The Audi RS Q8 is underpinned by the same platform which underpins the Lamborghini Urus and it is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine with 600 PS of power.
Audi has taken the wraps of the RS Q8 at the 2019 LA Motor Show. This is the sixth and the last RS model from Audi this year, as had been planned earlier. Like every other RS car, the Q8 gets much sportier looks, hardware upgrades and of course, an engine worthy to be in an RS car. The RS Q8 is Audi’s answer to the Lamborghini Urus. Both are essentially based on the same platform. So let’s take a better look at the newest Audi RS.
The Audi RS Q8 is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine that develops a whopping 600PS of power and 800Nm of torque. The engine comes mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels via Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive tech. Audi has also equipped the RS Q8 with a 48V mild-hybrid system that provides torque boost under hard acceleration. 3.8 seconds is all its takes for this brute of a machine to sprint from 0-100 kph. It will hit 200 kph in 13.7 seconds and has a top-speed of 250 khp.
The RS Q8 has already proved its worth by being the fastest SUV around the Nurburgring with a time of 7 minutes and 42.2 seconds. The previous record holder was the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S that covered the ring in 7 minutes and 49.3 seconds. The RS Q8 is however not a gas guzzler all the time. It features an electric motor in the hybrid system which is capable of recuperating 12 kW of power to its lithium-ion battery by regenerative braking. It improves efficiency and also allows the SUV to glide up to 40 seconds on pure electric power.
Now Audi has equipped the RS Q8 with quite some sophisticated hardware for an enhanced driving experience. As standard, the SUV comes with RS-specific adaptive air suspension sport that keeps the damping control in check while the active roll stablisation keeps body roll in check. It also comes with standard all-wheel steering wheel for improved agility and maneuverability. And naturally, Audi’s drive select system is present here where you can alter each and every parameter of the hardware.
Visually, the RS Q8 looks much sportier than the already bold Q8. The face gets a new octagonal grille which is now finished in a blacked-out honeycomb mesh with the ‘RS’ signia integrated on it. The bumpers also get huge air dams which gives the face a really aggressive look. In profile, the SUV sits much lower to the ground compared to standard Q8 and gets new sleek looking 22-inch dual-tone alloy wheels. The red brake callipers peeping through the wheels look particularly stunning. You can even opt for 23-inch wheels. At the rear, connected tail lamps, blacked out sporty bumpers and dual exhausts complete the look.
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The cabin is similar to the standard Q8. That means the dashboard is dominated by as many as three screens like in all newer Audis. This being an RS model, it gets some differentiation in the form of Audi’s RS UI which gets racier graphics, generous use of Valcona leather and carbon fibre trim, and also sports seats to keep you in place while attacking corners.
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Internationally, the Audi RS Q8 is expected to go on sale by the first quarter of 2020. Prices for the super SUV start at EUR 127,000 (Rs 1.01 crore). While it might not make it to India, Audi will launch the standard Q8 on January 15, 2019. It will be Audi’s flagship offering in India and could have a price tag of Rs 1.40 crore (ex-showroom pan India). When launched, the Q8 will take on the likes of the BMW X7 and the Mercedes-Benz GLS.
