A bit like London buses, two come along and a third (from BMW) is sure to follow in short order. Audi’s headline figures (596bhp, 590lbs ft, 0-60mph in 3.5s and an electronically restricted top speed of 155mph) are like Captain Kirk setting the phasers to stun. Let’s face it, cars like this are ‘halo’ models; their purpose is to channel interest to lesser variants in respective ranges, while introducing a limiting factor in the pricing schedule (this one will be announced in early-2020, when the order books open).
Yet, this is the first time that Audi has placed an RS designation on its biggest SUV. It is a confident and defiant move. In genetic terms, Audi has a strong lineage to maintain, which is an assurance that the Q8 RS is not a flash-in-the-pan but is focused enough to be worthy of the badge and as dynamically sound as any other RS model.
The biturbo petrol 4.0-litre V8 in the new RS Q8 is supported by a mild-hybrid system (MHEV) that uses 48-volt electrics. It features a belt alternator-starter connected to the crankshaft that, during deceleration and braking, can recover up to 12kW of power and store it in a compact lithium-ion battery. It can also coast for up to 40 seconds with the engine off, restarting instantaneously, when the accelerator is actuated. The system is connected to the camera sensors for even greater efficiency. When stopped, the engine starts again, while the brake pedal is still depressed, as soon as the front camera detects that the vehicle in front of the new RS Q8 begins to move.
Its enormous power flows to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system via the standard eight-speed tiptronic gearbox. A mechanical centre differential distributes the drive in a 40:60 ratio to the front and rear axles. In the event of slip, more drive goes automatically to the axle with the better traction. Up to 70% can be directed to the front wheels and up to 85% to the rears.
Adaptive air suspension features electronically controlled damping and means that the Q8 RS is equally at home on a racetrack, as an off-road trail. Its suspension tuning allows for a particularly broad spread between comfort and an extremely sporty setup. Dependent on the driving situation and occupants’ needs, the car’s ride height can be varied by up to 90 millimetres.
An electromechanical active roll stabilisation system (EAWS) minimises body roll during fast cornering, while four-wheel steer moves the rear wheels via a high-torque electric spindle drive and two track rods. At low speeds, the rear wheels turn up to five degrees opposite the direction of the front wheels for greater agility. At high speeds, they turn up to 1.5 degrees in the same direction as the front wheels to improve stability during fast lane changes. The standard alloy wheels are of 22.0-inch diameter. The beautifully appointed cabin features RS-style quilted leather.
