Used Audi RS Q8 for sale: everything you need to know

As the high-performance variant of a coupe-style SUV the Audi RS Q8 could be considered a niche within a niche, but an increasingly popular one as technology allows these large, formerly lumbering models to go nearly as quickly and with nearly as much composure as conventional fast saloons and estates.

The RS Q8 first appeared in 2019 and is based on the Q8, the sloping-roofed version of Audi’s large and practical Q7 SUV, and packs the Volkswagen Group’s fairly mighty 600PS four-litre twin-turbo V8 in its nose - giving this SUV straight line performance to rival some supercars.

It’s not alone in using this layout though. Under the skin, the RS Q8 has plenty of similarities with the group’s other fast SUVs, including the Porsche Cayenne, Bentley Bentayga, and even the Lamborghini Urus - though more traditional rivals include the BMW X6 M and the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 Coupe.

Should you buy an Audi RS Q8?

If you want a high-performance SUV that still just about carries an air of subtlety, then the RS Q8 could be the one for you. Okay, there’s nothing particularly subtle about a two-tonne, six-hundred horsepower SUV, but 22 and 23-inch wheels aside, the RS Q8 is a little less brash than many of its competitors.

That goes for the interior as much as the exterior, which largely matches that of the regular Q8, and is none the worse for it. Audi’s twin touchscreen layout can seem daunting if you’re unfamiliar with it but is relatively easy to navigate (if still more distracting than buttons and knobs), and the haptic feedback helps here.

It’s a strict five-seater, but the size of the car means rear space isn’t a problem as in some coupe SUVs, and the 605-litre boot means it’s still very practical. Not too difficult to see out of too, which takes some of the sting out of its size when the going gets tight - though not as much as the four-wheel steering, which helps it manoeuvre like a smaller vehicle.

The RS Q8’s power overcomes its weight to a certain extent too, though ultimately it’s not as fun to drive as the Audi RS6, and keeping a car this tall and heavy in check means the ride quality is always firm. That’s the kind of sacrifice you might be prepared to make to have the ultimate in Audi’s SUV range, though.

It’s not the ultimate car with this engine and platform - that accolade probably goes to the mechanically similar Bentley Bentayga or Lamborghini Urus - though the considering their similarities, the Audi looks decent value. For rivals outside of those sharing its engine, consider the BMW X6 - one of the first high-performance SUV coupes - or the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 Coupe.

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What’s the best used Audi RS Q8 model to buy?

As all RS Q8s use the same engine you don’t have much choice there, though when the engine’s as amusingly powerful as this one, that’s certainly not a bad thing. It does bring choice down to the handful of available trim levels though, and there you’re more restricted by what most people bought new - which is the range-topping Vorsprung. While the entry-level car is hardly short of equipment, the Vorsprung’s extra features clearly appeal to plenty of buyers, and used buyers simply get to enjoy all the extra kit for slightly less money.

Used Audi RS Q8 fuel economy and performance

• Audi RS Q8 TFSI: The RS Q8 uses a 4-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V8, with a 600PS output. The sole gearbox is an eight-speed automatic and Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive is standard, and 0-62mph comes up in 3.8 seconds. Fuel economy is quoted at 21.2mpg combined.

What used Audi RS Q8 trim levels are available?

The RS Q8’s trim levels should be familiar to anyone who has spent time on Audi’s configurator before, with a standard trim line, a black-themed line (in this case called Carbon Black), and the top-of-the-range Vorsprung with a few extra features. Vorsprung is a popular choice for people buying the RS Q8 new, so now makes up a decent proportion of the used market.

• The Audi RS Q8 comes with 22-inch alloy wheels in a silver finish, RS adaptive air suspension, a Sport differential, eight driving modes, four-wheel steering, matrix LED headlights, RS body styling, privacy glass, a power tailgate, heated and ventilated front sports seats, four-zone climate control, a pair of touchscreens (10.1 inch upper and 8.6 inch lower), a 12.3-inch driver display, cruise control, keyless go, and parking sensors front and rear.
• The Audi RS Q8 Carbon Black upgrades to 23-inch gloss black alloy wheels, an RS sports exhaust system with black tips, a carbon styling pack and carbon door mirror caps, gloss black badges, and a grey interior styling pack.
• The Audi RS Q8 Vorsprung gets 23-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, power closing doors, an anthracite exterior styling pack, panoramic glass sunroof, heated outer seats for the second row, massaging and ventilated front seats, grey polished oak interior detailing, a head-up display, 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio, 360-degree parking camera, and a wide suite of driver assistance and safety features.

Used Audi RS Q8 dimensions and boot size

The Audi RS Q8’s dimensions are:

• Length: 5012mm
• Width: 1998mm (without mirrors), 2190mm (with mirrors)
• Height: 1694mm

The Audi RS Q8’s boot size is:

• 605 litres
• 1755 litres with the rear seats folded (to roof)

Used Audi RS Q8 road tax

As a powerful petrol vehicle with a list price comfortably over £40,000, the Audi RS Q8 goes straight into the top VED or ‘road tax’ category, setting you back £570 per year for the second to sixth years of registration. From year seven onwards this drops down to a more palatable figure, currently set at £180 but likely to change by the time the first RS Q8s reach seven years old.

How much is it to insure an Audi RS Q8?

Like many of its high-performance SUV rivals, the RS Q8 is assigned the maximum group 50 insurance rating, so expect a relatively high premium when you come to insure your car.

Read our full Audi Q8 review