2021 Audi RS Q8 Review, Pricing, and Specs (2024)

Starting at $115,595

8.5/10

C/D RATING

Specs

Photos

2021 Audi RS Q8 Review, Pricing, and Specs (1)

Audi

8.5/10 C/D RATING

Specs

Photos

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  • Highs Mega-powerful V-8 engine, nimble chassis, styling is more restrained than the mechanically similar Lambo Urus.
  • Lows Slower and more expensive than the RS6 Avant, brake feel isn't particularly confidence inspiring, not quite as poised as a Porsche.
  • Verdict The RS Q8 is the ultimate Audi SUV, but the most discerning auto enthusiasts recognize that it's not the ultimate Audi.
By Joey Capparella and Drew Dorian

Overview

With a whopping 591 horsepower under the hood, the 2021 Audi RS Q8 is the ultimate Audi SUV, borrowing elements from the outrageous Lamborghini Urus while still incorporating the German luxury brand's signature styling. All models come with Quattro all-wheel drive as standard, and Audi says this beast can leap to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. The cabin is layered with premium materials—including nappa leather upholstery and your choice of either genuine carbon-fiber trim or wood accents. All of Audi's latest tech gadgets are standard here, too, including the Virtual co*ckpit digital gauge display and dual-screen infotainment system. Not into performance SUVs? Audi offers this same bonkers powertrain in the svelte RS6 Avant station wagon.

What's New for 2021?

Audi has made no changes to the RS Q8 for 2021.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The price of the 2021 Audi RS Q8 starts at $115,595.

    The RS Q8 comes with a six-figure price tag, but its performance, styling, and featured content are likely to be worth the investment. All RS Q8 models come with a standard adaptive air suspension system, 22-inch wheels, heated and ventilated front seats, and a 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo system.

    Engine, Transmission, and Performance

    The RS Q8 has a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine that produces 591 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. It pairs with the Quattro all-wheel-drive system and an eight-speed automatic, and there's also a 48-volt hybrid system to improve fuel efficiency. Audi claims a zero-to-60-mph time of 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 189 mph. We're looking forward to testing this claim at our test track when an RS Q8 visits our office for testing. In November 2019, Audi set a record at the Nürburgring race course with a camouflaged prototype of the RS Q8.

    View Photos

    Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

    EPA fuel-economy estimates for the RS Q8 are a dismal 13 mpg city and 19 mpg highway. That's the price you pay for the RS Q8's performance potential. We haven't had a chance to test the RS Q8 on our 75-mph highway fuel economy test route, but when we do we will update this story with its test results.

    Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

    The RS Q8's five-seat cabin is mostly the same as the Q8's, although it has some special trim pieces and sportier, more aggressively bolstered front seats to hold you in place while cornering. There are also RS logos sprinkled throughout. Passenger and cargo space carries over unchanged from the regular Q8 model, which means plenty of legroom and headroom for adults in both rows of seats. In our testing, the Q8 held eight carry-on suitcases behind its rear seat and 23 in total with the rear seat folded.

    View Photos

    Infotainment and Connectivity

    The Audi Virtual co*ckpit digital gauge cluster and dual-touchscreen MMI interface have certain RS-specific displays that can show information such as torque and power output, lap times, and g-forces. Other than that, we expect the same technology offered in the Q8, including standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, and SiriusXM satellite radio.

    Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

    Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has performed crash tests on the RS Q8, but the regular Q8 fared well in both agencies' testing. Audi offers several driver-assistance systems on the RS Q8, but some of the most sought-after ones require adding an optional package. Key safety features include:

    • Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
    • Available lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
    • Available adaptive cruise control

    Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

    Audi offers an average standard warranty that, when compared with other premium brands, looks pretty basic. Jaguar offers more value here, with longer warranties and five years of complimentary scheduled maintenance.

    • Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
    • Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
    • No complimentary scheduled maintenance

    2021 Audi RS Q8 Review, Pricing, and Specs (4)

    Specifications

    Specifications

    2020 Audi RS Q8

    VEHICLE TYPE
    front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback

    BASE PRICE (C/D EST)
    $125,000

    ENGINE TYPE
    twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
    Displacement
    244 cu in, 3996 cc
    Power
    591 hp @ 6000 rpm
    Torque
    590 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm

    TRANSMISSION
    8-speed automatic

    DIMENSIONS
    Wheelbase: 118.0 in
    Length: 197.3 in
    Width: 78.7 in
    Height: 67.2 in
    Passenger volume: 105 cu ft
    Cargo volume: 31 cu ft
    Curb weight (C/D est): 5300 lb

    PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
    60 mph: 3.6 sec
    100 mph: 9.1 sec
    ¼-mile: 12.2 sec
    Top speed: 155–190 mph

    EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST)
    Combined/city/highway: 17/15/19 mpg

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