Bonkers Performance. Sublime Comfort.

PERFORMANCE – BONKERS, AS PROMISED

With 631 hp and 850 Nm of torque, the RSQ8 launches like it’s trying to escape orbit. It’ll hit 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds with launch control, and it feels every bit as quick. Off the line without launch, there’s a brief pause as it hauls its mass, but then it goes. The 8-speed ZF finally feels dialled in too: crisp, fast shifts in Dynamic, soft and seamless in Comfort. If we’re nitpicking, a bit more exhaust drama wouldn’t go amiss — especially given the RS badge.

DYNAMICS – DEFIANTLY CAPABLE, EMOTIONALLY DISTANT

It reads like an engineer’s dream: active roll bars, dynamic air suspension, quattro with a sports diff, rear-wheel steering, sticky tyres — and all of it works. The RSQ8 corners with astonishing composure, blitzing roads it has no right to feel at home on. And yet, the steering lacks the kind of feedback that would make it feel truly involving. Physics-defying, yes. Emotionally engaging? It's no Lotus Emira.

"If you spend more time at 50 km/h than 150, like most people, you’ll appreciate the refinement far more than you would have thought."

COMFORT – WHERE IT EARNS ITS (EXTRA) STRIPES

This is where the RSQ8 starts to make serious sense. The real magic is not in chasing lap times, but in how nice it is to live with. Floaty air suspension, cabin isolation, massage seats that are actually great, and a B&O sound system that will impress. If you spend more time at 50 km/h than 150, like most people, you’ll appreciate the refinement far more than you would have thought.

INTERIOR – A VERY WELCOME THROWBACK

After experiencing Audi’s latest hyper-screened interiors in the new S5 and Q6, this generation RSQ8 feels like a breath of fresh (old) air. The dual-screen layout is classy, restrained, and allows the materials to shine — leather-wrapped dash, metallic trim, and stitching everywhere. Rear seat space is excellent, and cargo room outpaces both the X6M and GLE 63 Coupe. Dare I say, this might be one of the last "great" Audi interiors before the screen society took over.

STYLING – STILL COMMANDING, EVEN NOW

Back in 2018, the Q8 made a statement. It was one of my favourite designs on the road. And surprisingly, it still is. The full-width light bar has aged better than most, the coupe-like rear avoids being cartoonish, and the overall stance still turns heads. The only letdown is the front grille design, which looks a bit tired now, especially with the latest facelift. The grill, frame, and headlights are all connected in a way that dilutes their individual impact. Otherwise, it's aged with grace and muscle.

PRICE & COMPETITION – THE BIG HURDLE

It’s hard not to admire what Audi’s built here. The RSQ8 delivers towering performance, style, and comfort in one undeniably premium package. In fact, you could argue it ticks every box you could possibly hope for in a car (except being lightweight). But our test model? Over $300,000 NZD. That’s big money. And for that price, you could buy an SQ7 for family duties and a GR86 for weekend fun. The X6M and GLE 63 are close rivals with similar spec and price tags, so in the end, it comes down to badge loyalty and which one makes you look back as you walk away.