Audi’s range-topping coupe-SUV is about to get a facelift.
Audi is working on a string of updates for some of its leading models, and the latest spy shots give us our first look at the updated RS Q8. As with the standard Q8, the RS model will see the exterior treated to a comprehensive redesign, and bring fresh technology to the cabin.
Audi was relatively late to the coupe-SUV market with the Q8. Its close rival, the BMW X6, was approaching its third generation by the time the Q8 hit the showrooms in 2018, while the Mercedes GLE Coupe was already well established too.
Billed as a sleeker coupe-SUV, the new Q8 sat on the tried and tested Q7 platform, and the continuing popularity of this bodystyle is shown with Audi’s current Q3 Sportback, Q5 Sportback and its range of all-electric coupe-SUVs like the Q4 e-tron Sportback and Q8 Sportback e-tron.
That last model, the Q8 Sportback e-tron, might signify a change of name for the Q8. We’ve seen Audi wasn’t afraid of renaming the facelifted e-tron SUV to Q8 e-tron to bring it in line with the odd-numbered all-electric SUV lineup. To bring the Q8 into line it would make sense to rename it Q7 Sportback.
This is our first chance to have a look at the new RS Q8, which, like the updated Q8, will feature a new LED signature with Audi’s ‘Digital Matrix LED’ technology for both the front and rear lights. The grille will come with a new honeycomb design and the lower front bumper will also be restyled. Further camouflage along the side skirts suggests we’ll see more tweaks there too. We also expect some new alloy wheels to be added to the options list as well.
At the rear, the obvious sign that this is the RS variant is the oval-shaped exhaust tips – a staple of Audi’s RS cars. A new rear diffuser and bumper will be incorporated as well.
We’re likely to see the Q8 continue to borrow technology from the Q7. This means the 12.3-inch driver’s display, 10.1 central touchscreen and lower 8.6-inch touchscreen will all be retained. System updates could help make the infotainment easier to use, while more functions may be added to Audi’s ‘myAudi’ smartphone app.
The RS Q8’s 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged petrol V8 produces 441kW in the outgoing car, but Audi has tuned it to 463kW in the RS 6 Avant Performance Pack. The SUV may not match that figure, but there’s still plenty of scope for it to receive a boost in power.
The standard Q8 is likely to continue to offer a 3.0-litre V6 mild-hybrid diesel and a 3.0-litre V6 petrol, although the plug-in hybrid TFSI e model has gone off sale. A revised PHEV model could return with a more efficient battery set up to improve on the old car’s 39km electric-only range.