Discount Urus: Possible Audi RS Q8 Prototype Poses As SQ8

We’ve known to expect a flagship version of Ingolstadt’s upcoming BMW X6 M and Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 Coupe rival since last summer, when reports surfaced of Audi looking to secure the RS Q8 trademark.

Technically speaking, the RS Q8 is an Audi Sport product, and like its smaller sibling, the RS Q3, this prototype was also hoping to fool us by wearing four exhaust pipes on either side of its rear diffuser. It’s a good way to throw people off your scent, but it didn’t work with the RS Q3 and it won’t work now.

The production version of the RS Q8 should have large oval exhausts, to go with a more aggressive body kit and bigger wheels than any other Q8 model, including the SQ8.

As for why we think this particular prototype is the RS Q8, it’s because our spy photographers heard its imposing soundtrack as it was driving by, but also because it’s wearing those massive composite breaks with six-piston calipers up front.

Just look at the size of those things. You can tell that somebody wanted to make sure this SUV had all the stopping power it would ever need.

So I’m getting this instead of the Urus, right?

While the Audi RS Q8 is based on the same platform as the Lamborghini Urus and will likely utilize the same 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, we don’t actually know if its power output will be the same as in the Lambo, which produces 650 PS (641 HP) and 850 Nm (627 lb-ft) of torque.

Without these numbers, it’s unlikely that the RS Q8 will be able to match its Italian cousin’s acceleration time of 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.6 seconds, or its top speed of 305 km/h (190 mph). Then again, if the Audi does match the Urus’ power and torque output, there’s nothing stopping Lamborghini from coming up with an even more extreme version of their SUV in order to create further separation.

The RS Q8’s interior will be techy, but also sporty

We already know what the regular Q8 looks like inside, and it’s heavily influenced by the A8 flagship. It packs a full-length air vent setup, two layered touchscreen displays like in the A8 and gloss black trim with aluminum surrounds.

The RS version should take things to a different level, possibly adding an Alcantara steering wheel, carbon fiber inserts, contrast stitching and sportier seats – the usual.

Audi is expected to unveil the RS Q8 in production spec sometime next year, as a 2020 model.