Revamped with more tech and power the RS Q8 Performance is even better now.
A few months ago we sampled the Audi RS Q8 Performance in Spain and after driving it for an entire day in the city, on the highway and a few hot laps around a racetrack, it was clear that it is simply brilliant in almost everything it does. Now, it has finally arrived on home soil and launched at a price of Rs 2.49 crore, which may not be too far from its predecessor, but the performance surely has taken a big jump ahead. So, does it do enough to carry the ‘perfect performance car for India’ tag?
Audi RS Q8 Performance exterior design
23-inch wheels
Subtlety is what you get with almost every car with the four rings, however, this RS Q8 takes things up a notch. The chilly red paint pops and makes heads turn and highlights the lines and curves. Add to that the optional 23-inch wheels, especially in this shade that gets a tinge of gold and it is clear that this Audi does not want to lie low in a crowd.
LED Matrix headlamps get customizable daytime running lamp signatures.
The rear gets big oval tail pipes that stand out, and LED taillamps which stretch end-to-end. Also, where its competition peppers their performance models with badges all over, the RS Q8 gets only one red rhombus at the rear.
Audi RS Q8 Performance interior design
While you can make the exterior dramatic, you can’t do much with the interior. Sure, thanks to the Q8 and its luxuries, quality levels are excellent, but there isn’t enough done for the RS badge. You get red stitching for the seats, seatbelts, headrests and ambient lighting which can be customised for three other colors between Green, Blue and Grey. The steering too is round and simple, and not the chunky flat-bottom one we like – that is an optional extra – and the seats, although sporty, are soft and comfortable with heating, ventilation and massage options.
Although quality levels are excellent, the interior lacks drama.
There is no dedicated physical RS button but you do get a fair bit of customisation options once you dig into the touchscreen. Also, since it is based on the Q8, there is no dearth of space in the rear and the three adults can be seated in comfort.
Big boot, no spare wheel
It gets a sizable boot as well but you do miss a spare wheel. So those big 23-inchers will have to be looked after.
RS Q8 Performance has a boot capacity of 605-litres.
Audi RS Q8 Performance engine and gearbox
640hp and 850Nm
Powering the RS Q8 Performance is the same 4.0-litre, twin-turbo V8 as before but it now makes 640hp and 850Nm. The 40hp bump is the result of increased turbo-boost pressure, and repositioning of the catalytic converter along with a lighter sports exhaust. Sounds gibberish? Just know that at no point, will you feel its lugging over two tonnes.
4.0-litre, twin-turbo V8 now produces 40hp more than before.
0-100kph in 3.6 secs
The acceleration is rapid with 0-100kph coming up in just 3.6 secs and a top speed of 250kph with a limiter. Remove that, and you can stretch till upto 305kph. The numbers and sense of speed are both incredible but the most adored feature will be the exhaust note. In an age of spacecraft sounds from electric motors a good ol’ V8 rumble is music to the ears.
Drive modes change character
The drive experience can be altered based on the drive mode and Dynamic will get you the best of performance. However, the RS Q8 has always been liked for its duality and in Comfort mode, you can see why. The engine is subdued, the suspension is softened, the steering loses most of its heft and it becomes almost a regular Q8. There is also an individual mode to customise the setting to your taste and an ‘All-road’ mode for some trail driving.
The drive modes help bring out the duality in RS Q8’s nature.
Extra 90mm of ground clearance
There is also the ‘Off-Road’ mode that raises the suspension to its maximum adding an extra 90mm to the ground clearance and providing interesting data on the screen too. But who in their right mind is taking an RS Q8, out in the wilderness?
Audi RS Q8 Performance ride, handling and braking
While you can clear small boulders thanks to its form factor, the most it will ever see is a dug up city road and for that, the suspension is commendable. In Comfort, the hard edges from low-speed bumps are absorbed and while you do move about in the cabin, it isn’t a jarring experience. Over dusty trail and at moderate speeds, the movement is even less and compared to its rivals, the ride is much better.
The ride quality is commendable, especially in comfort mode.
Master of corners
Where the RS Q8 Performance truly shines though, is in the corners. The level of grip from the quattro sport differential and the massive tyres makes it impossible to feel nervous behind the wheel. It can carry much higher speeds into corners and exit with total stability and on full power. Then there is the active roll stabilization which uses a motor between the axles that can disconnect the two halves in a straight line to reduce side-to-side movement but link them up as soon as the corners arrive. This ensures stability as the chassis is controlled via electronics to stay as flat as possible. On a winding mountain road, the RS Q8 feels more like a hot-hatch and not a big heavy SUV, and that, is its biggest win.
Grip is impressive through corners, thanks to quattro sport differential and the massive tyres.
Carbon ceramic brakes are standard fitment
The rapid power delivery and high-speed cornering is also backed by solid braking power with 420mm carbon ceramic discs up front and 370mm at the rear, which are standard fitment on the RS Q8 Performance. Sure, they take a tad longer to warm up than conventional steel brakes, but once up to temperature, there is superb brake bite and after a hot downhill session, absolutely no fade.
Audi RS Q8 Performance price and verdict
Rs 2.49 crore before options
At 2.49 crore the RS Q8 Performance is one hell of a performance car. Sure, by the time you select some options and ensure you have a one-off, the number will start with 3 crores, but even then, for what it offers, thats not a bad price. With its loud and powerful engine, striking exterior and incredible driving manners, its got all the makings of a perfect supercar, but the Q in its name, makes it a perfect supercar for India.
Also See:
2025 Audi RS Q8 video review
