An Already Hyper SUV Gets An Adrenaline Boost

Big, wide, powerful. Built on the same MLB platform as the Urus, Porsche Cayenne, and Bentley Bentayga it out-sleeks them all. Compared to the regular Q8, there are subtle exterior changes to the grille, the rear bumper, a longer spoiler coming off the roof, and available 23-inch wheels.

With the RS Q8, Audi developed its most impressive vehicle to date and positions it masterfully at the top of the RS family. The specification of the standard version is already impressive to drivers for whom the driving experience is paramount: The 4.0-litre V8 TFSI engine delivers 600 hp (441 kW) and a maximum torque of 800 Nm. The maximum speed of 250 km/h can be increased at the factory to 305 km/h.

Even experienced auto-testers are amazed at the Audi RS Q8’s agility, despite its 2.4-tonne weight. After all, the Audi engineers have brought a whole host of refined high-tech solutions to the table – even steering rear wheels. The standard vehicle with 600 hp (441 kW) and 800 Nm could even claim the Nürburgring Nordschleife record for SUVs.

Now for even greater driving pleasure, ABT Sportsline engineers have developed a performance upgrade, raising the bar just a little higher with an additional 100 hp and 80 Nm. Thanks to the high-tech control unit ABT Engine Control, the RS Q8 now delivers 700 hp (515 kW) and 880 Nm, putting a tiger in the tank of the 2 tonne beast.

At the same time, comprehensive tests on public roads and on the dynamometer, along with TÜV certification, numerous engine protection measures and comprehensive guarantees ensure optimum reliability and everyday suitability.

The world’s largest tuner of Audi and VW vehicles emphasises the extraordinary driving experience with an extremely interesting electronic suspension solution: And thanks to the ABT Level Control (ALC), the SUV can be lowered in three stages, thereby giving it a lower centre of gravity.

ABT Comfort Level, ABT Dynamic Level and ABT Loading Level (Coffee Mode) are the adjustable modes. The first one lowers the suspension by 25 mm, the second by 15 mm – based on the respective series setting of the corresponding suspension programme. In Coffee Mode the RS Q8 is put at the lowest setting of all, thus bringing the vehicle a whole 65 mm lower to the ground than in the original Comfort mode. All things considered, ALC not only improves driving pleasure, but also the aesthetics. Thus, the coupé-like silhouette of the RS Q8 is emphasised even more.