The Audi RS Q3 Sportback is a fast SUV with a distinctive five-cylinder petrol engine and a lovely interior. The lower, lighter hatchback RS 3 will be even more fun to drive, mind you.A couple of things help the Audi RS Q3 Sportback stand out amongst performance SUVs – its sharp looks and that characterful five-cylinder engine. It just sounds better than the rest.
This latest addition to Audi Sport’s growing stable of RS models is also one part of a dual-pronged attack on the small performance SUV market. While the RS Q3 should appease those wanting a little extra headroom for rear passengers, the Sportback earns extra style points with its sloping rear end. The Sportback delivers the kind of assured handling we associate with the RS range, letting you make rapid point-to-point progress while remaining predictable at all times, if lacking in true driver engagement. The progressive steering rack doesn’t give much sense of what the front tyres are doing through corners, and there’s little playfulness to be found from the rear end when pushed. On the smoothest roads and the optional adaptive dampers set to their most comfortable, the Sportback is just about relaxed enough, but still jostles on rougher surfaces. Dynamic mode is a lot more brittle, picking up even the smallest of abrasions. Ride refinement is merely average for the class, though our test drive didn’t provide an opportunity to see what effect smaller 20in alloy wheels would have on comfort.
Audi's cheeky little SUV offers exactly what we expected from the tech-loving German automaker in a handsome and mostly practical package.
Pros Sharp styling, plentiful tech features, spunky driving demeanor.
Cons Tight rear quarters, noticeable turbo lag, a few cheap interior materials.
For those needing the performance of a supercar and the space and comfort of a family SUV, the Audi RS Q8 is quite possibly the perfect solution.
Pros Stunning performance Glorious engine sound Superb ride Interior comfort and space
Cons 48V 'mild hybrid' not a hybrid Steering lacks a little feel 2.3 tonnes is a lot of weight to hustle through corners
The RS Q8 is a new addition to the Q8 lineup for 2020. Audi is going after the AMGs and BMW Ms of the world with the new RS version of its Q8 mid-size SUV. The 2020 Audi RS Q8 comes standard with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine making 591 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, with standard Quattro all-wheel drive to put all that power to the ground and an upgraded suspension and brakes to ensure it handles and stops as well as it goes. It looks a lot more aggressive than the standard Q8, too, thanks to 22-inch wheels, a wider body, and a rear spoiler. It will go on sale in the U.S. sometime in 2020.
2020 Audi RS Q8 will undoubtedly be a huge hit in the segment.With Lamborghini-esque power under the hood and the very latest Audi refinement in the cabin, it brings all the good stuff needed to run against the top competitors from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche.
Pros More aggressive styling Lamborghini engine under the hood Impressively quick for a big SUV
Cons How will it ride compared to the Merc and Bimmer? Competition isn’t slowing down anytime soon Might steal a few sales from the Lambo
