Enhanced Audi RS Q8: Supercar features and SUV practicality

Enhanced Audi RS Q8: Supercar features and SUV practicality

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‍Before the end of 2023, Audi showcased its facelifted Q8 range, which, to be honest, wasn’t in dire need of a refresh since it still looked fresh despite being on the market for nearly five years now. Fast forward to 2024, and Audi is introducing midlife updates to its performance Q8 model, the RS Q8, which is now accompanied by a flagship model that bears the RS Q8 Performance nameplate.

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‍Judging by the pictures, the duo packs a sportier appearance, courtesy of a new front apron with striking air intakes, new headlight clusters featuring LED daytime running lights, a unique honeycomb structure, a blade in high-gloss black for the regular model and matte grey for the range-topper, and a large single-frame grille with enhanced honeycomb patterns. The rear, on the other hand, receives a subtle makeover, thanks to digital OLED rear lights for the first time in the Q8. At the same time, there are still the two typical RS oval tailpipes that are on either side of the diffuser and separated by a mid-mounted reflector.

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Wheel sizes range from 22-inch light alloy wheels to 23-inch, available in distinctive optional colours such as metallic black, matte Neodymium Gold, burnished silk matte grey, or burnished metallic black. These are home to a 10-piston brake calliper system or the RS ceramic brakes that come standard in the Performance model and optional in the regular variant. 

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The RS Q8 range now features a new exterior colour palette, including three metallic options: Sakhir Gold, Ascari Blue, and Chilli Red.

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The interior design packages of the RS Q8 come in three colours: red, grey, or blue. The blue design package is exclusive to the performance variant. There are perforated sports seats with honeycomb stitching, decorative inlays in matte brushed aluminium with linear embossing in silver, aluminium Race Anthracite, matte Carbon Twill, or Grey Oak, and optional brushed black aluminium for the RS Q8 Performance. There is also a 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus that comes with a shift light indicator in manual mode. 

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Powering both models is a 4.0-litre V8 engine. The standard version delivers 441kW and 800Nm, accelerating from 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds. The Performance variant delivers 471kW and 850Nm, achieving 0-100km/h in 3.6 seconds. As for top speed, both models are electronically limited to either 250km/h or 280km/h, with an optional upgrade to a maximum of 305km/h while shifting through an 8-speed Tiptronic transmission that drives all fours via the Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Just so you know, the Performance version is the same model that was awarded the title of the fastest SUV on the Nürburgring's Nordschleife, lapping the northern ring in 7 minutes, 36.69 seconds. ‍

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In a 2021 road test, TGSA's biggest fan of the sports SUV, Avon, argued that the Audi RS Q8 is "mind-bendingly fast and tackles corners in a way that defies your understanding of science." It epitomises exceptional performance and handling, seamlessly blending the attributes of a supercar with the practicality of an SUV.