The Audi RS Q8 Super SUV Revealed At LA Is Basically A Q8 On Steroids!

• The RS Q8 is capable of doing 0-100kmph in 3.8 seconds.
• It is powered by 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine that develops 600PS and 800Nm. 
• It comes with a 48V mild hybrid system that gives torque boost to the engine.
• As with all RS models, the RS Q8 comes with a host of updates that make it look sportier.
• The RS Q8 is expected to go on sale by mid 2020.
• Prices for the RS Q8 start at EUR 127,000 (Rs 1.01 crore).

Audi has taken the wraps off the RS Q8 super SUV at the ongoing 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show. It is the sixth and final new RS model for this year. As with any car with the RS tag, the RS Q8 brings in sportier looks, hardware upgrades and a proper change of heart. This will also be Audi’s answer to the Lamborghini Urus, which has been doing exceptionally well across the world. So without further ado, let’s see what the Audi RS Q8 brings to the table.  

The Audi RS Q8 comes with a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that develops a mind boggling 600PS of power and 800Nm of torque. It comes mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels via Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive tech. Audi has also slapped on a 48V mild-hybrid system that provides torque boost under hard acceleration. All of this helps make the RS Q8 quite a rapid performer. It does the 0-100kmph run in 3.8 seconds, 200kmph in 13.7 seconds and maxes out at 250kmph. In fact, the Audi RS Q8 is the fastest SUV around the Nurburgring, covering the Green Hell in 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. 

However, the RS Q8 is not just about mind blowing performance. It can also be fuel efficient if you want it to be. The electric motor in the hybrid system is capable of recuperating 12 kW of power to its lithium-ion battery by regenerative braking. This helps it glide up to 40 seconds on pure electric power.

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The Audi RS Q8 also comes with a couple of hardware upgrades to enhance your driving experience. As standard, the super 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, Audi has made the RS Q8 look sportier than the already slick Q8. The huge octagonal grille is now finished in a blacked-out honeycomb mesh with the ‘RS’ signia integrated on it. Then there are those huge airdams to complement it. In profile, you’ll notice the RS Q8 sitting lower to the ground. Sleek looking 22-inch dual-tone alloy wheels come as standard ensure that those sweet red callipers get maximum attention. You can upsize those wheels to 23-inches, biggest ever on an Audi! Connected tail lamps and a dual exhaust setup top the look.  

Inside, the RS Q8 comes with a similar dashboard layout as the standard Q8. That means you get the gorgeous triple screen dashboard as seen in all latest Audis. The screens also get Audi’s RS UI and that means racier graphics. Keeping up with the sportier intentions are the generous use of Valcona leather and carbon fibre trim, while those sports seats keep you in place while attacking corners.

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.