There has been a steady surge in SUV popularity and demand in recent years. Consumers are spending more time outdoors while performance expectations increase. Performance SUVs have become increasingly prevalent, with many automakers releasing models that surpass 500 horsepower. High-end sport utility vehicles have risen to dominate the luxury vehicle market, claiming over 60% of sales within the segment.
While Audi has been making SUVs for over a decade, Lamborghini has only recently entered the market with Urus. Both models output generous amounts of horsepower and incorporate performance-oriented features. Despite the inherent differences between Audi and Lamborghini, these sporty choices fall within a close performance margin.
Let’s dive into the specifications of each and determine which is the best value for a performance SUV.
Design And Construction
Both the Urus and RSQ8 are constructed of steel and aluminum. The Audi offers trim in matte aluminum, carbon fiber, or gloss black. “The new Audi RS Q8 is the top model in the Q product line. It combines the power of an RS model with the elegance of a premium coupe and the flexibility of an SUV”, said the automaker in a press release. The 2019 Q8 received a reliability score of 77/100 from J.D. Power.
The Urus benefits from Lamborghini’s attention to detail in its stout construction. “It is the culmination of intensive development and passionate skill to create a new breed of bull: a Super SUV that transcends the boundaries of expectations and opens the door to new possibilities, for both our brand and our customers”, said Lamborghini CEO Stefano Domenicali. The Urus has an aluminum subframe and a rear axle made of both aluminum and steel.
Performance And All-Terrain Handling
The RSQ8 is the fastest SUV available in Audi’s lineup and set the record for the fastest SUV at Nürburgring with a time of 7:42. It harnesses 591hp and 590 lb-ft of torque from a 4.0L twin-turbo Audi V8. This is a mild hybrid vehicle as it also incorporates a 48V electrical system.
Within the MHEV system, it includes a Cylinder On Demand (COD) system that deactivates 4 of the cylinders at intermediate RPMs. This closes both intake and exhaust valves while deactivating fuel injection and ignition. According to the company, this can reduce fuel consumption by up to 5%. Torque is sent to whichever axle has more traction, allowing up to 70% capacity for the front wheels and 85% for the rear.
Although the Urus has similar styling and comparable design, it benefits from increased performance. A total of 641 horsepower and 627 lb-ft are output from its 4.0L twin-turbo V8. The Urus can rocket its inhabitants from 0-60 in just 3.2 seconds. All-wheel drive is standard on the Urus, which uses multi-link suspension in the front and rear.
The off-road handling of the Urus has been praised in reviews. “Lamborghini’s engineers have done a great job putting together a suspension package that is compliant and predictable at speed and over bumps, while still comfortably absorbing bigger impacts and, at lower speeds, obstacles like rocks and ledges”, said Matthew Scott of Outside Online.
Luxury Interior Features And Pricing
The RSQ8 boasts 30 driver assistance systems integrated into the software. This includes features such as parking assistance, lane departure warnings, and internet-capable Audi Connect. In contrast to the blue accents used in the 2019 model, the new RSQ8 has red accents throughout. 30.5 cu.ft. of cargo volume is available along with 41.1” of headroom and seating for 5.
Urus also offers a variety of driver assistance systems along with Level 2 autonomous driving. This includes Adaptive Cruise Control which maintains distance from other traffic using sensors. The Lamborghini PreCognition system provides alerts on possible collisions and can apply automatic braking. Less than 22 cu.ft. of cargo space is available; By folding down the rear seats, this space can be augmented to 56 cu.ft.
The Verdict
Each model offers features for those in the market for a high-performance, luxury SUV. Although Audi has made SUVs for quite some time, performance analyses have given somewhat average results. Its straight-line performance on tarmac has proven to be comfortable and sporty. Although both models are built on a similar platform, their characteristics can be distinguished. "The 2021 Audi RSQ8 drives nothing like a Lamborghini Urus, which was a strong contender in our 2019 Best Driver's Car", said Mark Rechtin of MotorTrend.
Tests of the Urus off-road have revealed some impressive handling characteristics. Andrew Maness of Gear Patrol maneuvered the Urus on an off-road course with ease, citing its “serious off-road handling chops” and its status as “a nimble and highly capable off-roader with a cabin that you simply don’t want to leave.”
The RSQ8 starts at $113,995 and tacks on up to $9,000 for features such as colored ceramic brakes. Urus starts at around $200,000 in its standard form. Customers in the market for a luxury performance SUV would be content with the features of either model. Disregarding the price discrepancy, the Lamborghini Urus stands out as an ideal choice in terms of performance.
Sources: Lamborghini, Audi, Car & Driver, MotorTrend, Outside Online