As occurred with the 2025 Audi E-Tron GT, the quattro-loving automaker has sharpened the RS Q8 with a brand new Efficiency trim that makes the SUV probably the most highly effective internal-combustion-engined SUV to return from Ingolstadt. In European spec, the RS Q8 Efficiency makes 631 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque from its twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8. That is 40 ponies and 36 twists greater than is out there on as we speak’s RS Q8, 10 horses over the RS 6 Avant Efficiency, in addition to being simply 26 horses under the non-hybrid 2024 Lamborghini Urus S that the RS Q8 shares its engine with. The muscle-up comes from a freer exhaust with much less again strain, a secondary profit being a greater sound than the usual RS Q8. Consumers who desire a larger increase out the again can improve to an RS Sport exhaust.
Audi says the brand new SUV will get to 62 miles per hour 0.2 seconds faster than the RS Q8, in 3.6 seconds. Larger features occur on the go, improvement driver Frank Stippler ripping off a 7:36.698 lap of the Nurburgring, giving the RS Q8 Efficiency the title of quickest SUV round The Inexperienced Hell. Meaning the identical driver beat the time he set in a 2020 RS Q8 by just below 16 seconds, which was the earlier file. The Urus hasn’t run a publicized timed lap.
Unique add-ons for the RS Q8 Efficiency embody new 23-inch cast and milled wheels in three finishes, the quartet chopping about 44 whole kilos in comparison with the usual 22-inch wheels. Matte grey accents across the exterior in locations just like the entrance lip spoiler and mirror caps separate it from the RS Q8, which wears black accents, and the Efficiency can go much more upscale with matte carbon accents. The RS ceramic braking system with 10-piston entrance calipers comes commonplace, a helpful pairing with an optionally available efficiency bundle that raises high velocity to about 190 miles per hour. Inside, this one applies Dinamica microfiber to the steering wheels, shifter, and sides of the middle console, and the Digital Cockpit right here will get a shift indicator mild when pushed in handbook mode.
Beneath the brand new Efficiency spec, the RS Q8 continues with the identical 591 hp and 590 lb-ft on faucet now. Each trims exhibit minor beauty tweaks, with extra depth within the honeycomb grille, bigger facet intakes, a race-inspired crimson vertical reflector within the diffuser, and new commonplace matte gold 22-inch wheel designs with 23-inchers accessible in 4 finishes. An up to date colour palette provides three metallic choices: Ascari Blue, Chili Purple and Sakhir Gold. The RS Design Bundle that places extra Dinamica microfiber across the passenger quarters is available in blue, grey or crimson, the chosen colour then used for distinction stitching across the cockpit, the blue bundle going additional with Ocean Blue seat belts. An adaptive suspension comes with the bundle, the electromechanical lively roll stabilization (eAWS) suspension working its method by way of Audi and Porsche lineups an possibility.
We’ll discover out about U.S. spec when Audi declares our model. Count on wholesome jumps from the $127,000 beginning value of as we speak’s RS Q8.
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