Audi RS Q8 2021 Review

Audi has given the people what they want. Or perhaps just a vocal handful of them. But that small club clamoring for a penultimate family hauler from the brand of four rings gets its wish with the 2021 Audi RS Q8.

Debuting nearly two years ago, shortly after the debut of the slightly less bonkers SQ8, the RS version (RennSport in Audi circles) leaves little on the table when judged against its ultra-high-performance rivals from Mercedes, BMW and Porsche. A turbocharged V8 engine puts out just shy of 600 horsepower, an adaptive air suspension with anti-body roll feature ensures sticky yet comfortable handling, and the cabin accommodates five passengers and about 60 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. The RS Q8 also has a top speed of 190 mph. Because why not?

The monstrous V8 is also pleasingly refined. It comes with a 48-volt mild hybrid system that helps reduce fuel consumption. A trifling concern maybe, but the system also aids more seamless engine startup when pulling away from a stop. And while the RS Q8's coupe-style shape limits it to two rows, the second row offers seats that slide, recline, and split and fold in a 40/20/40 configuration for maximum versatility and comfort.

The RS Q8 technically arrived as a 2020 model, so it carries into this year unchanged. And that's fine for now. With prodigious performance and eye-catching style, the RS Q8 is a formidable entry into a growing group of riotous grocery-getters.

Which RS Q8 does MatoCar recommend?

The 2021 Audi RS Q8 comes in a single well-equipped trim level with a handful of option packages. It's powered by a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 (591 horsepower, 590 lb-ft of torque) paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

Highlights of the RS Q8's standard features include:

• 22-inch alloy wheels
• High-performance brakes
• Sport-tuned adaptive air suspension (enhances handling and ride comfort and can adjust the vehicle's ride height)
• Four-wheel steering (enhances the RS Q8's maneuverability and agility)
• Power liftgate
• Panoramic sunroof
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Multicolor ambient cabin lighting
• Heated side mirrors
• Four-zone automatic climate control
• Leather upholstery
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Power-adjustable, heated steering wheel

The RS Q8's technology features include:

• Navigation system
• 10.1-inch central touchscreen display
• Premium Bang & Olufsen sound system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
• Wireless device charger
• Digital instrument panel

Finally, the RS Q8 comes with these safety and driver assistance features:

• Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the RS Q8 and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Forward and rearward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
• Rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while you're in reverse)
• Rear passenger safe-exit system (can prevent a rear passenger from opening a door into traffic approaching from behind)

The RS Q8 offers several option packages, ranging from additional tech and driver assistance features to cosmetic and performance upgrades. These include:

• Black Optic package
• 23-inch alloy wheels  
• High-performance summer tires
• Sport exhaust system
• Black gloss exterior accent trim

• Executive package
• Dual-pane noise-reducing windows
• Power soft-closing doors
• Heated rear seats
• Head-up display

• Luxury package
• Front massaging seats
• Faux suede headliner
• Leather-wrapped armrests, dashboard and center console

• Driver Assistance package
• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the RS Q8 and the car in front)
• Lane keeping assist (steers the RS Q8 back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
• Intersection Assist (issues warning at up to 18 mph if cross-traffic is detected)
• Traffic sign recognition

Other stand-alone options include:

• Upgraded Bang & Olufsen sound system
• Night Vision Assistant (displays thermal imaging to help with night driving)
• Carbon-ceramic brake rotors
• Towing package