Audi RS Q8 Is a Lamborghini Wearing a Tailored Suit
With sports car-beating performance and seriously handsome looks, there isn't much the Audi RS Q8 can't do well.
All-Rounder
There are a lot of reasons to love the all-new Audi RS Q8. For starters, it's the most powerful and fastest Audi SUV ever built. It also holds the crown as the quickest SUV around the legendary Nurburging, with a stellar a 7:42.253 lap time. And it's a seriously handsome thing, taking the audacious Lamborghini Urus and dressing it up a bit.
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Go Fast
The "go" part of the RS Q8's offerings comes courtesy of a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine that utilizes a mild hybrid system to produce 592 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. That enables it to get to 62 mph in just 3.8-seconds, which is 0.2-seconds slower than the Urus. Getting to 124 mph takes just 13.7 clicks, and if you keep the gas pedal buried you'll eventually reach a top speed of 190 mph (with the optional dynamic package).
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Cheaper Thrills
You could look at the RS Q8 as a slightly detuned version of the Urus. But its performance is certainly nothing to sneeze at, and we'd argue that it looks even better than its Lambo brother. And when it comes to price, well, the RS Q8 should undercut the $200,000+ Urus by a significant margin. Pricing hasn't been announced just yet, but most believe the Audi will sticker for around $120k.
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Good Value
If that proves to be true, buyers will be getting a lot for their hard-earned cash. The RS Q8 features a 48-volt hybrid system that uses a lithium-ion battery to boost efficiency. At speeds of less than 14 mph, the RS Q8 can even start and stop its engine using the front camera to determine whether it's time to start moving again or not. Or, you can simply reengage it by placing your foot on the gas.
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Improved Economy
The Audi 'ute is also capable of deactivating half of its cylinders when they aren't needed, which obviously helps improve fuel economy. In the Euro version, the RS Q8 can also shut off the engine at speeds between 34 and 99 mph and "coast," but that feature won't be available on U.S. models.
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Wider, Meaner
All of which is cool tech and all, but the RS Q8 also promises to draw jealous eyes everywhere it goes. Compared to the regular Q8, the RS version gains the requisite oval tailpipes and roof spoiler. Along with larger air intakes, an RS-specific grille, and bigger wheel arches that widen the RS by 0.4-inches up front and 0.2-inches in the rear.
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Gorgeous Innards
The interior of the RS Q8 is also a work of art and filled with lots of tech. An MMI dual-touchscreen setup sits among RS-specific displays and embossed sport seats finished in black pearl Nappa leather and Alcantara. A three-seat rear bench seat comes standard as well.
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Big Rollers
The RS Q8 comes standard with a set of 22-inch 10-spoke wheels, which are wrapped in massive 295/40-series tires. The latter, Audi says, is the largest it's ever fitted to a production model. If you want to go bigger, you can also opt for 23-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels in a variety of colors exclusive to the RS Q8.
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Shaving Seconds
To bring it all to a quick stop, the RS Q8 is fitted with an enormous 17.3" front and 14.6" rear brake rotors. With all-wheel steering and of course Quattro all-wheel drive, it's no surprise the RS Q8 is rather adept at lapping the track in times that would make a lot of sports car jealous.
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Hot Product
If all of that sounds like the perfect utility vehicle to you, you'll be happy to hear that the RS Q8 is scheduled to go on sale in Europe early next year. Shortly thereafter, you'll find them landing in American dealer showrooms. Where, with Lamborghini-like performance at a discount, we imagine they won't sit for long.
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>>Join the conversation about the RS Q8 right here in the AudiWorld Forum!
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