2020 Audi RSQ8 first look

Audi has taken the wraps off its most powerful SUV yet, the RSQ8, also entering the hallowed 600PS club (yet again!) in the process. As is the case with all 'RS' versions of Audi's regular cars and SUVs, the RSQ8 looks beefier and a lot more muscular than the standard Q8, but in this case, it's the specification sheet that interests us more. Under the hood of the RSQ8 is a 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 petrol engine that puts out a stonking 600PS and a gut-wrenching 800Nm. To add to it, the RSQ8 also gets a 48 Volt mild hybrid system that provides additional boost. The result is a claimed 0-100kmph time of just 3.8 seconds, which effectively is a mere 0.2 seconds slower to the well-acclaimed Lamborghini Urus.

The 2020 Audi RSQ8 is the German car maker's most powerful SUV yet

The RSQ8 can accelerate to 200kmph in a claimed 13.7 seconds, while top speed is limited electronically to 305kmph, again identical to the Urus. Needless to say, the RSQ8 is now Audi's flagship SUV and also the fastest SUV to lap the Nurburgring officially, going around the circuit in a record 7 minutes, 42.2 seconds. The SUV is not all brawn though, as Audi has factored in some interesting fuel saving technology too. The 48V hybrid system can store up to 12kW or 16PS of power in the onboard lithium-ion battery pack through regenerative braking. Audi claims this will allow the burly RSQ8 to coast for up to 40 seconds in pure electric mode. The hybrid system will also allow the SUV to save up to 2.8 litres of fuel per 100km, which is impressive for an SUV weighing over 2.3 tonnes.

The 2020 Audi RSQ8 looks sportier than the standard Q8 and gets massive 23 inch wheels

The RSQ8 also features all-wheel steering, something previously seen only on high-end luxury cars like the Lamborghini Aventador S, Porsche 911 as also the Lamborghini Urus. The system helps the SUV turn quicker at slow speeds by turning the rear wheels in the same direction as the front ones while turning the rear wheels in the opposite direction at higher speeds to help it go faster through corners. Audi has also equipped the RSQ8 with electrically controlled anti roll bars at the front and rear both which can adjust stiffness depending on what is demanded by the situation. The RSQ8 also gets as many as eight driving modes as part of the Audi Drive Select program, along with a dedicated RS button on the steering wheel to jump straight to the full power mode and release more decibels from the exhaust system.

The interiors of the 2020 Audi RSQ8 look sporty thanks to the all-black theme, red accents and carbon-fibre like finish, while showing off Audi's now popular three-screen setup

On styling front, the design team at Ingolstadt has sure done a fantastic job as the RSQ8 has a more butch looking face in keeping with its positioning as a high performance SUV. The rear end looks sportier too, thanks to the revised tail design including the diffusers and exhausts. The RSQ8 runs on massive, 23 inch wheels, a first for an Audi. The Performance package on offer includes larger diameter ceramic brakes (440mm rotors upfront and 420mm at the rear) which are not only a whopping 12kg lighter than the standard steel discs but also offer significantly higher stopping power too. Inside, the RSQ8 boasts an interior setup that looks as sporty as a modern day sportscar, while reeking of some serious class. Then there's the sporty ventilated front seats with massage function, a first for an Audi, with integrated headrests and Audi's trademark honeycomb pattern. US prices for the Audi RSQ8 begin from Rs 1.01 crore (converted from US dollars), though when it comes to India, the RSQ8 will be significantly more expensive than that.