Used 2023 Audi RS Q8

Typically, we have to begin almost every Audi review with a generous dollop of praise for its outstanding cabin, and we will get to that in a minute. However, we are equally enthusiastic about the Q8’s handsome wrapper. The sloping coupe-like roof and bobbed tail team up to give the Q8 an uber-sporty profile.

Although the RS Q8 – and to a somewhat lesser extent, the SQ8 – is the high-performance player in this family, the standard Q8 is no slouch. It steers convincingly, corners with more stability than an SUV should, and still delivers a comfy ride. In other words, it’s everything a luxury flagship SUV should be.

If you’ve had any experience driving Audi models, you will feel right at home in the Q8. It’s a simple blend of decent acceleration, competent handling, and a comfortable ride. We don’t believe any of that is bad. On the contrary, it’s what Audi does well, and does consistently.

Yes, you can empty your wallet for the higher-performance SQ8 and the stupid-quick RS Q8; however, the stately Q8 feels like home. Among the rivals, the BMW X6 does deliver a sportier experience, but we’re quite fine with the Q8’s precise steering and all-weather all-wheel drive (AWD) or quattro in Audi-speak.

Here’s where we allow ourselves to gush over the Q8’s 5-passenger cabin. It’s not by accident that Audi maintains its reputation for excellently styled, well-made premium interiors.

The coupe-esque roofline costs a bit of rear-seat headroom and cargo space compared to its 3-row sibling, the Q7, but no more so than its coupe-ish rivals. In fact, the Q8’s 38.1-inches of rear-seat headroom is about the same as the BMW X6 and more than that of a Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe. Moreover, the Q8’s cargo room behind the seats is in between the BMW and Mercedes.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and researching the current collection of midsize luxury SUVs, including the Q8.

We believe Audi’s SUVs are more stylish than its sedans. The SUVs aren’t radical, mind you, but they are more interesting to look at without losing that Audi stateliness. Despite shaving off some interior space, we like the coupe-like profile and we give props to Audi for not tacking “coupe” onto the name.

Virtual Cockpit Plus
This 12.3-inch, full-color digital driver’s display is standard in every new Q8, taking the place of traditional dials and gauges with a choice of information. It’s easy to get to grips with, and it just looks like the future.

Surround-view camera
This is a bird’s-eye, 360-degree view around the Q8. It’s a big help when navigating narrow spaces.

Bang & Olufsen 3D Audio System
Stepping up to the Premium Plus grade gains you a 755-watt amp driving 17 speakers to deliver dynamic, concert-hall sound.

Quad-zone automatic climate control
Standard in the Premium Plus and Prestige trims, this separates the cabin into four zones with temperature preset capability for each zone. Once set, the system automatically maintains the preset temperature.

Animated digital Matrix LED headlights
These cutting-edge headlights not only automatically adjust to changing light conditions, but they can also project animated patterns on walls when the car is parked. Fun!

Comfort adaptive air suspension
Constantly monitoring road and driving conditions, this system not only softens for ride comfort on straight roads and stiffens when cornering, it also lowers the vehicle as the speed increases.

For a sizeable luxury SUV, the Q8 has solid acceleration, if not environmentally friendly mileage. Audi arms its Q8 models with a turbocharged V6. Its output is remarkably close to the 6-cylinder engine in the sportier BMW X6. The Q8 and X6 are in the same ballpark for government-estimated mileage, too. The Mercedes brings up the rear in this heat. An 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters hustles engine production from all three engines to the Q8’s four wheels. All-wheel drive is standard on every Q8 model.

3.0-liter turbocharged V6 (Q8)
335 horsepower @ 5,000-6,400 rpm
369 lb-ft of torque @ 1,370-4,500 rpm
EPA combined fuel economy: 20 mpg (18 city, 23 highway)

4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 (SQ8)
500 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
568 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000 rpm
EPA combined fuel economy: 17 mpg (14 city, 20 highway)

4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 (RS Q8)
591 horsepower
590 lb-ft of torque
EPA combined fuel economy: 16 mpg (13 city, 20 highway)

More Q8 fuel-economy information is available at the EPA’s website.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

Typical for luxury brands, Audi covers its vehicles with a 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty that covers the powertrain, as well.