Audi just unveiled the 2021 RS Q8, and it's pretty much a Lamborghini Urus with a different design. While most RS and S models in the SUV range aren't as spectacular, the RS Q8 steps in as a Lambo Urus in disguise. Built on the same underpinnings and fitted with the same twin-turbo V-8 engine, the RS Q8 is the most powerful SUV in the Audi lineup and almost as quick as the Urus. How do they compare? Let's find out below.

The RS Q8 Is the Fastest Model of the Q Range

. That's 257 horses and 221 pound-feet more than the standard gasoline Q8. It's obviously more powerful than the SQ8, also powered by a 4.0-liter V-8, but in diesel form. The RS Q8 cranks out an extra 163 horsepower, but falls behind in the torque department by 74 pound-feet. But it doesn't matter; the RS Q8 is not only the quickest version of the Q8, it's also the quickest SUV in the Audi lineup.

The sprint to 124 mph is also impressive at 13.7 seconds, comparable to full-fledged sports cars. The RS Q8 has a top speed of 189.5 mph, the highest of any Audi SUV. It's also notably higher than most RS cars, usually limited to 155 mph unless you select the optional limiter removal. But only the latest RS7 and RS6 deliver a matching top speed, so the RS Q8 is faster than models like the RS4 Avant, RS5, and TT RS, all rated at 177 mph.

Audi RS Q8 Performance

Audi RS Q8 Vs. Lamborghini Urus - Performance

Lamborghini developed its own upgrades for this mill, updates that result in greater output. The RS Q8 actually shares the exact same engine with the RS7 and RS6 Avant, as all three cars have identical power and torque outputs. The Urus comes with 641 horsepower and 627 pound-feet on tap, an extra 49 horses and 37 pound-feet. The extra oomph and the sportier setup of the Urus are enough to make the Lambo quicker.

The Urus is obviously notably quicker to 124 mph as well. The Italian SUV hits the benchmark in 12.8 seconds, almost a full second quicker than the German crossover. Top speed is the only department where the RS Q8 matches the Urus. First prize goes to the Bentley Bentayga, rated only marginally higher at 190 mph. The Bentayga rides on the same platform and also features a 4.0-liter V-8 engine, but it hits 190 mph with the optional 6.0-liter W-12.

Audi RS Q8 vs. Lamborghini Urus Power Comparison

Audi RS Q8 vs. Lamborghini Urus Top Speed Comparison

Audi RS Q8 vs. Lamborghini Urus Sprint Times

How Different Does the Audi RS Q8 Look Compared to the Lamborghini Urus

Visually, the Urus and the RS Q8 are very different. Up front, the Urus looks like a Huracan with a taller bumper and a higher ride. The headlamps and the nose contribute to an aggressive look, while the bumper inlets are bigger and sportier than on other SUVs. The RS Q8 is nothing to sneeze at either. It comes with slanted headlamps, a massive grille with black trim, a honeycomb mesh, big vents, and a proper splitter. However, it doesn't look as sharp and aggressive as the Urus. It's more of a sleeper than an in-your-face design.

The same goes for the profile. The Urus is arguably one of the most aggressive SUVs out there, with big rear haunches, squared-off wheel arches inspired by the iconic Countach, and an increasingly higher beltline that gives the overall design a wedge-shape look. That's pretty cool for a modern SUV. The RS Q8, on the other hand, is rather mundane onto the sides. Design-wise, it's just a slightly fancied-up Q8.

The German SUV fares better when it comes to its rear fascia design. The sleek taillights, the continuous light bar on the tailgate, the spoiler, and sporty diffuser add a lot of character. However, the Urus wins this one as well, mainly due to a sleeker rear window, Y-patterned taillights, bigger vents, and the race-inspired diffuser.