Audi has launched the RS Q8 for the first time in the New Zealand market, and we were the first motoring outlet to get behind the wheel of the most powerful SUV in the brand’s range.

On sale in Europe earlier this year, the new Audi RS Q8 is the top model in the Q product line with the price starting from $243,900.

It is powered by a 4-litre, biturbo V8 petrol engine producing 441kW of power and 800Nm of torque. Added to that is Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system, plus Tiptronic  eight-speed transmission.

“For the first time in the 25-year history of Audi RS models, we have combined a large SUV coupe with the credentials of a high-performance sports car,” said Dean Sheed, General Manager of Audi NZ.

“There is also an exhaustive list of optional design features, giving customers the chance to uniquely tailor this 4-litre quattro to suit their lifestyle.”

Efficiency is also part of its DNA with a 48-volt mild hybrid system and cylinder on demand technology, which can switch off four cylinders at low to medium load and engine speed and therefore save fuel by as much as 0.8 litres per 100 kilometres.

From the front the RS bumpers stand out with their sporty, dynamic design with the radiator grille in the iconic honeycombe structure. The large air intakes, as well as the front spoiler and single frame grille are further design details that highlight the sporty, dynamic design. The rear of the car is striking thanks in part to the RS-specific diffuser insert in glossy black, with a horizontal web created in carbon as an option, plus the typical RS tailpipes.

Typical for the RS models, the dual exhaust system features an impressive oval tailpipe on each side. The driver can influence the engine’s sound via the Audi drive select system. The optional RS sport exhaust system with black tailpipe trims offers an even sportier sound.

The roof line slopes towards the rear and the wheel arches have been widened by up to 10 millimetres to emphasis its powerful stature, says Audi. The model also comes with active torque vectoring which improves traction, stability and dynamics and means the car is equally at home on the racetrack or offroad.

The new Audi RS Q8 offers quattro drive with sport differential for wheel-selective power distribution. Supporting that is the standard adaptive air suspension with RS-characteristic tuning together with the standard all-wheel steering for agile response and high driving stability. The standard electromechanical roll stabilisation also improves the dynamic handling, especially on curves.

The RS Q8 also comes with the Audi drive select dynamic handling system, where drivers can choose from eight profiles: comfort, auto, dynamic, efficiency, allroad, offroad and the individually configurable RS-specific modes RS1 and RS2, which can be activated directly via the “RS-MODE” button on the steering wheel.

For every day driving I used comfort mode, but once on the motorway I dialled in dynamic that saw the steering become firmer and the gears held for longer.

It also 23in aluminum wheels in a 5Y-spoke design with 295/35-series tyres come as standard plus RS brake system with calipers painted red as standard.

Looks-wise I found the RS Q8 conservative, but its competition would be the BMW’s new X5 M and Mercedes-Benz’s GLS. I can’t see any customer from the rival German brands picking the Audi but I could see an Audi owner of a Q5 stepping up to a vehicle that’s great for towing.