2019 Audi Q8 RS – RS Will Spread, Finally

It has been a decade since BMW revealed X6 to the world. This weird mix of coupe(ish) traits on SUV base, seems to have worked well enough as Beemer broaden the offer and Merc joined the game. Audi has failed to do the same so far, but not for long as upcoming Q8 is an inevitable thing. Whether it is caused by trend following, easily detectable between these German rivals, or the mere fact that this type of product cost exactly the same to produce as one on which is based (but still demanding more than a few grand more), it doesn’t actually matter. What matters is whether 2019 Audi Q8 RS is an actual possibility.

PARSIMONIOUS WITH RS BADGE

That’s right, Audi is stingy when it comes to dealing with RS badges. So, far only one SUV bare the honor of wearing one, and it was the smallest and cheapest one (Q3). Still, according to rumors, Ingolstadt plans more SUVs supplied with the famous badge and we think that as most suitable candidate naturally pops to mind upcoming Q8. Why? Because it arrives as a sportier version of Q7 and it represents coupe-SUV blend and coupe moniker usually goes with sports cars?

Ok, that sounds simpleminded, but these awkward crossovers are out there, along with their angriest expressions (X6 M and AMG GLE 63 Coupe), so that should be enough. At the end, Audi also revealed Q8 Sport Concept right after Q8 Concept, with typical RS black meshing flavoring grille and enlarged side intakes, along with RS-like large oval exhaust tips. And RS Q8 moniker has been already officially registered. So, it’s happening whether you like it or not.

2019 AUDI Q8 RS EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR

Available spy shots of regular Q8 version reveal that street version is not going to stray far from the mentioned concept. Large grille, aggressive bumper, slim headlights, and rear light bar, along with less plump body are definitely making this a looker next to visually ponderous Q7.

Still, the roof is rakish, but not even close to the one on X6 or GLE Coupe. Audi being Audi, it did something way humbler, let’s say more similar to Infiniti QX70’s recipe, but any head sitting at the back will probably cherish unexpected amount of available space. No spy photos depicting exterior of the RS version exist yet but take another look at the Sport Concept and you’ll know what to anticipate.

Fortunately, a photo of the interior is available. Still, it’s not one from RS model, but famous lettering only partially affects the cabin with special trimming, sporty seats and flat-bottomed steering wheel. Rest is the same, and that would be very clean and sleek dash and center console, also going digital. We see open similarities with new A8, so the same approach is certainly going to spread very soon through the brand’s lineup.

2019 AUDI Q8 RS RELEASE DATE AND PRICE

Regular Q8 could possibly debut during next year, while one with RS outfit might follow shortly or more likely it might stall between two or free years as this moniker usually does. Price for RS version will surely break the $100k boundary, while the question is just by how much. As expected, Merc is doing the same by almost twelve grand, while Beemer is more modest with “just” four. Oh, yes, we almost forgot the main thing! 2019 Audi Q8 RS means of propulsion? 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, what else? Yes, that’s the same one capable of boosting 605 hp in RS7, RS6 and S8 Plus. And that means if nobody decides to domesticate it for this ocassion, it will surpass menacing M and AMG figures.

Written by Djordje (George) Mijatov ([email protected])