Audi RSQ8 - Beast in detail!

Thanks: 2023 Audi Q8 Starting at $ Highs: Enjoyable to drive, big comfort on big wheels, the interior of the buttonless future. Lows: Feels laggy from a stop, more expensive and less practical than the Q7, thirsty V-6. Verdict: As the cooler version of the three-row Q7, the Q8 delivers hot looks and a supple ride at the expense of seating and cargo space. Overview We all know someone a little cooler, and in the case of the three-row Audi Q7 SUV it’s the Q8—the more stylish two-row fraternal twin that shares the same underpinnings. The Q8’s proportions are wider, shorter, and lower but the dramatic design sacrifices back-seat headroom, passenger capacity, and cargo area to the Q7 as the Q8 is only offered as a five-seater with two rows. Power comes from a turbocharged 335-hp V-6 engine with an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive, the same powertrain as in the Q7’s upper trim levels. The 500-hp SQ8 and even crazier 591-hp RS Q8 are reviewed separately. The joy experienced while driving the Q8 is a benefit of sharing platforms with the Bentley Bentayga and Porsche Cayenne SUVs. The Q8’s chassis balances crisp, reassuring handing with a supple ride. Even if it’s not as athletic as other “SUV coupes” like the BMW X6 or Mercedes-Benz GLE coupe, it’s still enjoyable to drive—and certainly less strange looking. It’s also a cheaper alternative to the A8 full-size luxury sedan by more than $15,000. What’s New for 2023? The 2023 Audi Q8 receives additional standard equipment such as matrix LED headlights, headlight washers, as well as illumination animation on approach or departure—meaning the exterior lighting elements do a happy dance for you. The Q8 Premium’s Convenience package now includes adaptive cruise control with lane-keep assist. The Executive package for Q8 Premium Plus adds dual pane glass to help quiet the cabin. New interior packages add leatherette to the dashboard for Premium models, as well as to the armrests and center console to the Premium Plus trim. Audi’s remote park assist is now standard on Prestige models. New colors are replacing last year’s palate with Waitomo Blue metallic taking the place of Galaxy Blue metallic, Tamarind Brown metallic bumping Barrel Brown metallic out, and Satellite Silver metallic substituting for Florett Silver metallic. Pricing and Which One to Buy Premium: $73,995 Premium Plus: $78,495 Prestige: $84,295 We’d choose the Audi Q8 Premium trim and enhance it with select options. Its standout standard features already include a fully digital gauge cluster, built-in navigation, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a power-operated tailgate. While 21-inch rims are standard, we’d still spec the Black Optic package for its sportier appearance. We’d also add the Convenience package (blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, wireless charging, and more) and the Towing package. The latter unlocks the Q8’s maximum tow rating of 7700 pounds. Read More 📌 Instagram ▶ 📌 Tiktok ▶ @cartvpress