2022 Audi RS Q8 Review

Trims

2022 Audi RS Q8 trim comparison

RS Q8 Standard

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Starting MSRP

$121,095

MPG

Engine

Drive Type

Automatic Emergency Braking

Basic Warranty

Horsepower

Blind Spot System

Surround View Camera

Adaptive Cruise Control

Remote Engine Start

Parking Sensors

Multi-Zone Climate Control

Premium Audio

13 city/19 hwy

4.0L V8 Twin-Turbo

AWD

4 yr / 50k mi

591 hp

Engine Type

Fuel Type

Horsepower

Torque

Engine Displacement

Engine Configuration

Cylinders

Aspiration

Valvetrain

Number of Valves

Compression Ratio

EPA City Fuel Economy

EPA Highway Fuel Economy

EPA Combined Fuel Economy

Start/Stop System

Regenerative Braking

Gas

Premium Unleaded

591 hp

590 lb-ft

4.0 L

V

8 cylinder

Twin-Turbo

Double Overhead

32 valve

10.1

13 MPG

19 MPG

15 MPG

Reviewed by Jaclyn Trop

Overview

Sitting at the top of Audi's SUV lineup, the Audi RS Q8 combines luxury and high-energy performance in a five-passenger package. Its elegant cabin boasts top-notch materials and reasonable space for four adults. Equipped with a powerful twin-turbo V8 engine, the RS Q8 delivers outstanding performance while its precisely tuned suspension allows it to corner like a sport sedan. Its sleek styling cuts down on rear headroom and there's not much cargo space, but that's not really the point with this kind of SUV. A few direct rivals have similar characteristics. The BMW X6 M has a turbocharged V8, incredible handling, and a tight passenger compartment. Then there's the Mercedes-Benz GLE 63 S Coupe, a slope-backed version of the standard GLE that boasts over 600 horsepower and a price tag to match.

Positives

Sensational acceleration from its turbocharged V8. Comfortable ride and yet nimble handling. Elegantly outfitted interior.

Considerations

Thirsty V8 engine. Limited cargo room.

Verdict

For shoppers seeking an SUV with the power and performance of a sports car, the Audi RS Q8 has few peers. From its twin-turbo V8 to its sport-tuned suspension, the midsize RS Q8 delivers breathtaking acceleration and a nimble feel that makes its six-figure price tag and limited cargo room a little easier to swallow.

What's New for 2022

The Audi RS Q8 adds lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control to its list of standard features. Shoppers have some new design elements to choose from, such as striped seatbelts and faux-suede upholstery for the steering wheel and center console.

Trims and Pricing

The Audi RS Q8 is only offered in one well-optioned model.

RS Q8

Pricing for the Audi RS Q8 starts at $116,495 (including destination fees). Standard equipment includes a 591-horsepower V8, performance-tuned adjustable air suspension, 22-inch wheels, all-wheel drive, upgraded brakes, and four-wheel steering. Cabin amenities include four-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated power-adjustable steering wheel, and full leather upholstery.

A number of option packages let you further customize the RS Q8. The Black Optic package adds dark exterior trim and 23-inch wheels, while the Carbon Optic package adds carbon-fiber exterior trim. Other notable options include a 23-speaker audio system, carbon ceramic brakes, and an RS design package that adds red interior trim.

Engine and Performance

Powered by a 591-horsepower, twin-turbo V8, the Audi RS Q8 delivers blistering acceleration that few vehicles on the road can match. Its eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly between gears and the Quattro all-wheel-drive system distributes power where it's needed most. The RS Q8 feels athletic and responsive, especially for an SUV of its size and weight. It feels sporty around turns, but the adaptive air suspension still delivers a pleasant ride. Rivals such as the BMW X6 M and Mercedes-Benz GLE 63 S Coupe offer similar levels of acceleration and handling.

Fuel Economy

Fuel efficiency isn't one of the Audi RS Q8's strong points. Its Environmental Protection Agency estimates are 13 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway The BMW X6 M is rated slightly worse at 13/18 mpg city/highway, while the Mercedes-Benz GLE 63 S tops both with estimates of 15/20 mpg city/highway.

Interior

The Audi RS Q8 features an attractive cabin draped with premium leather and high-quality materials. Heated and ventilated front sport seats offer plenty of support for spirited driving. Buyers can add massaging front seats and upgraded leather upholstery. The rear seats are almost as comfortable for two adults, although the low roof design cuts down on headroom. The Audi RS Q8 boasts a decent rear cargo area, but it does not offer as much utility as more traditional SUVs.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Audi is known for outfitting its vehicles with a long list of advanced technology equipment, and the RS Q8 is no exception. It comes standard with the brand's MMI infotainment system, which features crisp graphics and a dual touchscreen display. The 10.1-inch upper screen controls entertainment such as radio and navigation, while the 8.6-inch lower screen manages climate control and other vehicle functions. All models come with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, satellite radio, and wireless device charging.

Safety

Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has performed crash tests on the Audi RS Q8. Standard equipment includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, automatic emergency braking, and forward-collision warning.

Audi RS Q8 vs. the Competition

The Audi RS Q8 blends the practicality of an SUV with the performance of a low-slung sports car. There are certainly compromises, but nothing that dampens the fun. As unique as it is, the RS Q8 has formidable rivals. The BMW X6 M offers even more horsepower and handling to match. The Mercedes-Benz GLE 63 S Coupe has a similar style and loads of horsepower along with an elegant cabin with modern technology.

Audi RS Q8 vs. BMW X6 M

Audi RS Q8 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLE

TrueCar Expert Review Methodology

TrueCar works with a select group of automotive industry experts who test-drive nearly 300 vehicles per year. TrueCar's experts grade the vehicles on key attributes including driving dynamics, comfort, interior design, technology, storage, and efficiency. Our experts also judge recent model updates, pricing and value, trims, options, comparable vehicles, and safety assessments (as provided by the NHTSA and IIHS) to inform their recommendations and help car shoppers choose a vehicle that is right for them.

TrueCar also ranks the best vehicles in each category based on a data-driven methodology. Each vehicle is carefully scored using our in-house rating system, which systematically evaluates every car, SUV, truck, and van. Utilizing ALG industry research, consumer surveys, a team of data scientists and vehicle experts, TrueCar provides a unique and useful outlook to help you find the best vehicle for your driving needs.

Owner Reviews

2022 Audi RS Q8 Owner Ratings & Reviews

1st Generation Audi RS Q8

2020 - Present

67%

33%

3 Star

0%

2 Star

0%

1 Star

0%

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All reviews

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4.0

Performance

5.0

Comfort

3.0

Fuel Efficiency

1.0

Safety Technology

3.0

Features

4.0

Performance

5.0

Comfort

3.0

Fuel Efficiency

1.0

Safety Technology

3.0

Features

4.0

pros

Performance and looks

cons

Rattles. Repairs needed. Cost of service parts

Submitted by Aaron on --- --- ----|2022 Audi RS Q8 SUV

5.0

Performance

5.0

Comfort

5.0

Fuel Efficiency

2.0

Safety Technology

5.0

Features

5.0

pros

Great all around vehicle. It does everything right

cons

I can't find anything I don't like about the vehicle so far.

Submitted by Richie I on --- --- ----|2021 Audi RS Q8 SUV|Purchased on --- --- ----

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2022 Audi RS Q8

2022 Audi RS Q8

Specifications

Engine

Horsepower

MPG

Seating

Cargo Capacity

Basic Warranty

2022 Audi RS Q8 Specs & Features

Trims

2022 Audi RS Q8 trim comparison

RS Q8 Standard

Popular Features

Engine Details