Audi’s Q8 acquired a mid-cycle replace for 2024, however lacking from the lineup was the fire-breathing RS Q8 variant.
It seems improvement of the up to date RS Q8 remains to be occurring, as a camouflaged prototype has simply been noticed testing on the Nürburgring. Given the skinny camouflage gear it was sporting, the debut is probably going shut. An arrival later this 12 months as a 2025 mannequin for the U.S. market is a robust chance.
The up to date Q8 acquired solely minimal tweaks to the outside design and a few new trim choices for the cabin. The previous E-Tron electrical midsize SUV was additionally rebranded a Q8 E-Tron for the 2024 mannequin 12 months, after receiving its personal replace.
Within the case of the RS Q8, the prototype additionally suggests solely minimal adjustments are deliberate, at the least for the outside design. There is a new grille design, a revised rear fascia, and tweaks to the sunshine signatures at each ends.
2025 Audi RS Q8 facelift spy pictures – Picture credit score: Baldauf
It is not clear what’s deliberate for the mechanicals, however a yellow warning sticker on an earlier prototype factors to some type of electrification being added. There are rumors a plug-in hybrid powertrain could also be added, although there does not seem like a charging port wherever.
The 2023 RS Q8 is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-Eight rated at 591 hp. The identical V-Eight is paired with plug-in hybrid methods in automobiles from different Volkswagen Group manufacturers, together with the associated Porsche Cayenne. Within the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid added for 2024, the V-Eight plug-in hybrid setup is sweet for 729 hp.
The plug-in hybrid powertrain was additionally simply dropped into the Lamborghini Urus for the 2025 mannequin 12 months, the place it delivers 789 hp. Just like the Porsche Cayenne, the Urus is an in depth relative of the Q8. This implies it is doable we’ll additionally see the plug-in hybrid powertrain within the up to date RS Q8.