Official Malaysian Audi importers and distributors PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM) expanded its local line-up by adding the Audi RS Q8 recently. Essentially, this is the hotter and quicker RS variant of the sporty Audi Q8 SUV model. Orders are now open through all Audi Centres located in Setia Alam, Glenmarie, and Juru.
Unlike the base Q8 it underpins, this RS variant gets the full high-performance treatment by Audi Sport to become one of the fastest and most powerful SUVs around. Much of its performance prowess stems from its 4.0-litre bi-turbo TFSI V8 powerplant, which features a unique 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 ignition sequence, offering monstrous figures of 593 HP (600 PS ) and 800 NM.
Brimmed with an RS sport exhaust system, as well as both an 8-speed Tiptronic transmission and signature quattro permanent all-wheel-drive (AWD), the RS Q8 sees 0-100 KMH despatched in just 3.8 seconds before topping out at a claimed 305 KMH.
Powertrain aside, other performance features present include things like a wheel-selective torque control module, quattro sport differential active torque-vectoring system, RS-specific adaptive air suspension with matching RS-specific damper tuning, as well as electromechanical active roll stabilisation (EAWS) system.
Also present is the Audi drive select dynamic handling system that allows the driver to control engine and transmission management, steering boost, air suspension, all-wheel steering, engine sound and the characteristic of the automatic air conditioning. A total of 8 modes are available, those being comfort, auto, dynamic, efficiency, as well as both on-road and off-road.
The other two modes present are the driver-configurable and RS-specific RS1 and RS2 modes. Both can be directly accessed via the “RS-MODE” button present on the steering wheel.
Other key hardware present include massive composite brake rotors measuring 420mm up front and 370mm at the rear, both matched with ceramic callipers finished in red, not forgetting equally massive 23-inch, 5 Y-spoke design alloy wheels primed at each corner.
Regarding the exterior, the RS Q8 is also easily set apart thanks to RS-specific bits like its black-finished honeycomb grille and badges, body-coloured trim panels plus a roof edge spoiler. Capping things off here are the RS HD Matrix LED headlights featuring Audi’s signature three-dimensional daytime running lights plus RS Matrix LED taillights at the rear. As for paint, the Audi RS Q8 can be dressed in any of the nine standard colour selections available or any of the 11 Audi Exclusive hues available for it too.
On the inside, the RS Q8 delivers much of the base Q8’s amenities here, albeit with a sportier presentation. Included here is Valcona leather seat upholstery with honeycomb stitching featuring both ventilation and massage functions, as well as RS-specific grey contrasting stitching on the knee pads, steering wheel rim, floor mats, and the edges of the seat belts.
As for tech, the cabin sees the addition of RS-specific performance displays in both the Audi virtual cockpit suite and head-up display with readouts for tyre pressure, torque, output, temperature, lap times and g-forces.
Other key features present on board include a comprehensive range of driver assistance systems (adaptive cruise control, lane-change warning, intersection assist, plus 360-degree cameras), not forgetting a large and practical boot space that measures up to a maximum of 1,755 litres with the rear seats folded.
Keen on house Ingolstadt’s take on the super-SUV? PHSAM have set a base retail price of RM1,699,990 for the RS Q8 inclusive of duties and taxes, plus Audi’s 3-year free maintenance, 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, and 5-year roadside assistance coverages.
