The sporty brother is nearing its production form, and it will very likely debut alongside the regular Q8 sometime next year. After these two it is expected that the RSQ8 variant will appear as well and it is backed up by a fact that the Audi has trademarked the names of both performance SUVs during the past year. This Q8 is a coupe-like SUV, and it is very similar to the Q7, especially in size. It will rival the X6 M50d and Mercedes-AMG GLE43 Coupe, while the RSQ8 variant (when it arrives) will go head to head against its sportier alternatives like the X6 M and GLE63 Coupe.
Since, as you can see, this spied prototype has a lot of camo on, it is logical to ask how do we differ the Q8 from the SQ8? Well, the explanation is fairly simple. 2020 Audi SQ8 model has these great looking dual-exhaust tips peeking from the both sides of the rear bumper, plus the SQ8 is a lot lower than the regular version making it noticeably different. Few more design cues point out SQ8, and it’s the stuff like a more aggressive front fascia, bigger and more flared fenders and a lot bigger wheels, tires and brakes. The look that should be expected is a lot closer to the Q8 Sport concept that was showcased at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show.
The engine that should propel the SQ8 is once again inspired by the powertrain from the Q8 Sport concept, meaning that we might see a 3.0 L twin-turbocharged V6 paired with an electric motor that will be good for 469 HP and 516 lb-ft of torque (combined of course). This magnificent marriage should provide a mindblowing sprint from 0-60 MPH in just 4.7 seconds which is more than excellent when it is tied to the SUV of this size. The European market might be graced with the popular TDI variant that might offer customers there a 429 HP from a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 diesel unit, that also graces the SQ7 TDI.
Since we already mentioned the arrival of the RSQ8 it would be bad not to mention that the power output expectation is around 600 HP. According to reports, that model will likely come with a V8 or a V8 paired with an electric motor. It is also good to mention that setup like this is already up and running in the Porsche’s Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid and it is good for 680 HP. If Audi decides to fiddle with the setup a bit, they just might surpass that output figure, but we will have to wait and see what will actually come from all of that.
