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• Audi offers a variety of premium vehicles in South Africa.
• Though the model line-up has recently been expanded with the e-tron range, the German automaker still has a host of petrol-powered vehicles.
• The most expensive car Audi offers in South Africa is the R8.
• For more motoring stories, visit Wheels24
Audi South Africa has a very healthy product portfolio. Ranging from the entry-level A1 to the high-performance R8, the German automaker looks to cater to every buyer looking for something premium. The craftsmanship portrayed in every product is commendable and quality oozes through every nook and cranny.
Earlier in 2022, expanded its portfolio with the addition of six new electric vehicles. Consisting of SUVs and sedans, the e-tron line-up is not only the freshest EV line-up in the country, but also the most comprehensive. Rival automakers are gradually expanding their portfolios with EVs, but Audi jumped in with both feet to get an early advantage over competitors.
The e-tron range is priced between R1 990 000 and R3 300 000, making it one of the most expensive line-ups in Audi's portfolio. While pricey, what other vehicles or model ranges in Audi's arsenal headline brand's hierarchy?
Audi R8: R3.5m - R3.7m
Two models make up the R8 range: the Coupé and Spyder. Both carry the Performance Quattro nomenclature and are powered by the Volkswagen Group's sonorous 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V10 engine. The two supercars are priced at R3 523 600 and R3 795 100, with the Spyder taking the crown as the most expensive car in Audi's portfolio.
The engine, which the R8 shares with the Lamborghini Huracan, churns out an impressive 449kW and 560Nm, channelled to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. In ideal conditions and with the car ready to launch an assault on the horizon, the R8 Coupé will clear 0-100km/h in 3.2 seconds (3.3 sec for the Spyder). Both models have a 330km/h top speed.
As with all Audis, the R8 comes standard with a five-year or 100 000km maintenance plan and a one-year or unlimited km warranty.
Audi S8: R2 539 900
Few cars can keep up with the Audi A8 when it comes to opulence. But here in South Africa, the German automaker's local arm opted only to bring the high-performance S8 to market. Also fitted with the brand's Quattro all-wheel drive system, performance is quite brisk for such a big saloon. 0-100km/h is dispatched in 3.8 sec, and the top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h.
The car's turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine is utilised in other vehicles within the Audi portfolio and has been tuned to deliver 420kW and 800Nm in the S8. Though the S8 is quite heavy at 2 230kg, Audi has done its magic to hide it when pushing on. And with adaptive air suspension as standard, the car also feels the part as it transports occupants in serene comfort.
Audi RS Q8: R2 440 500
Brawny, quick, and sharp. That's perhaps how to describe Audi's flagship SUV best. It shares an engine with the S8, only here, power has been increased to 441kW, but the torque remains unchanged at 800Nm. Thanks to the Quattro technology, the bulky, high-performance SUV can clear the zero to 100km/h sprint in a mere 3.8 seconds. The top speed has also been limited to 250km/h.
Like the S8 and many of Audi's high-end products, the RS Q8 comes standard with adaptive air suspension, making the ride on the massive low-profile 23-inch wheels more comfortable.
