Photography provided by Audi
With its leading innovation and premium styling, Audi has produced some of the finest vehicles on the road today. And given the automaker’s wide range of offerings — from sedans and SUVs to two-door convertibles and high-performance sports cars — there’s a specific model to fit every driver’s needs. The Q8, a newer addition to the lineup, boasts classic Audi styling coupled with modern technology. It is undoubtedly an impressive machine, but for those looking for a little more power, Audi has the answer with the 2021 RS Q8.
Although it may resemble the standard model in appearance, the RS Q8 is a completely different animal under the hood. With 591 horsepower, it can go from zero to 60 mph in a mere 3.7 seconds thanks to its 4.0-liter eight-cylinder turbocharged engine. Carbon fiber bits, a lower, sportier stance, bigger wheels and an upgraded ceramic braking system also set the RS Q8 apart.
Inside, RS sport heated and ventilated seats with 14-way power adjustment make for a comfortable driving experience. You can also upgrade to the luxury package, which adds front seat massage functionality, a black Alcantara headliner and rear powered side sunshades.
Large infotainment touchscreens control all climate and audio functionality, resulting in a clean, modern-looking dash. The instrument cluster is also fully digital, letting you customize the display for the current driving situation. A configurable upgrade adds night vision technology utilizing thermal imagery cameras, which can assist in nighttime driving with visual and audio alerts about animals, pedestrians or obstacles in the roadway.
The RS Q8 is an ideal auto marrying everyday practicality with racecar performance available at the slightest push of a pedal. And while most high-performance SUVs usually come with a tradeoff in comfort, that’s not the case here — in fact, Audi actually enhanced it. Whether it’s a weekend family excursion, a date night for two or a fast-paced drive in the canyons for one, the RS Q8 adapts for all.
The 2021 Audi RS Q8
• Starting at $114,500
• 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds
• 4.0-liter 8-cylinder engine
• 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission
• 591 horsepower with 590 pound-feet
• Top speed of 190 mph
• 7,700-pound towing capacity
• All-wheel drive
• 23-inch Audi Sport 5-Y-spoke wheels
For more information, visit Audi Minneapolis or log onto audiminneapolis.com.
