There’s a hotter RS version of the flagship Q8 SUV in the making and our spy photographers have captured images of a prototype testing near the Arctic Circle.

Picture credit:S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

While the new flagship Q8 SUV is destined to arrive in South Africa in Q2 of 2019, the Ingolstadt-based firm is hard at work preparing its high-performance sibling, the RS Q8, which will go head-on against the BMW X6 M and Mercedes-AMG GLE 63.

Seen here testing in icy conditions near the Arctic Circle with partial camouflage, the RS Q8 will feature an aggressive face with a large, gaping grille and air intakes, complemented with slim and edgy headlights. At the rear, large oval tailpipes communicate its performance intent.

The RS Q8 will likely feature a bi-turbo 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine, the same powering the Lamborghini Urus, but it will likely offer slightly less power but similar torque with as much as 447 kW and 850 Nm of torque on offer with an 8-speed automatic transmission directing drive to Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system. A hybrid powertrain, as seen in the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E Hybrid, is a possibility too, which may see power inch towards the 500 kW mark.

Unsurprisingly, the RS Q8’s performance will be impressive for an SUV and you can expect a zero to 100 kph sprint time of well under 4 seconds.

On the inside, a sporty interior with all the latest gadgetry that Audi has to offer, including a 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit and dual touchscreens equipped with the latest MMI operating system can be expected.

The RS Q8 is likely to be revealed later this year before going on sale in 2020.

We will keep you updated as soon as more details are revealed.

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