[Auto] Audi RSQ8 review: monster and company

[#Em i[N]O']

All SUVs wear sportswear. Audi is no exception to the rule by integrating the fabulous twin-turbo V8 of the RS6 under the hood of its big Q8. what for ?

 

If the Audi RS6 has become, in twenty years, a true legend in the sports car, not sure that this RS Q8 will go down in history. However, it will feature prominently in the next slideshow on our website, dedicated to the cars of the stars of the ball. Or those followers of so-called sports, who nevertheless display all the opposite characteristics: heavy, wide, high and necessarily 4 × 4.

 

 

 

It is therefore with a priori negative that I climb aboard this monster 5 m long and 2 m wide, placed on gigantic rims of… 23 ”(optional € 2,750). Exceptional dimensions which force me, for the first time since we are in our premises in Boulogne-Billancourt, to put my head through the window so as not to scratch the sublime wheels, largely fitted with Hankook tires, when entering the car park. Despite its tank size, the RS Q8 is nevertheless easy to handle, once the width has been assimilated.

At startup, the raucous sound of the V8 seems impatient to show what it has in the belly. However, at low speed or normal rhythm, it shows an impressive docility, by shelling the eight reports of the excellent automatic transmission in more than adequate comfort. Even the cushioning perfectly preserves the vertebrae of city cobblestones. The family spirit is also present, reserving a gigantic habitability in the rear seats (82 cm in legroom and 155 cm in width at the elbows) and an appreciable trunk volume (605 liters).

Despite the 2,315 kg unladen, the V8 4.0 with 600 hp and 800 Nm of torque shows remarkable health and transforms this SUV “coupe” into a catapult with a much more elegant design than that of its rivals signed BMW (X6) or Mercedes (GLE Coupé). Good points that gradually raise the RS Q8 in my esteem. Capable of roaring up to 7,000 rpm, it provides breathtaking performance for a machine of this type. The different driving modes (normal, RS and RS 2) influence the gear changes or the controlled damping, but above all, give the V8 extra voice thanks to the exhaust valves. Pure happiness that continues to positively influence my judgment. In short, it grows and it sings. Remains to know
what about driving.

It must be admitted that the apprehension becomes more pressing as the pace increases. On small roads, the completely shameful speeds being reached very quickly, the mass does not reassure when approaching a sharp turn or a large curve. Because frankly, this RS Q8 bombs! As for the braking system, it captivates. Especially that of our test model, equipped with the carbon-ceramic option (10,000 or 10,500 €, depending on the color of the stirrups), with inexhaustible endurance, but with an unpleasant touch at low speed and doubled a lack of annoying bite. Another good point: this RS Q8 does not take a roll, contrary to what its imposing mass might suggest. Turning almost flat, thanks to the pneumatic damping (as standard), it turns into curves at incredibly high speeds, well helped by the Quattro Sport rear differential, allowing it to get out by bringing the car towards the rope. The downside to this formidable efficiency: it is sometimes difficult to gauge the limits, distant, of the beast. Add to that a too light steering lacking a little feeling, and you get an exceptional car of efficiency, but somewhat stingy in sensations, except engine. A defect that can easily be erased by preferring an RS6 invoiced 25,000 € cheaper, and lighter by 165 kg on the scale.

 

 

Verdict:

Ultra-efficient, large, comfortable and carefully constructed, the RS Q8 surprises with its devilish efficiency, at the cost of slightly watered down sensations.

 

WE love

Inexhaustible motor
Crazy performances
Comfort / habitability
Incredible efficiency…

We like less

… But too muffled sensations
Steering too light
Biting low speed ceramic brakes

 

 

Audi RSQ8: the technique
Engine: V8, biturbo, direct injection, 32 valves, variable distribution, 3,996 cc, chain distribution.

Transmission: 4 × 4, 8-speed automatic.

Power (hp at rpm): 600 to 6,000

Torque (Nm at rpm): 800 to 2,050

Weight (kg): 2,315

Maximum speed (km / h): 305

0 to 100km / h (s): 3.8

CO2 (g / km) / penalty: € 321 / 20,000

Price: 157 900 €

Audi RSQ8: the rivals
Bentley Bentayga 6.0 W12, 608 hp, from € 217,300
BMW X6 M, 575 hp, from € 138,500
Lamborghini Urus, 650 hp, from € 233,000
Porsche Cayenne Turbo, 550 hp, from € 141,744
Range Rover Sport V8 S / C, 575 hp, from € 134,900