ellwer

Starting to think about my next car. Had a 2019 Macan GTS, which I loved. Wanted to switch to a sedan, so currently have an Audi S5. Great car, but I miss the SUV room and versatility. I am now looking at the new GTS vs the Audi RSQ8. I realize that they are different price points, but wanted thoughts. (Of course, my friend is saying I should go electric and opt for a Taycan Crossturismo 4S). Wondering if anyone has experience and input. Best

DBH

You're comparing apples and oranges. The Porsche Macan equivalent is an Audi Q5 (maybe a Q7 if you want to stretch it). The Q8 is Porsche Cayenne territory.

VAGfan

How about an SQ8 (500HP, $94,500), rather than an RS Q8 (591HP, $122,800)?

They are very nice..... but significantly bigger than a Macan, and therefore much heavier and less nimble feeling.

Greg Wolfe

If you are happy with the size of the Macan, I think that's your answer (if you value having an SUV that handles more like a sedan). The RSQ8 will be bigger, more numb, and obviously more expensive. Beautiful vehicles, but I have no interest in them.

Mr. Wolfe

Van Larson

I do notice the SQ8’s on the road and my head turns, esp. in dark color….

abarli65

I had a 2013 S6 which was the best and worst car I had ever owned... Turbos went out at 60k miles due to an engineering flaw. Even though the car had been under Audi Care through it's entire life, Audi would not lift a finger due to the car being 7 years old. I had to drop $10K for the fix and ended up selling the car. That was the major issue, but there were many more minor/major issues as well. The NHTSA finally held Audi to the fire and they had to issue an extended warranty on the oil screen pickup issue, thus providing me the ability to get my repair $ back in full. I have had a case open with AofA CEC since early June. They are dragging their feet and I may be forced into litigation. I think the Q8 is an awesome looking SUV... one of my favorites, but I will never ever, never ever buy another Audi again. (never say never) I get that cars have issues, but the way Audi has handled and continues to fumble an issue that is clearly an engineering flaw is disappointing from a luxury automaker.

I have been in a 2021 Macan GTS and love it

DBH

You do realize that the Macan, deep down, is an Audi.

abarli65

oh trust me I know this… It created much hesitation when looking. The engine is indeed an Audi design, but Porsche engineering approved. And Porsche has much better reliability and customer satisfaction ratings.

and like I said, cars have failures. It was not so much that the car failed, but how Audi handled it.

luv2sleep

VAG, just like every other automobile group, will play hard ball and throw the consumer under the bus when it comes to $$ unless you have the means to fight back. Think Godzilla vs. ant. Though I’m not of fan of their legal practices, I do like their cars. I’ve owned a few Audis and currently have one in my garage, which is my prized possession at the moment. As with many car enthusiasts, I love P-cars as well.
The RS/S Q8 is a beautiful SUV with the RS Q8 being ludicrously fast, especially when tuned, but it’s not my cup of tea. I’d rather spend the money on a Cayenne Turbo if it were me. Different strokes for different folks.

ellwer

Thanks for the input! I am leaning towards another Macan. Can get a GTS fully loaded for less than an RSQ8, and agree with comments regarding the size compared to Macan. That being said, the huge HP of the RSQ8 is tempting!

rasetsu

RS Q8 also weighs 1100 lbs more. Don't get hung up on the performance numbers. Go out and take some test drives yourself.

abarli65

I have to agree 100% there... I took delivery of my Macan GTS at PEC LA and there is a light year difference between the 911 and Macan, but also a pretty good distance between the Macan and Cayanne... You can get the Macan loose on the skid pad if you really try, but unlike the 911, it pretty much understeers and plows. Getting the Cayenne's *** to break loose was close to impossible. Yes, the Macan is an SUV, but you can pretend and fool yourself that you are in a sports car. The Cayenne is all SUV. Quick, but not nimble at all. Depends on what you need/want. I wanted a 911, but needed a bit more versatility. The Macan is a perfect balance for me.

stiles_s

IMO if you are thinking RSQ8 or even SQ8 then give a Cayenne S a serious look. Tons lighter than the Audis. The Audis look great but they are heavy, heavy sleds. If you want sporty'ish then go with the Coupe' body. We've had both the Macan & the Cayenne. We just no longer need the space of a Cayenne and the Macan is simply more fun to drive.

VAGfan

According to C&D, the Cayenne Coupe is 4971 pounds, and a Q8 is 4979 pounds....
Not surprising as these vehicles all share the same platform: Cayenne, Q7, Q8, Touareg, Urus, and Bentayga

stiles_s

Comparing more comparable performance ones would be Cayenne S Coupe vs SQ8
S Coupe: 4725
SQ8: 5280
RSq8: 5490

Base curb weight off of Cars.com. So, SQ8 is 550+ LBS heavier. RSQ8 is 760+lbs heavier. Even though the SQ8 is 500hp, the power/weight of the SQ8 and Cayenne S is surprisingly close.

IMO a well optioned Cayenne S is a surprisingly good performer and relatively nimble compared to the v8 powered cars. Of course you don't get the v8 noises.