2023 Audi RS Q8

Audi packages the RS Q8 as a lone wolf that carries no trim line but the buyers can enhance the experience by opting for the additional packages available. The SUV basically carries every possible feature that is usually expected from a car that starts selling for $123,995. Despite it being a steep price, the purchase is justifiable for its performance, styling, and feature content. All RS Q8 vehicles come equipped with a 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, 22-inch wheels, a standard adjustable air suspension system, and heated and cooled front seats along with various other features as standard.

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Your options for the 2023 Audi RS Q8 are mostly limited to paint colors, wheel styles, interior colors, and other aesthetic upgrades because Audi only provides the vehicle in a single level of specification. Audi does, however, provide a few option packages and standalone upgrades that enable you to customize the RS Q8 to your unique preferences.

Release Date

While there haven't been any official dates announced by Audi for the release of the new RS Q8, from the previous pattern it is most likely to be launched at the beginning of 2023.

The RS Q8 features a 4L twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces 591 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, compared to the SQ8's 500 hp and 568 lb-ft. The RSQ8's engine is mated to a Quattro all-wheel drive and 8-speed automatic transmission, and there's also a 48-volt hybrid system working behind the scenes to improve fuel economy. In November 2019, Audi set a record at the Nürburgring circuit with the RS Q8 camouflaged prototype.

In our tests, the RS Q8 accelerated to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds, which is just 0.1 seconds behind the much more expensive Urus. The RS Q8 has enough power to push the occupants against the seat and the transmission wastes no time between shifts, making the whole drive feel refined and lag-free. This truly is up there when it comes to one of the most fun-to-drive SUVs and is a much cheaper alternative for those looking for Lamborghini worth of performance without the logo or the Italian styling.

Among its competitors, the Cayenne Turbo is the most expensive SUV. On paper, the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S is the most potent vehicle thanks to its astounding 603 horsepower engine and hybrid technology, which is similar to what is offered by Audi. Nevertheless, the RS Q8's acceleration is the quickest because of the famed Quattro AWD system.

The Cayenne Turbo has the lowest horsepower, but it performs almost as well as the Audi. With 600 horsepower, the BMW X6 M has more power than the previous model year, but it still has a low torque output. Since all these SUVs clock comparable times in both tests, it is challenging to identify a clear winner in the segment when it comes to acceleration.

2023 Audi RS Q8 Ride and Handling

The drive settings on the Audi RS Q8 can be changed in a variety of ways, but there are ultimately two distinct driving states. One is blissfully comfortable and the other is frenetic brutalism that makes you giggle. The driving experience is comfortable and well-insulated for everyday travel, and the adjustable air suspension smooths out even the toughest terrain.

The only sound that can be heard is the sound of the wide, sticky tires gliding across the pavement, but it's a feat of engineering that the enormous wheels and low-profile tires are kept from ever disturbing the ride. The transmission remains undetectable and this huge SUV is surprisingly agile, thanks to the rapid response and rear-axle steering.

2023 Audi RS Q8 Braking Performance

The engine on the RS Q8 is eager to keep accelerating and delivers power with no mercy. However, the brakes give you the assurance you need to rapidly stop or reduce speed for the following corner. Both the front and rear discs are vented, cross-drilled, and constructed in a carbon ceramic component similar to that on the Urus.

The 14.5-inch discs with single-piston calipers at the back and the massive 16.5-inch discs up front with 10-piston calipers ensure that the SUV stops exactly where the driver intends to. However, while testing the RS Q8, there was a noise being made while the ABS was active, which isn't expected from a vehicle this pricey.

The largest set of brakes comes with the Porsche but that does not necessarily help the car attain the best-stopping power despite it being the lightest SUV here. Audi gets equipped with a rather large set of brakes when compared to other rivals and regardless of the RS Q8's weight, it manages to stop from 60 mph in just 118 ft., making it stand equal to the X6 M. Mercedes hasn't quite let a lot of information out but from its lighter body, it is expected for the SUV to stop within 120 ft. Regardless of which SUV you pick, good braking response and power can be expected from the SUVs in this particular class.

The RS Q8's EPA fuel efficiency estimations are a pitiful 13 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. That is the cost of the RS Q8's incredible performance. However, drive the RS Q8 under controlled speeds and users will be able to achieve roughly around 23 mpg. The RS Q8 is also capable of carrying 22.5 gallons of gas but that does not help the car in a lot of ways. Fuel economy is also not an ideal aspect to look into when buying a high-performance SUV that has 8-cylinder under its hood.

You are looking at the wrong cars if you're looking to tour on one of these but if you still what to stick to your idea, the Porsche would be a better pick due to its larger gas tank and slightly better fuel economy. However, the differences aren't way too much and do not set one car over the other. Driving these SUVs in a milder drive setting can help extract more miles than what is claimed. If not for the mild-hybrid engine on the Audi, we would have gotten to see a lower number from the RS Q8.

Although it features some unique trim pieces and sportier, more sharply bolstered front seats to keep you in place when cornering, the 5-seat RS Q8's inside is largely the same as the Q8's. Additionally, there are a few RS logos scattered everywhere. With the same amount of passenger and baggage space as the standard Q8 model, adults can comfortably fit in both rows of seats with ample legroom and headroom. The Q8 could fit 23 bags in total with the rear seat folded and 8 carry-on suitcases behind the back seat.

The RS Q8 comes with rather decent cargo space and with the 40/20/40 rear split seats, the space can be increased to accommodate more cargo. However, the Mercedes has a much larger trunk space, thanks to its taller and boxy roof line. Both the BMW and Porsche fall slightly behind the Audi due to their more streamlined and coupe-like tail end. The cabin space on the Audi and Mercedes is massive while the rear space on the BMW can be slightly restricted, especially for taller passengers. Porsche hasn’t given out any details regarding its interior space as usual but it sure does keep the passengers comfortable with ample legroom on both rows.

Some standout interior features on the 2023 Audi RS Q8 include

• Multicolor ambient cabin lighting
• Front massaging seats
• Four-zone automatic climate control
• Perforated Volcana leather upholstery
• Heated leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Memory settings

How intuitive is the 2023 Audi RS Q8 infotainment system?

Certain RS-specific displays on the dual-touchscreen MMI interface and Audi Virtual Cockpit digital gauge cluster can display data including torque and power output, lap times, and g-forces. Apart from that, we anticipate the same technology as on the standard Q8, such as standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Executive package also includes a head-up display. Overall, the RS Q8 has many screens that are outfitted with the newest technology. The lower screen is mostly used for climate control and other auto functions, while the upper screen primarily shows infotainment features and camera systems.

Some of the standout infotainment features on the 2023 Audi RS Q8 are

• 10.1-inch touchscreen
• Wireless smartphone charging pad
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Premium Bang & Olufsen sound system
• Audi Connect 4G LTE Hotspot compatibility
• Real-time traffic display
• Head-up display

The RS Q8 distinguishes itself by adding some sporty elements to the standard Q8's appearance. The exterior remains unaltered for 2023 but the styling is still beautiful. A sizable honeycomb grille with four blacked-out Audi rings is seen on the front fascia. It is joined by automated projector-beam daytime running LED headlights with a sleek and sporty design, an LED fog lamp, a front lip spoiler, broad air intakes, and a massive sloping hood. The RS Q8 has a sharper appearance than the Q7 that it’s based on due to the sportier roofline and the SUV rides on a set of 22-inch wheels. The rear end is finished with LED brake lights, a rear lip spoiler, and dual exhaust tips that complement the whole aggressive character of the SUV.

With a curb weight of 5,490 lbs, the 2023 Audi RS Q8 is the longest and heaviest SUV in its class. With a 117.9-inch wheelbase, it is tied for first place with the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S. The Audi also takes the top spot in terms of ground clearance by just beating the BMW. Because Cayenne Turbo is a little bit smaller than the others, it was able to save some weight. The GLE 63 S has the best interior and cargo space of the group because it is somewhat broader and taller than the others.

Some of the standout exterior features include

• 22-inch alloy wheels
• Panoramic sunroof
• Black gloss exterior accent trim
• Sports exhaust system
• Power liftgate
• High-performance summer tires

On the RS Q8, Audi includes a number of driver-assistance features as standard equipment, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance. The RS Q8 however does not hold a crash test rating from NHTSA or IIHS. The standard Q8 fortunately bagged the Top safety pick” title in 2022, suggesting this particular platform and structure to be safe.

Some of the standout safety features available with the 2023 Audi RS Q8 are

• Low tire pressure warning system
• 360-degree surround-view camera system
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Electronic Stability Control
• Night Vision Assistant
• Forward collision warning system

2023 Audi RS Q8 vs 2023 BMW X6 M

The Audi RS Q8 and 2022 BMW X6 M are strong rivals. The X6 M is the performance variant of the composed X6, just like the RS Q8. Although it has a larger engine than the Audi, it has a little less torque. While h the interior of the BMW is really nice, the RS Q8's outward appearance is more striking and elegant. Both SUVs are in high demand and have the same fuel efficiency. However, when it comes down to the pricing, the BMW is much more affordable in comparison.

2023 Audi RS Q8 vs 2023 Porsche Cayenne Turbo

The Porsche Cayenne Turbo and the Audi RS Q8 are corporate cousins belonging to the same family and are statistically quite close to one another, but they carry totally different characteristics. Comparing the Porsche to the Audi, the Porsche is underpowered but is more responsive and thrilling to drive. The Porsche is more fuel-efficient, which might be a deal-breaker for some consumers, despite the fact that the Audi excels in interior tech and quality and has more cargo space. Overall, the Cayenne Turbo is a fantastic substitute for the RS Q8.

2023 Audi RS Q8 vs 2023 Mercedes AMG GLE 63 S

In several cases, the Audi comes extremely close to defeating the Merc but falls short. The GLE 63 S is the fastest and most powerful SUV in its class. Additionally, it offers the best fuel efficiency in the sector while doing so. In all seriousness, this is very commendable and makes the SUV fun and practical at the same time. In terms of outside aesthetics, the Audi defeats the Mercedes, but the AMG GLE 63 S's interior is stunning.

The RS Q8 features a family-load of baggage room in the back, a brilliantly designed chassis, and suspension system. It also has one of Audi's greatest interiors to date. The RS Q8 also manages to pull off a trick that Audi seems to have mastered, which is being elegant and glamorous enough to roll passengers up to a red carpet while being understated and unassuming enough to not grab too much focus in traffic. It's as close to perfection as an automaker has yet achieved for a super crossover, in our opinion.