Volkswagen has numerous automakers under its umbrella, some of which offer high-performance SUVs with an incredible amount of power. Lamborghini has the Urus, Bentley the Bentayga, and Porsche the Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid Coupe. It’s time for Audi to have its own super SUV, which comes in the form of the 591-horsepower RS Q8 that was just unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
The even hotter version of the recently introduced Q8 boasts blistering performance thanks to a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8. The engine is rated at up to 591 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system and an eight-speed automatic are on hand, as well. Together, the powertrain is good for a zero to 62 mph time of just 3.8 seconds. And the SUV recently set a new SUV record at the Nurburgring with a time of 7:42.2. Wowza’s the only word to describe the RS Q8’s performance.
Performance for the RS Q8 is a large step up from the regular Q8. The regular version of the coupe-like SUV comes with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that’s paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Combined output is rated at 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. So the RS Q8 is clearly the SUV for consumers seeking blistering performance from an Audi.
Just like with the regular Q8, the RS Q8 utilizes a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that helps increase efficiency. The system also powers the electromechanical active roll stabilization system that helps keep the SUV as flat as possible around corners. It’s similar tech to what you’ll find in the Bentley Bentayga and a few of Mercedes-Benz’s SUVs. The standard adaptive air suspension has unique tuning for the RS Q8 and offers 3.5 inches of adjustability for the ride height. All-wheel steering is also included and helps improve low-speed maneuverability by being able to turn the rear wheels by roughly five degrees when necessary.
Besides the performance, the RS Q8 is slightly wider than the Q8 and wears a much more aggressive face that features a honeycomb grille that’s only available on RS models. Larger air intakes, available carbon fiber components, 22-inch wheels, which Audi claims are the largest ever installed on one of its models, and new trim around the wheel openings are all modifications that have been made to the outside. There’s a small spoiler at the back and a prominent rear diffuser, too.
Changes to the RS Q8’s interior aren’t as noticeable. The SUV gets special RS displays, Nappa leather upholstery with Alcantara, RS-embossed seats, and unique RS graphics for the available head-up display. For individuals that need to justify purchasing something as sporty as the RS Q8, the SUV does have a rear-bench seat, that can slide fore and aft. So it hasn’t lost all of its versatility.
Consumers in Europe will be able to purchase the RS Q8 in the first quarter of 2020, while the SUV will go in sale in the U.S. shortly after. Audi hasn’t announced pricing for the U.S. yet, but a price tag that’s over the six-figure mark wouldn’t be surprising.
The RS Q8 will compete against other high-performance SUVs like the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, Maserati Levante Trofeo, Mercedes-AMG GT63, Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S, Mercedes-AMG GLS63, Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR, BMW X6M, and Jaguar F-Pace SVR.
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