The Audi RS Q8 is the flagship Audi RS SUV designed for those who want the best SUV Audi can offer at the moment. The RS Q8 is more or less a Lamborghini Urus for a more attainable price because these two share many parts with each other. The RS Q8 is the largest, most powerful, and most expensive SUV Audi has ever made.
When it comes to reliability, the Audi RS Q8 seems to be a really decent car, but there are some issues worth talking about. First of all, many owners complain about the car suffering from various electrical issues with the in-car systems and interior lights. Owners also complain about the car going into limp mode without an apparent cause.
Furthermore, the RSQ8 is known to go through tires like crazy which is a definite problem because four RS Q8 tires cost a small fortune. The transmission is sometimes known to get hesitant and lazy and the RSQ8 was also part of a recall due to issues with the suspension.
All in all, the RS Q8 is not the most common Audi SUV on the road so it’s not easy to properly list all of its faults. However, these are the ones that seem to be making the most noise online and that is why we are going to list them here.
Audi RS Q8 electrical issues
The Audi RS Q8 is a through and through luxury SUV which means that it is packed with a bunch of luxury features and amenities which will both keep you safe and entertained. However, with such levels of complexity, it’s easy to forget that many of these features can fail. This is the case with the Q8 in general where many people have reported it suffering from annoying, but mild issues.
One owner complained about the dome lights either not turning on when necessary or not turning off at all. Owners have also complained about the car’s triple widescreen setup in which the lower screen always defaults to the factory settings when you turn the car up which means that you have to change your desired functions every time you turn on the car.
Audi RS Q8 performance issues
The Audi RS Q8 is a 600hp luxury SUV with AWD so it’s difficult to say that it lacks power. However, some owners have complained about the car going into limp mode without an apparent cause. One Audi employee said that issues such as these are related to heat issues, but it’s difficult to justify that because the RS Q8 was extensively tested in extreme conditions before it came out.
Some have said that these issues are down to the cats, others have said that they are being caused by turbocharger issues. This is the problem we usually face when we try to assess cars that are expensive and fairly limited in production. There is not enough data online to confidently say what is the cause of this issue.
Audi RS Q8 tire wear issues
There are a few reasons why the RS Q8 goes through tires like crazy. The first one is because some RS Q8 models were recalled due to faulty alignment which can decimate tires on a heavy and powerful car like the RS Q8. Even if the model you are looking at is fine, it still goes through tires like crazy because it gets 22-inch and up wheels and the car has more than 600hp.
It sure is cool to drive a super sports SUV like the RS Q8, but the stresses those poor tires need to endure under heavy cornering, braking, and accelerating is nuts. A set of four tires for the RS Q8 costs a fortune, especially because you need to change them all at once.
Audi RS Q8 transmission issues
The RS Q8 comes with a Tiptronic automatic torque converter gearbox which usually does its job without any major concerns. However, there are instances in which the gearbox becomes hesitant, is unable to pick the right gear, and can often be confused with when to kick down and which gear to select.
This is not necessarily an issue per se because this is mostly down to software calibration which is probably there to protect the car due to the RS Q8’s huge torque numbers.
Audi RS Q8 suspension issues
We have already mentioned that the RS Q8 suffers from tire wear due to its huge weight and lots of power, but this is also the case with the suspension. The bushings on the front take lots of abuse when the car brakes and accelerates rapidly which can wear them out prematurely.
The RS Q8 was also part of a recall because of an improperly calibrated rear axle that caused lots of stress on the tires and the rest of the car’s suspension system.
FAQ Section
Is the Audi RS Q8 worth it?
All cars come with problems, no matter how affordable or expensive they are and the RS Q8 is no different. However, no one can deny that the RS Q8 isn’t one of the most amazing SUVs money can buy these days because it is.
600hp+, great looks, great technology, amazing road presence, and a fairly exciting driving experience are what make the RS Q8 as entertaining and desirable as it is. It may no have a Lamborghini badge on the front, but if you close your eyes while driving (which you should never do), you’d be forgiven for thinking that you are in a Lamborghini Urus.
Is the Audi RSQ8 better than the Audi SQ8?
The Audi SQ8 is a detuned and more civilized version of the RSQ8 and many people believe that it is better than the RSQ8 because it costs as much as $20,000 less and it feels really similar to drive. Moreover, the SQ8 is the more comfortable option of the two as well.
However, buying the top-of-the-line model that has everything is a really special feeling, and the SQ8 can’t match that even though it is a really great car.
Is the Audi RSQ8 the best Audi?
It’s safe to say that the Audi RSQ8 is the current flagship of the entire Audi lineup because it offers huge power, amazing looks, amazing technology, and everything else you’d hope for in a 21st-century flagship. The Audi R8 might be the coolest car Audi makes, but the RSQ8 is the true flagship all around.