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 goes from 0 to 100kph in 3.6 seconds
- Looks the same as the standard RS Q8
- Gets optional 23-inch alloy 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 squeezed out extra juice from the Performance with a freer-flowing exhaust system, which, along with lowering 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 the sibling RS models, adaptive air suspension and a launch control system are also 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 the cabin, Audi has upgraded the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster to feature a gear-change indicator for optimal shifts when in manual mode. The main interior features are controlled by the same split infotainment (10.1-inch) and climate control (8.6-inch) screens as the Q8. New Alcantara finishes differentiate the cabins from the standard car.
Also exclusive to the RS Q8 Performance are blue interior accents and the option to install lighter 23-inch alloys clad in Pirelli P Zero rubber, which are factory-fitted. These shave 20kg off the standard wheels.
Audi Q8 in India
There’s no word on Audi bringing the range-topping Performance variant to India. The standard Q8 is priced in the Rs 1.07 crore–1.43 crore range, and the RS Q8 costs Rs 2.22 crore.
All prices, ex-showroom, India
Also see:
Audi RS Q8 conquers India’s race tracks video
Audi RS Q6 e-tron to debut next year with 600 plus hp
Audi Q6 e-tron spied in India for the first time