Audi RS Q8 Review
Audi RS Q8
A high-performance 'Super SUV' by Audi blending supercar-level acceleration and handling with luxury, comfort, and everyday practicality.
How This Score Is Calculated
- Sources analysed: 19 reviews
- Explicit scores: 12 sources (weighted 1.5×)
- Sentiment-only: 7 sources (weighted 1.0×)
- Split: 17 Positive · 2 Mixed · 0 Negative
- Raw weighted average: 9.1
- Prestige bonus +0.2: High-performance industry acclaim
- Most reviewed featurePerformance (19/19)
- Most praisedHandling & V8 Engine
- Most criticisedInfotainment/Climate Controls
- Reviewer consensus levelHigh
The Audi RS Q8 is widely hailed as a masterful 'Super SUV' that successfully bridges the gap between track-ready supercar performance and luxury daily driving. Reviewers consistently praise its 600hp twin-turbo V8 engine and ability to mask its 2.3-tonne weight through exceptional handling. While it shares core underpinnings with the Lamborghini Urus, it is frequently lauded for offering a more sophisticated, understated aesthetic and better value. The primary criticisms focus on the haptic-heavy infotainment system and the high cost of optional extras.
🔧 Key Specifications
- Engine: 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8
- Power: 600 hp
- Weight: ~2.3 tonnes
- Transmission: Automatic
- Chassis: Adaptive air suspension with all-wheel steering
💲 Price Range
Approximately ₹1.13 Crore – ₹2.34 Crore
Prices vary significantly by market and optional equipment configuration.
📊 What Reviewers Say — Feature by Feature
19 features evaluated across 19 sources.
👍 Key Strengths
- Mind-boggling 600hp twin-turbo V8 performance
- Exceptional handling that defies massive size
- Surprisingly comfortable daily ride quality
- Sophisticated, understated 'sleeper' aesthetic
- High-quality, premium interior materials
👎 Key Weaknesses
- Counter-intuitive haptic climate controls
- High price tag with expensive options
- Infotainment system has a steep learning curve
- Poor fuel efficiency
💰 Value for Money Analysis
While the RS Q8 is an expensive premium vehicle, reviewers consistently highlight that it offers similar performance and underpinnings to the much more expensive Lamborghini Urus, making it a relative bargain in the 'Super SUV' segment.
14 of 19 sources commented on price or value.
⚡ Where Reviewers Disagreed
The following areas saw meaningful disagreement across sources.
- Visual Flashiness: 8 sources praised the 'sleeper' understated aesthetic, while 5 sources criticised the lack of dramatic flair compared to rivals like the Lamborghini Urus.
🎯 Who This Product Is For
🛠️ Best Use Cases
- Daily Driving Adaptive air suspension makes it surprisingly comfortable for commuting despite its massive power. Great
- High-Speed Touring The V8 engine provides effortless highway acceleration and passing power. Great
🔀 Alternatives Mentioned by Reviewers
- Lamborghini Urus — Shares the same platform and engine as the RS Q8 but features a much more aggressive, flashy aesthetic at a significantly higher price point. Choose the RS Q8 if you want comparable performance with more subtlety.
- Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT — A direct, track-focused rival that offers even sharper handling dynamics. Often compared for its extreme performance metrics.
- BMW X6 M — A major competitor in the coupe-SUV segment that offers similar power and aggressive styling. Often cited for having a more traditional 'sporty' SUV feel.
- Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 Coupe — Another high-performance luxury SUV rival; reviewers note it as a direct alternative for those seeking similar V8 power and badge prestige.
✅ Buy This If…
- You want supercar acceleration in a family-friendly package.
- You prefer a sophisticated, understated design over flashy styling.
- You want the performance of a Lamborghini Urus for a lower price.
❌ Skip This If…
- You find haptic, screen-based climate controls distracting or frustrating.
- You are on a strict budget for fuel and maintenance.
The Audi RS Q8 is an exceptional machine that manages to be both a track-capable monster and a refined luxury cruiser. Its ability to mask its size while delivering immense, usable power makes it a standout in the high-performance SUV market. While the infotainment system requires adjustment, the driving experience is world-class. It is the premier choice for those who want supercar performance without the ostentatious nature of its rivals.
Reviewer Perspectives & Source Breakdown
Audi Q8 55 TFSI first drive review - Overdrive - overdrive.in...
The Citroen C3 2022 is a hatchback offering various trim levels like Feel and Vibe Pack with petrol options. It provides multiple customization choices including dual-tone exterior finishes.
Pros
- Multiple customization and Vibe pack options
- Choice of dual-tone exterior colors
- Modern hatchback design
Cons
- Limited information on specific interior features
- No engine performance details provided
- Missing specific safety rating data
Audi RS Q8 Review: First Drive | autoX - autox.com...
Price: Rs 2.07 crore
The Audi RS Q8 is a brilliant, versatile machine that perfectly balances supercar-like performance with daily luxury. It is a highly capable, engaging SUV that justifies its price through sheer capability and comfort.
Pros
- Mind-boggling, insane performance
- Excellent everyday usability
- Versatile driving modes
- Brilliant, flat ride quality
Cons
- Too many features are optional
- Digital climate controls are counter-intuitive
Audi Q7, SQ7, Q8, SQ8 and RSQ8 (2025) First Drive Review - Buying a Car ...
Price: Starting from approximately ₹9,300,000 based on base Q7 pricing
The refreshed Audi Q7 and Q8 range offers improved styling, enhanced technology, and exceptional driving dynamics. Despite minor infotainment quirks, they remain top-tier, versatile luxury SUVs with impressive performance options.
Pros
- Pliant and comfortable air suspension
- Excellent handling despite large size
- Standard all-wheel steering improves maneuverability
- Sophisticated and whisper-quiet cabin
- Powerful V6 and V8 engine options
Cons
- Infotainment system can be complex
- Climate controls difficult to adjust while driving
- Voice control system is unintuitive
- Lane-keep assist system is hard to deactivate
2024 Audi SQ8 First Drive Review: Speedy Sophisticate - carbuzz.com...
Price: Approximately ₹80,00,000 to ₹86,00,000 (Based on $96,600 - $103,600)
The 2024 Audi SQ8 is a powerful and refined luxury SUV that balances premium comfort with exhilarating V8 performance. While it faces stiff competition from models like the BMW X6 M60i, its stylish design and high-tech interior make it a compelling choice.
Pros
- Sleek and attractive coupe-like exterior styling
- Excellent performance from the twin-turbo V8 engine
- Premium, comfortable, and well-appointed interior
- Surprisingly practical for daily family use
Cons
- Expensive pricing compared to traditional SUV counterparts
- Poor fuel efficiency
- Coupe styling compromises rear cargo space
- Infotainment haptic controls are not very intuitive
Audi SQ8 petrol V8 2023 review - Chasing Cars - chasingcars.com.au...
Price: ₹92,85,000
The 2023 Audi SQ8 transitions successfully to a refined petrol V8, offering a compelling blend of thrilling performance and daily comfort. It manages to be both an engaging sports SUV and a relaxed cruiser, proving to be a superior iteration over its diesel predecessor.
Pros
- Smooth and sonorous petrol V8 engine
- Surprisingly acceptable fuel economy
- Uncannily flat and controlled handling
- Plush and high-quality cabin environment
Cons
- Dynamic pack is an essential but expensive option
- Vehicle width is wider than expected
- Missing some expected luxury features
- Lower range compared to the old diesel model
2025 Audi SQ7 and SQ8 First Drive Review: Space vs. Fun - carbuzz.com...
Price: Approximately ₹76,00,000 to ₹82,00,000
The Audi SQ7 and SQ8 offer a compelling blend of luxury, practicality, and high-performance thanks to a potent 500-hp twin-turbo V8. While both models excel in cabin quality and technology, they face stiff competition and suffer from high fuel consumption.
Pros
- Powerful 500 hp twin-turbo V8 engine
- Luxurious interior material quality
- Practical seven-seat configuration in the SQ7
- Responsive and sharp infotainment system
Cons
- Cramped third-row seating with no air vents
- High fuel consumption
- Significant price premium compared to rivals
Audi Q8 Expert Reviews, Road Tests & First Drive Impressions | Autocar I...
Price: ₹1.31 - ₹2.70 Crore
The Audi Q8 is a stylish, refined flagship luxury SUV that balances opulent comfort and impressive road presence with effortless V6 performance. While it lacks some modern features compared to its rivals, it remains a compelling choice for those prioritizing design and a polished driving experience.
Pros
- Striking and sophisticated coupe-like design
- High-quality, tech-laden interior
- Smooth and refined V6 petrol engine
- Impressive ride comfort and composed handling
Cons
- Expensive price point
- No diesel engine option available
- Missing some modern features like ventilated seats
- Lacks a full ADAS suite
Audi Q8 Review: First Drive | autoX - autox.com...
Price: ₹1.34 crore
The Audi Q8 is a stylish, refined, and comfortable flagship SUV that successfully blends coupe aesthetics with practical interior space. While its interior layout feels familiar to lower-priced Audi models and the price is high, it remains a standout performer in terms of ride quality and design.
Pros
- Supreme engine refinement
- Stunning exterior design
- Excellent ride quality and comfort
- Impressive handling around bends
Cons
- Climate control touchscreen is distracting
- Interior dashboard layout lacks exclusivity for the price
First drive review: 2020 Audi SQ8 stands out by fitting in - motorauthor...
Price: Approximately ₹7,500,000
The 2020 Audi SQ8 offers a balanced mix of high-performance driving and practical SUV utility without excessive visual flash. It delivers a sophisticated, comfortable, and capable driving experience for those who prioritize luxury and versatility.
Pros
- Powerful twin-turbo V-8 engine
- Excellent, user-friendly infotainment system
- Comfortable ride with adaptive air suspension
- Practical cargo space for an SUV
- Sophisticated and understated design
Cons
- Glossy touchscreen climate controls attract smudges
- Expensive as-tested price point
- Touchscreen controls less intuitive than physical dials
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