The RS Q8 Performance is now Audi’s most powerful combustion-engine model.
The Audi RS Q8 has received a new range-topping Performance variant, which has become the brand’s most powerful ICE (internal combustion engine) car ever with a snarling twin-turbocharged petrol V8 that produces 640hp. The 40hp boost over the standard 600hp RS Q8 means the new super-SUV narrowly outpunches the 630hp Audi RS6 Avant Performance estate car and is just 10hp shy of the closely related pure-V8 Lamborghini Urus, which will retire this year.
- Audi RS Q8 Performance’s 0-100kph time is 3.6 seconds
- Looks the same as the standard RS Q8
- Gets optional 23-inch alloys wheels that are 20kg lighter
The result is a supercar-baiting 0–100kph in 3.6 seconds, which is 0.2 seconds quicker than the standard car; the 250kph speed limiter has been removed to allow the Performance to achieve 306kph. As with the standard Audi Q8, power goes to all four wheels through a Tiptronic 8-speed automatic gearbox.
Audi has eked out the Performance’s extra muscle with a freer-flowing exhaust system, which as well as reducing back pressure creates a “sportier, more evocative sound”. The Performance adopts the same self-locking central differential as the RS Q8, which helps to reduce understeer and increase cornering precision and speed. As with sibling RS models, adaptive air suspension and a launch control system are also fitted as standard.
The Performance arrives as part of an update for the RS Q8. Earlier, Audi had refreshed its flagship SUV, the standard Q8, towards last year’s end.
The new RS Q8 Performance and RS Q8 look identical, setting themselves apart from the Q8 with bulkier bodies, a new honeycomb grille, and slightly restyled front and rear ends. Both are fitted with matrix LED headlights and customisable OLED rear lights. A large rear diffuser, fearsome oval tailpipes, new matte gold 22-inch alloy wheels and RS badging are the other differentiators.
Inside, Audi has upgraded the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster to feature a gear change indicator for optimal shifts when in manual mode. Main interior features are controlled by the same split infotainment (10.1-inch) and climate control (8.6-inch) screens as the Q8. Lashings of Alcantara differentiate the cabins from the standard car.
Exclusive to the RS Q8 Performance is the option to fit lighter 23-inch alloys, shod from the factory on Pirelli P Zero rubber, which shave 20kg off the standard wheels, and blue accents inside.
Audi Q8 in India
While there’s no word on Audi bringing the range-topping Performance variant to India, the standard Q8 and the RS Q8 are on sale here. The former is priced between Rs 1.07 crore-1.43 crore, while the latter costs Rs 2.22 crore.
All prices, ex-showroom, India
Also see:
Audi RS Q8 conquers India’s race tracks video
