Audi RS Q8 & RS Q8 Performance: The accessible alternative to Lamborghini Urus?

Audi has launched its fastest-ever SUVs with the RS Q8 and the RS Q8 Performance. These two shall hold their position as the top two models in the performance SUV segment of Audi.

With a V8 twin-turbo engine mated to an 8-speed gearbox churning out 600PS and 800Nm of torque on the RS Q8 and 640PS and 850Nm of torque on the RS Q8 Performance these are the fastest SUVs with the most powerful ICE engine from Audi till date. Both the cars come with permanent Quattro AWD.

The exterior design sees changes with a new grille with wider honeycomb-shaped air intakes and bolder shoulder accents making it more aggressive to look at. In the rear, it gets a more aggressive diffuser with OLED tail lamps with a new exclusive lighting function in both the tail lamps and headlamps. However, the missing RS badge in front is a downer for many but this time Audi went for a more clean and bold look for these cars keeping the elegance quotient higher than ever.

Apart from their difference in performance the RS Q8 and the Performance variant are further differentiated with the colors of the elements. The ORVMs, front spoiler elements, window trims, brake callipers and rear diffuser are in black for the RS Q8 whereas they are in matte grey carbon fibre for the performance variant. These elements stand strong in dignifying the RS models over their regular siblings.

The performance variant gets optional 23-inch alloy wheels which are exclusive for this car, they hold a Y-shaped design inspired by motorsports and these lighter wheels help in optimal cooling of the wheel reducing unsprung mass by 20kgs and hence making the car faster. The Performance variant also holds a lighter exhaust system making it faster achieving 0-100 in just 3.6 seconds, with a top speed of 305 Kmph.

Other exclusive features of the Performance variant are exclusive internal packages, door LED projectors for lighting the ground and a special 12.3-inch virtual cockpit with a shift light indicator in manual mode which changes colour again inspired by motorsport.

With this launch, that too at a price point as such, Audi is aiming higher at the supercar segment and is in a position to fight it out with the big boys of the Supercar world. Taking Lamborghini Urus's base model the Urus S into account, we have a similar engine setup producing 657 PS and 850 Nm of torque. There is very little difference in power output, however, the price difference is pretty big and that should make a strong impression on the Indian crowd when it is launched here in India.

Priced at 155,700 Euros, roughly Rs 1.4 crore INR the performance variant is significantly more accessible an option keeping in mind the performance. The two variants priced at 155,700 Euros (Rs 1.4 crore) and 141,900 Euros (Rs 1.29 crore) have very little difference in them in terms of performance. But to an enthusiast that little difference might make quite an impact. However with the exclusive wheel options, design and colour packages and tech add ons the performance variant shall always stay distinct, dignified and of course faster (even if it's a little bit).