News / 11 March 2025 / Michael Taylor

Audi’s most powerful SUV goes on sale in South Africa – Pricing

Audi has officially launched the new RSQ8 Performance in South Africa.

The RSQ8 is positioned as the flagship of the Q8 family, clocking in at a substantial R3,266,100.

Engine

Audi’s latest RS model is powered by nothing less than a 4.0-litre, twin turbocharged V8 petrol engine, which produces a staggering total of 471kW and 850Nm.

This gives it the distinction of being Audi’s most powerful production car to date that does not feature any electrical assistance, as the only model with a higher output is the all-electric RS e-tron GT Performance with its rating of 680kW.

Thanks to all of this power under the hood, the Q8 can rocket to 100km/h in a scorching 3.6 seconds.

What’s more, the SUV can reach an absurd top speed of 305km/h, provided that owners purchase the optional Dynamic Package Plus that raises the electronic cap from 250km/h.

The RSQ8’s power makes contact with the tarmac via the brand’s Quattro permanent four-wheel-drive system with a 40:60 distribution to the front and rear axles, and gear changes are handled by the Tiptronic eight-speed automatic shifter.

It also benefits from the carmaker’s adaptive air sport suspension with controlled damping, which can adjust the ride height by up to 90mm depending on the car’s speed and road conditions.

Additionally, buyers can install electromechanical active roll stabilization, which minimizes the lateral movements of the body for better comfort and stability.

It does this through the use of electric motors places over each axle, which turn in opposite direction to each other while the car is turning to reduce lateral tilt. When the car is driving straight, these motors are disconnected from the driveshaft.

Other fancy additions to the Q8 include a set of RS ceramic brakes, and all-wheel steering that can significantly reduce the car’s turning circle at low speeds.

Features

The RSQ8 has been given a facelift with new Matrix LED headlights surrounded by a darkened bezel.

These are complemented by a set of digital daytime running lights with a checkered flag pattern, similar to what we’ve seen on other recent RS models.

It also a dual exhaust and new OLED taillamps with five different light signatures, which have a proximity indication feature when another car approaches from behind.

There are threes standard paint schemes to choose from – Sakhir Gold, Ascari Blue, and Chili Red – but customers can request individual finishes with their purchase.

The mirror caps, front spoiler and rear diffuser are finished in matte grey, while all of the other body detailing has a gloss black effect.

There’s a new set of optional 23-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels that can be painted metallic black, matte Neodymium Gold, burnished silk matte gray, or burnished metallic black

By default, the Q8 features 295/35 tyres, but these can be swapped for high-performance Pirelli P Zero 295/35 R23 rubber that offers better grip in both dry and wet conditions.

As for the interior, the update has given the sporty SUV one of three new RS design packages that add a red, grey, or blue theme to the various components, including the floor mats, steering wheel, and seat belts.

Of course, it also has all of the comforts you’d expect from one of the brand’s top-end models, such as an Audi Cockpit digital driver display, a 10.1-inch infotainment screen with smartphone pairing, onboard navigation, four-zone climate control, leather Sports seats, a leather multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters, and stainless steel pedals.