High-definition LED headlights Power liftgate with hands-free operation Panoramic sunroof Rear window sunshades Auto-dimming rearview mirror Multicolor ambient cabin lighting Heated, power-folding side mirrors Four-zone automatic climate control Leather upholstery with RS stitching Heated and ventilated front seats Power-adjustable, heated steering wheelLike other Audis, the RS Q8 is high-tech right out of the box, featuring:

　　Digital instrument panel 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment display Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration Connected services Satellite radio Navigation system Bang & Olufsen premium sound system Wireless smartphone chargerBesides speed, driver aids are also on the RS Q8's menu:

　　Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse) Rear passenger safe-exit system (can prevent a rear passenger from opening a door into traffic approaching from behind) Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the RS Q8 and the car in front) Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane) Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the RS Q8 and its surroundings for tight parking situations) Front and rear parking sensors Automatic high beamsAside from design-related Black Optic, Carbon Optic and RS Design option packages, the RS Q8 offers two main collections of extras:

　　Executive package Dual-pane noise-reducing windows Power soft-closing doors Heated rear seats Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield) Intersection Assist (identifies unsafe situations at intersections and can automatically brake the Audi) Traffic sign recognition (reads traffic signs and can adjust vehicle speed accordingly) Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention) Luxury package Front massaging seats Synthetic suede headliner Leather-wrapped armrests, dashboard and center console Other stand-alone options include:

　　Upgraded 23-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system Night Vision Assistant (displays thermal imaging to help with night driving) Carbon-ceramic brake rotors 23-inch wheel with high-performance summer tires Towing package (7,700-pound capacity)

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