For quite a long time, BMW dominated the Coupe SUV segment with the X6, but Mercedes-Benz eventually answered the call with the GLE Coupe.
As of earlier this year, Audi has a challenger to those two, and it’s called the Q8. Shorter, wider and lower than the Q7, it has an imposing design and seating for up to five occupants.
It will go on sale in Q3 2018, when buyers will have to settle for one of two engines, a 340 PS (335 hp / 250 kW) petrol unit for the 55 TFSI and a 286 PS (282 hp / 210 kW) diesel for the 50 TDI.
Audi will eventually expand the powertrain family with the 45 TDI that’s expected next year with 231 PS (228 hp / kW), but the most anticipated model is the RS Q8.
Also Read: Audi Q8 Vs. BMW X6 Vs. Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe: What’s Your Pick?
In development for quite some time now, it will take on the BMW X6 M and Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 Coupe with a more aggressive body kit, interior upgrades and a sportier chassis.
The RS Q8 is expected to be powered by the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 also found in the Lamborghini Urus, albeit probably in a detuned state with close to 600 PS (592 hp / 442 kW).
Audi’s ultra fast coupe SUV was recently spied testing at the Nurburgring, with camouflage trying to keep the bodywork upgrades a secret. But it was that V8 growl we were mostly interested in, so get ready to spend more than 4 minutes of quality time with this prototype as it’s being put through its paces.