2024 Audi RS Q8 Spy Shots and Video

The Audi Q8 is approaching the midpoint of its life cycle and in typical fashion, the vehicle will be given an update.

Prototypes of updated versions of the regular Q8 have been spotted for over a year, and now we get to see a prototype of the high-performance RS Q8 developed by Audi Sport. A prototype of the mid-range SQ8 has also been shown.

That this latest prototype is of the RS Q8 is evident from the huge air intakes in the front mask, the upsized brakes and wheels, and the oval-shaped exhaust tips at the rear that are characteristic of gas-powered cars bearing the RS badge.

From the prototype, it appears that at least minimal changes have been made to the RS Q8's appearance. There is a new grille design, a revised rear mask, and tweaks to the light signatures at both ends. Interestingly, a yellow warning sticker on the driver's door window indicates that this prototype may feature some heavy electrification. In other words, it could be a plug-in hybrid or fully powered, although the engine note present in the spy video points to the former.

The RS Q8 is currently powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 with a maximum output of 591 hp. However, the same V-8 engine is paired with a plug-in hybrid system in vehicles from other Volkswagen Group brands, including the related Porsche Cayenne. In the Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid, the V-8 plug-in hybrid system delivers 680 hp.

This plug-in hybrid powertrain will be available in the Lamborghini Urus in the first half of 2024. Like the Porsche Cayenne, the Urus is a close relative of the Q8. This means that the plug-in hybrid powertrain may also be available in the updated RS Q8.

The updated Q8 series is currently scheduled to arrive early next year as a 2024 model. Some of the tweaks Audi is making are expected to be updated in 2024 and in the process more reflect elements found in the E-Tron electric SUV, which has been renamed the Q8 E-Tron.

There have been rumors that Audi might drop the all gas-powered Q8 in the U.S. to focus on the Q8 E-Tron electric version, but Audi has been silent on the issue. Since Audi plans to stop releasing vehicles with internal combustion engines after 2026, eventually all Q8 models will be fully electric.