Audi RS Q8 facelift: Audi’s most powerful SUV gets an update
June 25, 2024 by Tom Wiltshire
Car changing is a big deal
Lightly updated super-SUV now gets a range-topping Performance model as well as range-wide upgrades
- New Audi RS Q8 revealed
- Facelifted version of Audi’s most expensive RS car
- Standard model with 600hp
- Or new Performance variant with a massive 640hp
- The most powerful combustion model in Audi’s history
- New dynamic upgrades to chassis and suspension
- Prices start from £120k+
The halo model of Audi’s SUV line-up, the RS Q8, has been given a serious update for 2024. In addition to the usual styling tweaks, new paint colours and technology upgrades, Audi’s given the chassis and suspension a once-over.
It’s also introduced an even more powerful range-topping model – the RS Q8 Performance, which produces 640hp making it the most powerful non-EV Audi’s ever produced and putting it ahead of the BMW X6 M, the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 and even the Range Rover Sport SV.
New Audi RS Q8 and RS Q8 Performance: power and 0-62mph
Both versions of the RS Q8 are similarly kitted out. They use a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine, the same one found in the Lamborghini Urus and Bentley Bentayga. It’s paired up to Audi’s signature quattro four-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
For the regular RS Q8, power output is unchanged – it produces 600hp, which is good for 0-62mph in just 3.8s. Top speed is limited to 155mph as standard, but can be upped to 174mph or 190mph depending on which option box you tick.
The RS Q8 Performance, however, has 640hp, which shaves 0.2s off the 0-62mph time. Audi’s also given it a new exhaust system which creates a ‘sportier, more evocative sound’.
New Audi RS Q8: chassis and suspension
All RS Q8s ride on air suspension, tuned specifically for sportiness rather than comfort. As an option, though, you can fit electromechanical active roll stabilisation (or eAWS for short). This links each axle with an electric motor, which can either disconnect the two halves of the axle for better comfort and absorption on bumpy roads, or twist the stabilisers to reduce the car’s body lean in corners.
Other additions include a sport differential for better performance in fast cornering, fade-free ceramic brakes (standard for the more powerful Performance model) and the aforementioned lifting of the speed limiter. These come as part of the optional dynamic package plus. All versions, however, do come with four-wheel steering, which improves stability at high speeds and manoeuvrability at low speeds.
Check out this in-depth review of the current Audi RS Q8…
Audi RS Q8: styling and exterior
Not too much has changed on the outside of the RS Q8 to mark it out as a new model. If you look closely, you’ll be able to spot a new front apron with wider air intakes. There’s a new honeycomb pattern for the grille, and a new blade along the bottom – gloss black for the regular RS Q8, and matte grey for the Performance model.
Round the rear there’s a new diffuser between the two large oval tailpipes – a signature of Audi RS models.
Three new standard paint finishes are available – Sakhir gold, Ascari blue and Chili red. There are also new optional wheels – 23 inches in diameter in a six-spoke design, and available in black, Neodymium gold, matte grey or burnished metallic black. There’s also a light-alloy version available for the RS Q8 Performance, which are around 5kg lighter than the regular wheels.
The RS Q8 features Audi’s latest head- and tail-light technology, as seen on its more recent models such as the Q6 e-tron. This includes Matrix LED headlights with additional laser lights for a more effective high beam. If you like customisation, then these are the lights for you – you can select from five different patterns for the front daytime running lights as well as the new OLED taillights, including a chequered flag pattern.
When will the new Audi RS Q8 go on sale?
UK pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but European customers can place an order from the end of June 2024.
Prices start at €141,900 (£120,163) for the regular RS Q8 and €155,700 (£131,852) for the RS Q8 Performance.
Can’t wait for the new Audi RS Q8? Check out offers on the current car, or tap the button below to sell your car the easy way.