By Malusi Msomi

We recently spent time in the updated Audi RS Q8 Performance, and it is a vehicle that makes its presence known long before you press the start button.

Design and presence

The RS Q8 Performance looks unapologetically aggressive. The large Singleframe grille, oversized air intakes and flared wheel arches give it serious road presence. It looks like it eats smaller hatchbacks for breakfast and asks for seconds.

The coupe-style roofline works well, and the 23-inch alloy wheels complete the look. They are less “alloy wheels” and more “rolling declarations of intent.” It is the kind of SUV that dominates traffic without raising its voice.

Interior

Inside, the RS sports seats wrapped in Valcona leather offer a strong mix of comfort and lateral support. They hug you properly when things get enthusiastic, which they often do in this car. Carbon fibre and Alcantara trim reinforce the performance theme without feeling overdone.

The cabin carries Audi’s familiar dual-screen MMI setup, with a 10.1-inch display above and an 8.6-inch screen below. It may not be brand new tech, but it remains intuitive and easy to use, which is more than can be said for some rivals. Audi’s Virtual Cockpit keeps all the important information front and centre, including how quickly you are about to lose your licence.

Performance and drive

Under the bonnet sits a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 producing 471kW and 850Nm. Power is sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive.

Audi claims 0–100km/h in 3.6 seconds, and from behind the wheel, that number feels conservative. For a large family SUV, the pace is borderline ridiculous. It accelerates with the kind of urgency usually reserved for low-slung supercars, not something that can comfortably take the kids to school.

Despite the performance, the RS Q8 still manages to feel composed and stable. Adaptive air suspension helps it balance comfort and sharp handling, meaning you can cruise in relative calm one moment and summon chaos the next.

Audi claims fuel consumption of 12.2L/100km. During our time with it, we averaged 14L/100km. Let’s just say restraint was not always high on the agenda.

Verdict

Priced from R3,266,100, the RS Q8 Performance sits firmly at the top end of the performance SUV segment. It combines supercar acceleration with genuine practicality, a premium cabin and everyday usability.

It may not be sensible, but that is not really the point. If you want a family SUV that can embarrass sports cars while carrying groceries, the RS Q8 Performance does the job with a straight face.