Enthusiasts have always considered the Audi RS Q8 a budget-friendly alternative to the Lamborghini Urus. And it is one, as it builds on the same platform. But then again, so do the regular Q8, as well as the Q7, Porsche Cayenne, Bentley Bentayga, and Volkswagen Touareg.
A fresh-off-the-lot Lamborghini Urus S will cost more than $230,000. A new Audi RS Q8, however, costs less than that. The four-ring brand's official US website reveals a starting price of $125,800 for the 2024 model, plus destination and dealer fees. The rivaling Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe starts at $129,050, and the BMW X6 M at $129,700.
The Volkswagen Group played it safe, as the RS Q8 does not step on the Urus' toes. Its 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 produces 591 horsepower (600 ps/441 kW) and 590 pound-foot (800 Nm) of torque. The Italian high-riders eight-banger is good for 657 hp (666 ps/490 kW) and 627 lb-ft (850 Nm). The Urus S needs 3.5s from 0 to 62 mph (0-100 kph) and has a 190 mph (305 kph) top speed, and the RS Q8 is three-tenths slower and tops out at 155 mph (250 kph).
Even though it may not show its age yet, the Audi RS Q8 is almost five years old. The model was presented at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show, and since then, it has been subjected to countless trials. The tuning fairy has visited numerous copies, including the murdered-out example pictured above. This German super crossover is the work of Prior Design, which took to its social media accounts earlier in the week to share these images.
Photo: Instagram | priordesign
As you can likely tell, the front bumper is the OEM component, yet it features a few discreet add-ons. The hood was replaced with a new one that has a more aggressive design, and new trim was added to the front fenders. The rear bumper also soldiers on, and the diffuser is a bit sportier than the stock offering. Prior Design also gave it a spoiler below the rear windscreen and a different one above it.
Like all modern-day RS cars, this RS Q8 features dual oval tailpipes, which seem to be the stock ones. Nevertheless, the tuner didn't stop here, as this super crossover also has fender flares contributing to its muscular stance. The five double-spoke alloys are also new and have a black look. The add-ons have a glossy finish, and the rest of the high-rider sports a satin black wrap (unless it was repainted, which we doubt).
Prior Design didn't say much about it in the social media caption, so we have no idea if it boasts more power. However, we think it doesn't, or the tuner would have certainly mentioned this upgrade. So, is this Audi RS Q8 your cup of tea?
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?
Google News