Jon Wong/Roadshow
High-performance SUVs with coupe-like rooflines are undoubtedly a completely fledged class of their very own, with the BMW X6 M Competition, Mercedes-AMG GLE63 and Porsche Cayenne Turbo out there at the moment. All boast a splash of further type over historically formed SUVs, to not point out heaps of energy and punched-up dealing with capabilities. The newcomer on this class is the Audi RS Q8, a efficiency CUV so well-honed it now holds the manufacturing SUV lap document of 7 minutes, 42.2 seconds round Germany’s Nürburgring. 

LikeLarge efficiency and each day comfortSleek seems to be inside and outExcellent cabin tech

Don’t LikeLacks dramaLight steeringCan get actual dear quick

Lower-key performerWhat does the Audi’s Nürburgring lap document imply? To automobile dorks it means bragging rights. For everybody else, not a lot. But this primary story of the tape is one thing individuals of all automotive information bases will possible perceive. The coronary heart and soul of this achievement is the RS Q8’s engine: a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 shoving out 591 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque with the latter having your again from 2,200 to 4,500 rpm. Channeling energy to the entire RS Q8’s wheels is an eight-speed automated transmission, permitting this SUV to succeed in 60 mph in simply 3.7 seconds, on its technique to a high pace of 190 mph. (Note: This high pace is barely unlocked in case you spring for the upgraded carbon ceramic brakes.) All issues thought of, these are bonkers stats. But what? The BMW, Mercedes and Porsche all replicate that 0-to-60-mph time.

2021 Audi RS Q8 overview: Fast, modern and sensible
See all images

In the true world, the Audi’s drivetrain surprisingly would not behave like an indignant, hyperactive brute. From a dig, the RS Q8 would not launch with loopy gusto. Instead, it easily will get out of the outlet, pulls robust to the engine’s 6,750-rpm redline and rattles off seamless, well-timed gear adjustments. If you are not paying shut consideration, it is easy to get effectively previous posted pace limits on floor streets, due to the progressive throttle tuning and low gurgle from the exhaust. You get civilized aggression from the powertrain. The RS Q8 isn’t loud, shouty or harsh when going about its enterprise, although I want it had been a bit extra uncooked and loud in Dynamic mode.Continuing the sleek theme, technological bits like a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and cylinder deactivation go unnoticed. There’s no wonkiness within the brake pedal and you would be onerous pressed to inform when the V8 is operating on some or all of its cylinders. Those efforts contribute to EPA-estimated 13 mpg metropolis and 19 mpg freeway rankings, placing the RS Q8 on par with the remainder of its aggressive set. I noticed 13.1 mpg throughout per week of testing.

Dialed-up dynamicsFrom a efficiency standpoint, the RS Q8’s dealing with chops are its most spectacular attribute. To assist this 5,490-pounder hustler more durable it is acquired a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system, torque-vectoring rear differential, air suspension, all-wheel steering, energetic anti-roll bars and upgraded 23-inch Y-spoke wheels with 295/35 sequence tires (22-inchers come normal).

A better dealing with IQ comes courtesy partially from some huge 23-inch Continental tires.
Jon Wong/Roadshow
Put the Audi Drive Select system into its Dynamic setting and the RS Q8 hunkers down and hangs on tight round cloverleaf on-ramps. Credit the tires’ huge ol’ contact patches and all of the efficiency options’ technological wizardry for all of the grip and composure this crossover reveals when pushed onerous. Getting the RS Q8 sloppy on the road requires caning it method more durable than you responsibly ought to. Instilling much more confidence behind the wheel are the aforementioned carbon ceramic brakes. The $9,000 possibility means there are 10-piston calipers clamping down on monstrous 17.3-inch rotors up entrance and still-darn-big 14.6-inch rotors with single-piston calipers round again. Like all the things else, urgent down on the left pedal would not yield loopy preliminary chunk, permitting for easy brake functions. A bit of extra stress unlocks the large stopping muscle whenever you need to go deeper into brake zones or carry out panic stops.In regular Audi style, flippantly weighted steering is a sticking level in Dynamic. I desire having a contact extra heft within the wheel, however I’ve no complaints in regards to the steering’s responses. That’s to not say there aren’t occasions when the sunshine steering is useful — whenever you put the automobile in Comfort mode for regular commuting, for instance. Speaking of commuting, the RS Q8 does positive right here, with the adaptive dampers taking the sting off all however the greatest roadway hazards. In addition to the good grip they supply, the large Continental tires deserve kudos for his or her lack of noise rolling down the street. Weightier steering really feel for the RS Q8 is on the want listing.
Jon Wong/Roadshow
RS type and techThis RS Q8 painted Daytona Grey Pearl with its further non-compulsory styling goodies is actually a looker. The adjustments to the RS over normal Q8 fashions aren’t tremendous drastic, with extra aggressive bumpers, honeycomb grille inserts, oval exhaust ideas and slicker wheels. Add in a beneficiant carbon fiber eating regimen on the entrance lip, grille encompass, mirror caps, tailgate trim and rear bumper valance, and blacked-out particulars sprinkled about give the RS Q8 a low-key, however nonetheless sinister vibe.Head contained in the RS Q8 and the design is simplistic with plenty of straight strains. The entrance seats provide plenty of assist to carry riders in place with RS honeycomb accent stitching on the inserts. These chairs provide a therapeutic massage perform with seven totally different kneading patterns that I really like.Build high quality on this Audi is first-rate with plenty of high-end supplies positioned all through the cabin, like Alcantara on the headliner and door panels, matte carbon fiber sprint trim and leather-wrapped and stitched surfaces for a lot of the huge panels. If you are apprehensive in regards to the quicker roofline chopping into second-row headroom, do not be, as a result of there’s nonetheless ample house for regular adults. Cargo room additionally is not too shabby with a wholesome 30.5 cubic toes on provide that grows to 60.7 cubic toes with the again seats folded.A easy design and improbable construct high quality spotlight the RS Q8’s inside.
Jon Wong/Roadshow
Taking care of infotainment within the RS Q8 is Audi’s MMI Touch Response system that’s merely stellar. The dual-touchscreen setup has an 8.6-inch show on the underside for local weather perform controls and a 10.1-inch show up high for issues just like the rockin’ 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio setup, navigation with Google Maps imagery, telephone features and a Wi-Fi hotspot. It’s all intuitive to work by means of, providing fast responses to inputs and haptic suggestions to let a command has been entered. The clear middle console format is void of many onerous controls, nevertheless it does retain a conventional quantity knob, which is an excellent factor.On the driver-assist expertise entrance, all RS Q8s get normal forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross site visitors alert, a 360-degree digital camera and auto excessive beams. A $1,750 Driver Assistance Package provides a number of extra tips to this Audi’s arsenal like an amazing adaptive cruise management system, lane-keep help, site visitors signal recognition and a head-up show. The MMI Touch Response system is a Roadshow favourite.
Jon Wong/Roadshow
How I’d spec itThis check automobile is a well-kitted-out RS Q8. It’s acquired the aforementioned $9,000 carbon ceramic brakes, $4,500 carbon fiber exterior bits, $2,950 black exterior trim and greater wheels, $1,750 Driver Assistance Package, $595 paint job and $4,800 value of inside extras. On high of all that, it additionally has a $750 Towing Package enabling it to tug 7,700 kilos. Add in a $1,095 vacation spot cost and also you get the not-so-unsubstantial $140,590 as-tested worth of this automobile.For my superb spec, I’d spring for the $595 Daytona Gray paint job and the $3,250 Black Optic Package. On the within I would like the massaging seats which are a part of the $3,150 Luxury bundle that additionally requires you to equip the $2,000 Executive Package that will get me soft-close doorways, the head-up show and acoustic glass. This pushes my Audi to a cool $124,590, which is pricey, however actually extra palatable.The 2021 Audi RS Q8 begins at $115,595, together with $1,095 for vacation spot.
Jon Wong/Roadshow
Radical household wagonOf the swoopy midsize efficiency SUVs out there at the moment, the Audi RS Q8 is a standout in a number of classes. I feel exterior styling trumps the BMW X6 M, Mercedes-AMG GLE63 Coupe and the Porsche Cayenne Coupe. The Audi additionally will get my vote for cabin design and expertise over the BMW, Mercedes and Porsche. It is not, nonetheless, my winner within the efficiency column; the Cayenne Turbo Coupe is a little more involving from behind the wheel.In the tip, although, the RS Q8 my high choose. It’s a head-turner with an amazing cabin, best-in-class tech and presents all of the house and luxury a household ought to moderately want. That’s sufficient to outweigh the much less emotional drive expertise, contemplating this automobile’s essential purpose is to be daily-driven. But actually, none of those efficiency SUV-coupes are unhealthy, all providing sub-4-second 0-to-60-mph occasions and physics-defying dealing with. Pick the one you want greatest, and if it is not the Audi, I’ll be right here to remind you that yours would not maintain the Nürburgring document.