The Audi RSQ8 performance SUV will be touching down in October, with the marque’s local division confirming pricing and specifications for its cut-price Lamborghini Urus twin this week.

    “We know that this type of exclusive vehicle is one that some of our customers have been longing for, and so we are delighted to bring the first RSQ8 to Australia,” said Paul Sansom, managing director for Audi Australia.

    The RSQ8 is the current record holder for fastest production SUV around the Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit in Germany, posting a lap time of 7 minutes 42.253 seconds in 2019.

    Pricing

    • RSQ8 quattro – $208,500

    Excludes on-road costs

    Engines

    Power in the Audi RSQ8 comes from the same 4.0-litre TFSI twin-turbo V8 as seen in the RS6 Avant and RS7 Sportback.

    The bent eight produces a meaty 441kW of power and 800Nm of torque – the latter available from 2200 to 4500rpm – making for a claimed 0-100km/h sprint in just 3.8 seconds.

    Audi Sport also claims its flagship performance SUV will hit 200km/h from rest in 13.7 seconds, before hitting a limited top speed of 250km/h.

    Drive is sent to a performance-tuned quattro all-wheel drive system via an eight-speed ‘tiptronic’ torque converter automatic transmission.

    It also features 48V mild-hybrid technology, allowing the vehicle to recover up to 12kW of power while coasting or under light throttle load.

    The added electric assistance also means the idle stop/start system can cut in from 22km/h. and contributes to fuel savings of up to 0.8L/100km.

    Officially, Audi claims the RSQ8 will use 12.1L/100km on the combined cycle.

    Dimensions

    Audi Australia has not yet listed measurements for the RSQ8. However, we can use the SQ8 as a guide.

    The V8 diesel model measures 5006mm long, 1995mm wide and 1708mm tall, with a 2996mm wheelbase.

    Standard ground clearance for the SQ8 is rated at 209mm, while the boot measures 605L with the second row of seats in place and 1755L with them folded.

    Safety

    The RSQ8 and SQ8 remain ‘unrated’ by ANCAP and Euro NCAP, though the standard Q8 on which the performance models are based scored five stars in 2019.

    As a guide, the Q8 managed 93 per cent for adult occupant protection, 88 per cent for child occupants, 71 per cent for vulnerable road users and 75 per cent for safety assist.

    Autonomous emergency braking (urban and interurban speeds) with pedestrian and cyclist detection is standard, which operates at up to 85km/h for pedestrians and cyclists, and up to 250km/h for vehicles.

    Other standard assistance technologies include adaptive cruise control with stop&go, traffic jam assist and lane guidance assist, blind-spot assist and rear cross-traffic assist, intersection crossing assist, an exit warning system, and active lane assist.

    Dual frontal, side chest-protecting airbags for front and second row outboard seating positions and side head-protecting (curtains) for the front and second rows are also standard.

    Standard Equipment

    Equipment highlights for the RSQ8 include:

    • HD Matrix LED headlights with dynamic indicators (front and rear)
    • Gloss black RS-specific front grille
    • 23-inch alloy wheels (an Audi first)
    • Anti-theft wheel bolts with loose wheel detection
    • Electric tailgate with gesture control
    • Power-assist door closure
    • Privacy glass
    • Panoramic glass sunroof
    • Convenience key
    • Metallic paint
    • Electric heated, folding, auto-dimming side mirrors with memory
    • 40:20:40 split rear seat
    • RS sport front seats with full electric adjustment
    • Four-way lumbar support
    • Heated and ventilated front seats
    • Heated rear seats
    • Four-zone climate control
    • Three-spoke RS multifunction steering wheel with flat bottom
    • Electric sunblind for rear side windows and manual sunblind for rear window
    • Air quality package with two fragrances and air ionisation
    • Extended aluminium look for centre console switchgear
    • Illuminated ‘RS’ door sills with aluminium inlay
    • MMI touch response (10.1-inch top + 8.6-inch displays)
    • Wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto
    • Audi connect plus
    • Audi virtual cockpit
    • 17-speaker 730W Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system
    • Wireless phone charging
    • 2 x rear USB outlets
    • Adaptive cruise assist with Stop&Go and traffic jam assist
    • Side assist with cross traffic assist
    • Front and rear parking sensors
    • Active lane assist
    • Collision avoidance with turn assist
    • 360-degree cameras with kerb view
    • Tyre pressure monitoring
    • Alarm
    • Head-up display

    Several cost-option packages are also available to further enhance and customise your RSQ8.

    Key options include the Sensory Package ($9700), which adds:

    • Alcantara headliner in black
    • 23-speaker 1920W Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system
    • Front seat massage function

    There’s also the RS dynamic package plus ($19,500), which adds:

    • RS ceramic brake system with red calipers
    • Top speed increased to 305km/h
    • Also available with blue and grey calipers

    Rounding out the option packages are the carbon/black and aluminium exterior style packages, as well as red and grey interior design packs.

    Servicing

    Audi hasn’t confirmed service prices for the RSQ8 as yet, as they will be detailed at launch. We’ll update once those details become available.

    Is the Audi RSQ8 your go-fast SUV of choice? Let us know in the comments below

    James Wong

    James Wong is the Production Editor at CarExpert based in Melbourne, Australia. With experience on both media and manufacturer sides of the industry, James has a specialty for product knowledge which stems from a life-long obsession with cars. James is a Monash University journalism graduate, an avid tennis player, and the proud charity ambassador for Drive Against Depression – an organisation that supports mental wellness through the freedom of driving and the love of cars. He's also the proud father of Freddy, a 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI .

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