PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM)/Audi Malaysia, which took over the Audi distributorship in July this year, has added the Audi RS Q8 to its range of offerings. A fairly recent model in Audi’s SUV range, the Q8 made its global debut in 2018, with the performance-enhanced RS version coming the following year.
The Q8’s coupe SUV design was Audi’s response to the appearance of the new generation of coupe crossovers from BMW (X6) and Mercedes-Benz (GLE-Class) which had been enjoying good sales. It thus introduced new design language for the brand, created by Marc Lichte. The design also has some elements from the original Audi Quattro rallycar of the 1980s.
For the RS version, the imposing octagonal Singleframe design has a RS-specific honeycomb grille in high gloss black. The sloping roofline flows into the forward-canted D-pillars and rests against the quattro blisters above the wheelarches.
There are also RS-specific trim strips in the body colour widen the body by 10 mm up front and 5 mm in the rear. An RS roof edge spoiler provides a sporty appearance as well as being functional as it provides downforce on the rear end for stability at higher speeds.
Audi has long focussed on advanced headlight technology and the RS Q8 comes with the HD Matrix LED headlights. These have the 3-dimensional daytime running lights signature with a digital character, similarly on the LED tail lights. A light strip backed by a high-gloss black surface joins the rear lights, further emphasizing the wide stance.
The RS Matrix LED headlights and the rear lights include dynamic turn signals and are showcased by an expressive RS-specific animation when the car is locked or unlocked.
While Audi has been publicising its electrified models more, it still has models like the RS Q8 with good old-fashioned (but clean) and muscular combustion engines. Under the bonnet is a 4-litre biturbo V8 with an impressive output of 600 ps/800 Nm, giving a 0 to 100 km/h capability claimed to be 3.8 seconds and a top speed just past 300 km/h.
The 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 firing order of the TFSI engine creates a voluminous sound further enhanced by the RS sport exhaust system with black oval tailpipes. The sound can be adjusted to some degree via the Audi drive select system.
Besides having an 8-speed Tiptronic transmission, it is only to be expected that a RS model would have quattro permanent all-wheel drive. During dynamic cornering, the quattro sport differential distributes drive torque between the rear wheels as required. This active torque vectoring improves traction, stability and dynamics. Additionally, wheel-selective torque control enhances the handling and agility of the RS Q8.
Other standard systems that help the driver to extract maximum performance are the RS-specific adaptive air suspension, all-wheel steering, sport differential and active roll stabilisation. The air suspension has controlled damping which is variable according to surface conditions. The broad scope of the RS-specific damper tuning allows makes possible a comfortable ride without sacrificing handling sharpness. Body roll during fast cornering is also minimised, thanks to the electromechanical active roll stabilisation system.
The drive select dynamic handling system has been offered in Audi models for a long time, enabling the driver to customise settings for engine and transmission management, steering boost, air suspension, all-wheel steering, engine sound and the characteristic of the automatic air conditioning.
Eight profiles are available and there is also the RS mode with individually configurable RS-specific settings that complement that high performance capabilities.
Clean design has been a hallmark of Audi interiors. The slim dashboard instrument panel and strongly horizontal line design convey a feeling of spaciousness.
The central element in the cockpit is the MMI touch response display. Special RS displays in the Audi virtual cockpit and MMI display provide information on tyre pressure, torque, output, temperature, lap times and g-forces. Also standard is a head-up display which has several RS-specific graphics.
The RS sports seats come in perforated Valcona leather with honeycomb stitching, with ventilation and massage function. Other interior elements exclusive to RS models include grey contrasting stitching on the knee pads, steering wheel rim, floormats, and the edges of the seatbelts.
The RS Q8 is available from authorised Audi Centres at a price starting from RM1,699,990 (excluding insurance). Customers get 3 years of free maintenance, a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty and 5 years of complimentary roadside assistance.
