Audi's fast-expanding SUV range will be crowned by a potent new BMW X6 M rival
European Union Intellectual Property Office records have revealed Audi has registered the trademark name “RS Q8”, hinting at a future performance SUV to rival the BMW X6M and Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe.
There has been talk about the RS Q8 for some time now, and considering Audi’s desire to grow their “RS Performance range”, it’s very likely that an RS Q8 will be built, and it seems, this is the confirmation we need that the model is in the works.
It’s a well-documented fact that the Volkswagen Group shares its motors, platforms etc with a variety of its marques. We’ve seen it with cars like the R8 and the Huracan, the new A8 and Panamera, and now it’s expected with the RS Q8 and the upcoming Lamborghini Urus performance SUV.
Both are expected to be built on the same MLB platform, which is also shared with the Audi Q7, Bentley Bentayga, and Porsche Cayenne. Power is expected to come courtesy of Audi’s familiar 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo that currently powers the Audi RS 6 Performance, and puts out 445kw and 750nm. With this kind of power on board the RS Q8 could become one of the quickest petrol-powered SUVs in the class.
To match its impressive performance figures, the RS Q8's styling will be more aggressive, and we can expect to see a new, wider grill design, which will work in tandem with a new front splitter to provide more direct airflow to the engine's radiators.
Going up against the BMW X6 and the Mercedes GLE Coupe, the Audi Q8 range is already confirmed for production commencing in 2018. It will be produced at Audi’s Slovakian plant in Bratislava, the same plant where the Q7 is currently being manufactured. The Q8 will sit above the Q7 and mark the flagship range in Audi’s SUV lineup. Also coming is the Q4, which in 2019 goes into battle against the BMW X4 and Mercedes GLC Coupe. (Audi Q8 sport concept shown)
Also worth a look: the Audi Rs3 and the Out with the Old, In with the New: Audi A5 Replaces A4 in So.
FAQ
Q: What does the Audi RS Q8 cost in South Africa?
The Audi RS Q8 is expected to start around R2,800,000 in South Africa when it launches, positioning it directly against the BMW X6 M Competition at R2,750,000 and the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe at R2,900,000.
Q: How much power does the RS Q8 have?
The RS Q8 packs Audi's familiar 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 445kW and 750Nm, making it one of the most powerful petrol SUVs in its class and capable of embarrassing most sports cars at the traffic lights.
Q: Is the Audi RS Q8 better than the BMW X6 M?
The RS Q8 offers more power than the X6 M's 423kW output and benefits from Audi's excellent Quattro all-wheel drive system, though BMW's M division has decades more experience in high-performance SUVs.
Q: When will the RS Q8 be available in South Africa?
The RS Q8 is expected to reach South African shores in late 2018 or early 2019, following the regular Q8's launch and will be imported directly from Audi's Bratislava plant in Slovakia.
Q: What makes the RS Q8 special compared to other Audi SUVs?
The RS Q8 sits at the top of Audi's SUV range with aggressive styling, a wider grille, front splitter for better cooling, and performance credentials that put it in proper supercar territory while still hauling the family.
Should You Buy It?
The best high-performance luxury SUV under R3,000,000 in SA will likely be the Audi RS Q8 at R2,800,000. If you want the ultimate combination of family practicality and tyre-shredding performance, the RS Q8 deserves serious consideration. That 445kW output trumps both the BMW X6 M and gives the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S a proper fight, while Audi's build quality and interior tech remain class-leading. However, at nearly R3 million, you're paying serious money for bragging rights. Buy it if you need to haul the kids to school faster than most supercars, but maybe consider the regular Q8 if your ego can handle 'only' having a luxurious SUV without the RS badge.
