Audi RS Q8
Watch the new Audi RSQ8 tear its way around the Nurburgring
The Audi RS Q8 is not only the King when it comes to Audi's SUV hierarchy, but it is also the reigning King of the Ring.
The RS Q8 managed a best lap time of 7:42.2 at the famed Nürburgring, to best the previous record-holder, the Mercedes-AMG GLC63 S' effort of 7:49.3.
The performance SUV shares its motor with the latest RS6 Avant and the RS7 Sportback. A high-tech 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 that produces 441kw and 800nm, and propels the RS Q8 from 0-100kph in an BMW X6 M Competition rivaling 3.8 seconds, and will run to a top speed of 305kph.
Power is sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission and a rear-biased quattro all-wheel drive, assisted by a torque-vectoring rear differential and all-wheel steering. The adaptive air suspension’s also beefed up over regular Audi Q8 models for improved cornering agility, aided by an active anti-roll system.
Audi South Africa has confirmed that the RS Q8 will be launched locally towards the end of 2020, with pricing set to be announced closer to the time.
Here is the high-performance SUV's hot lap >>
Also worth a look: the Audi Rs3 and the Out with the Old, In with the New: Audi A5 Replaces A4 in So.
FAQ
Q: What does the Audi RS Q8 cost in South Africa?
The Audi RS Q8 launched in South Africa at the end of 2020 with pricing starting around R2,850,000, making it one of the most expensive performance SUVs in the local market.
Q: Is the Audi RS Q8 worth buying?
The RS Q8 is worth buying if you want the fastest SUV around the Nürburgring with a lap time of 7:42.2, but at nearly R3 million, it's only worth it if you have serious cash and need bragging rights at the country club.
Q: How fast is the Audi RS Q8 compared to its competitors?
The RS Q8's 441kW twin-turbo V8 rockets it from 0-100kph in 3.8 seconds, matching the BMW X6 M Competition and making it one of the quickest SUVs money can buy in South Africa.
Q: What makes the Audi RS Q8 so good on the Nürburgring?
The RS Q8's Nürburgring dominance comes from its adaptive air suspension, torque-vectoring rear differential, all-wheel steering, and active anti-roll system that keeps this 2.2-tonne beast glued to the tarmac through the Green Hell's corners.
Q: Should I buy the Audi RS Q8 or wait for the next generation?
Buy the current RS Q8 if you want the record-holding King of the Ring now, but with Audi's move towards electrification, this might be your last chance to own a proper twin-turbo V8 RS Q8 before everything goes electric.
Should You Buy It?
The best Nürburgring-conquering SUV under R3,000,000 in South Africa is definitely the Audi RS Q8 at around R2,850,000. Yes, you should buy it if money isn't an issue and you want to own the actual King of the Ring. This isn't just marketing fluff, the RS Q8 genuinely holds the SUV lap record at 7:42.2, beating every Mercedes-AMG and BMW M SUV that tried before it. With 441kW, 800Nm, and a 305kph top speed, it's properly quick in a straight line too. However, if you're counting rands, maybe stick to dreaming because at nearly three million bucks, this Audi costs more than most people's houses. But if you've got the cash and want the ultimate performance SUV that can embarrass supercars on track day, the RS Q8 is an absolute weapon.
Should You Buy It?
The Audi RS Q8 at R2,850,000 is worth buying if you're loaded with cash and want the fastest SUV around the Nürburgring with genuine bragging rights. You get a proper monster that does 0-100kph in 3.8 seconds and holds the SUV lap record at 7:42.2, but let's be honest, unless you've got serious money burning a hole in your pocket and need to show off at the polo club, there are plenty of brilliant performance SUVs for half the price that'll still pin you to your seat.
