This is Audi’s first mega SUV, the 2023 RSQ8, and it’s the first noncar to get the RS badge. It has joined the ranks of the Aston Martin DBX 707, BMW X6M, and the Lamborghini Urus in the SUVthatthinksit’sasupercar segment.

Feeling a little short of money lately, the stock market hasn’t gone your way, well no need to panic because the 2023 Audi RSQ8 is $100k cheaper than its sibling the Lamborghini Urus. Not only that but it’s way better looking than the Urus and almost as fast.  

CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
0:30 Exterior
2:19 Cargo Space
2:50 Exhaust Sound
3:15 Under The Hood
3:41 Suspension and Drivetrain
4:19 Pricing
5:20 Interior And Tech
8:30 Driving
20:38 Verdict

Exterior

Its hatchback rather than coupelike roofline sits atop a lot of frameless glass, the design is crisp and very elegant. Being an SUV means it does have a chunky, highsided body, and huge wheel arches with these massive 23inch rims wearing Continental SportContact 6 295/35R. The brakes are huge too carbon ceramic with 6piston calipers and 3 pistons at the rear.   

It’s less subtle at the front but the V8 does need to gulp a lot of air. This huge grille looks big enough to vacuum up any smaller cars that might get in your way. The grille is flanked by coollooking LED headlights. At the back, you get large oval exhaust outlets and a subtle rear wing. 

Suspension

I must make a special mention to the 48V activeroll stabilization system, it’s pure witchcraft and the the sport differential can send up to 85 percent of power to the rear axle (standard split is 40/60). 

Wicked Powertrain

Under the hood is a 4.0L Twinturbo directinjected DOHC 32valve 90degree V8 with 592 hp and 590 lbft of torque. It’s driven through an 8speed transmission which in launch mode will get you to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, 0124mph in 13.7 seconds, and a limited top speed of 155mph. With a light right foot expect 20 mpg on the highway. 

With all this power there is some bad news, it’s really easy to exceed posted speeds without realizing it since it piles on speed a lot faster than you would expect. The good news is it has a 22gallon gas tank.

2023 Audi RS Q8 Numbers

BASE PRICE: $122,800
PRICE AS TESTED: $147,780
VEHICLE LAYOUT: Frontengine, allwheeldrive, 5passenger, 4door SUV
ENGINE: 4.0 liter twinturbocharged DOHC 32valve V8
POWER: 591 hp @ 6000 rpm
TORQUE: 590 lbft @ 2000 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 8speed automatic with manual shifting mode
CURB WEIGHT: 5,500 lbs 
060 MPH: 3.5 seconds
TOP SPEED: 155 mph
BRAKES FRONT: 17.3in vented, crossdrilled, carbonceramic disc
BRAKES REAR: 14.6in vented, crossdrilled, carbonceramic disc
WHEELS: 23inch Y spoke  with matte titanium finish
TIRES: Continental SportContact 6 295/35R23
EPA CITY/HWY/COMBINED: 13/20/16 mpg
OUR OBSERVED: 16.1 mpg
CARGO SPACE: 30.5 ft³, 60.7 ft³ with seat area
PROS: Incredible chassis, quicker than you think, beautiful interior.
CONS: The RS6 is cheaper