600 PS Audi RS Q8 Now Available In Malaysia
The Audi RS Q8 is now available in Malaysia. Just unveiled by PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM), the official distributor, this is the first-ever full size SUV from Audi to wear the RS badging.
Powered by a 4.0L V8 biturbo TFSI engine, the 600 PS and 800 Nm of torque it sends via the 8-speed Tiptronic to the permanent all-wheel-drive system allows this Q8 to do a 0 – 100 km/h sprint in 3.8 seconds (speed tops out at 305 km/h).
The wheel-selective torque control perfects the safe and agile handling of the RS Q8, where during dynamic cornering, the quattro sport differential distributes drive torque between the rear wheels as required. This active torque vectoring improves traction, stability and dynamics.
The power is matched by its sound. The 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 ignition sequence guarantees a voluminous sound that is further enhanced by the RS sport exhaust system with black oval tailpipes. The engine sound can be manipulated via the Audi drive select system.
The Audi drive select dynamic handling system allows the driver to control engine and transmission management, steering boost, the air suspension, all-wheel steering, engine sound and the characteristic of the automatic air conditioning. There are 8 profiles available i.e. comfort, auto, dynamic, efficiency, allroad, offroad, and the individually configurable RS-specific modes RS1 and RS2, directly accessible via the “RS-MODE” button on the steering wheel.
Additionally, the RS-specific adaptive air suspension allows the RS Q8 to be equally at home on the road, on track or an off-road trail. Its RS-specific damper tuning allows for a particularly broad spread between a setup biased toward comfort and one that is extremely sporty. Body roll during fast cornering is also minimised thanks to the electromechanical active roll stabilisation (EAWS) system.
The Audi RS Q8 comes standard with 23″ aluminium wheels in a 5 Y-spoke rotor design. Behind the large wheels is an RS brake system with internally vented composite discs (420 mm) up front, 370 mm at the rear, with ceramic brakes in red as standard.
Design-wise, the RS Q8 sports a striking octagonal “Singleframe” honeycomb grille in high gloss black with RS-specific radiator in carbon. The SUV’s sloping roofline flows into the forward-canted D-pillars and rests against the quattro blisters above the wheel arches. Further, RS-specific trim strips in the body colour widen the body by 10 mm up front and 5 mm in the rear, providing space for the more generous track. Meanwhile, an RS roof edge spoiler provides a striking finish at the top and provides downforce on the rear axle for even balance at high speeds. There are also black Audi rings and RS logos at the front and rear to complete the sporty design.
The tinted RS HD Matrix LED headlights come with three-dimensional daytime running lights signature with a digital character, similar to the LED tail lights. A light strip backed by a high-gloss black surface joins the rear lights, further emphasizing the wide stance. The RS Matrix LED headlights and the rear lights include dynamic turn signals and are showcased by an expressive RS-specific animation when the car is locked or unlocked.
For the interior, the RS Q8 features a deliberately clean design, with a slim instrument panel and strong horizontal line design to convey a feeling of spaciousness. The central element in the cockpit is the top MMI touch response display. Special RS displays in the Audi virtual cockpit and MMI display provide information on tyre pressure, torque, output, temperature, lap times and g-forces. The head-up display also offers several RS-specific graphics.
The RS sports seats come in perforated Valcona leather with honeycomb stitching with ventilation and massage function. Other notable RS interior elements include grey contrasting stitching on the knee pads, steering wheel rim, floor mats, and the edges of the seat belts. Completing the look are strategically placed RS logos on the steering wheel and illuminated front door sill trim. Fine Nappa leather wraps the SUV’s selector lever knob and door armrest. The RS Q8 also demonstrates its uncompromised everyday usability in the rear. With the seat backrests folded, the luggage compartment under the power rear hatch holds up to 1,755 litres.
Aiding the driving is a comprehensive list of assist systems including adaptive cruise assist, efficiency assist, intersection assist, lane change warning and 360-degree cameras.
The Audi RS Q8 is available in 9 colours: 1 solid paint finish and 8 metallic or pearl effect shades, with carbon exterior mirror housing, and 11 Audi Exclusive colours.
The Audi RS Q8 is priced from RM1,699,990. It comes with 3 years free maintenance, 5 years unlimited mileage warranty and 5 years roadside assistance.
Bookings can be made at Audi Centres at Setia Alam, Glenmarie and Juru.
