Not only are Audi and Lamborghini sub-brands of the German conglomerate Volkswagen Group, but they have also introduced luxury sports SUVs that are very similar. Lamborghini first teased the Urus concept at the 2012 Beijing Auto Show and later released it to the global market in 2018. The Audi RS Q8 concept model was presented in January 2017 and was launched in March 2019. Most cars under the VW umbrella share similar underpinnings, and sometimes it is easy to spot resemblances in them. However, the Lambo Urus and the Audi Q8 are two distinct vehicles that don't resemble each other on the exteriors but they share the same platform.
There is no denying the appeal of the Lamborghini Urus, the fastest production SUV to date! However, hear us out as we take it head to head against its cousin, the Audi RS Q8. Here's why the Audi RS Q8 is a better buy than the Lamborghini Urus! Fasten your seatbelts because it's going to get controversial.
Performance Comparison Of The Lamborghini Urus Vs Audi RS Q8
These Super SUVs have the same V8 twin-turbo engine, 4- wheel steering, adjustable air suspension, an active rear differential, and active electromechanical anti-roll bars, carbon-ceramic brakes.
The Audi RS Q8 is a mean machine with a humungous V8 that has a Biturbo with a mild-hybrid setup that produces 591 HP and 590 lb-ft of torque. Transmission is managed through an eight-speed Triptonic automatic gearbox. It quickly lands in supercar territory as it goes from 0-60 in 3.8 seconds, and the top speed recorded is 155 mph but increases to 190 mph when put into the dynamic optical mode.
However, the RS Q8 does not match the Lambo. The Bull is faster than the RS Q8 and boasts an extra 49 HP and 37 lb-ft of torque. The Urus uses the same 4.0-liter V8 turbocharged engine as the RS Q8. However, Lamborghini tuned it to generate 641 HP and 627 lb-ft of torque. These figures enable the Urus to achieve the best power to weight ratio in the SUV segment. Again, the same eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission found in the RS Q8 is deployed in here to manage all this power. The sportier look and aerodynamics are enough to make the Lambo a tad bit quicker than the RS Q8. In addition, the vehicle has had extensive use of carbon fiber to make it lighter and faster. Apart from this, Lamborghini has used giant ceramic brakes to tame the beastly Biturbo V8. The 17.32 inches calipers are the biggest brakes to ever be deployed in a production vehicle.
The Lamborghini Urus can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds with a top speed recorded at 190 mph, earning it the tag of the fastest SUV in production.
Design Comparison Of The Lamborghini Urus Vs. Audi RS Q8
Lamborghini's mascot is a bull that denotes power and aggression, and the design of all its car lives up to the Lambo charisma. The Urus is no different as it looks sharp, masculine, and humungous with many ferocious and aggressive design traits like its headlamp and the nose, along with the tall bumper. Its vast rear haunches and wheels with squared-off arches give out a wedge-shaped look with bits of curves here and there. The most remarkable feature in the rear is the tail light, which runs seamlessly through the tailgate that looks captivating. It also features a spoiler coupled with the sporty diffuser and massive vents that add extra value to its sporty look.
RS Q8, on the other hand, has big vents, a Honeycomb grille, slanted headlamps, and a proper splitter. This utilitarian also has carbon mirror caps, black trim, and low ride height. The look seems a little bland when compared with Urus. The RS Q8 does not command respect like the Urus and glides under the radar. Its inconspicuous design looks very much like a regular Q8. However, the folks that know their cars can easily spot the bigger brakes and wheels combined with the RS badges on the SUV. That's not all though. The bigger vents, sharper diffuser, and slightly wider body compliments of the RS makeover give it a distinct look than the base Q8. It suits the kind of people who like a sleeper car, something that looks very regular but can tear up the drag strip.
How Does The Interior Of The Audi RS Q8 Stack UP Against The Lamborghini Urus?
On the inside, nothing can beat Audi when it comes to lavish interiors. The RS Q8 is stacked with suede leather all over the place. The beautiful flat-bottom steering is lined with Alcántara and feels premium to touch. In a familiar Audi character, the tech features in the Audi RS Q8 are impressive indeed. The central control is made up entirely of touch screens which adds bonus points to its looks.
The interior features of the Lambo appear impressive at first glance. There are aggressive elements and colors on the gauges that incite a sporty appeal. It has suede leather all over the place, just like that in RS Q8, along with the flat-bottom steering. The central console in typical Lambo style has many buttons that make the interiors look like the insides of an aircraft.
Both Audi and Lamborghini offer nearly the same specs in their top-of-the-line SUVs. The RS Q8 and the Urus are loaded with similar elements like the same audio system, navigation, WiFi, touch infotainment systems, digital gauge cluster, and heated seats in the front and the back.
Here Is Why The Audi RS Q8 Better Is A Better Buy Than Lamborghini Urus
Yes, the appeal of the Lambo Badge outweighs the very monotonous-looking four-ring Audi logo. We have extensively appreciated the Lamborghini Urus in this piece as it ignites a fire in the hearts of enthusiasts. However, the RS Q8 is a better car to live with. It has a better suspension set up for daily driving coupled with better luxury and features. In addition, the technology that Audi offers is unsurpassable and always top of the line for a more engaging and relaxed drive experience. When we talk about the power figures, driving a car with over 600 horses seems like a madman's task. However, the driving systems and technology in the RS Q8 make it feel very tame compared to the wild Bull.
There aren't many differentiating points in the specs of these gigantic utilitarians, as we previously discussed. However, the Audi RS Q8 is a bit more affordable than the Lamborghini Urus. The Audi RS Q8 sports a price tag of $114,500 whereas the Urus costs $218,000. A real setback, we can buy an RS Q8 as a daily driver along with an Audi R8, a supercar for the track. Purchasing an Audi RS Q8 seems like a better option than buying the Urus as they share the same engine and offer similar specifications. While features and luxury in the RS Q8 outshine the Urus, the latter offers more power and speed. The design of the Urus does inspire the common folks with its unbeatable road presence. But since the RS Q8 and Urus are almost similar, is the Urus worth the extra $110,000 premium? We leave that to you guys to decide.