ABT Sportsline, the renowned German tuner, has just raised the bar with its latest creation: the Audi RS Q8 ABT Legacy Edition (RSQ8-LE). This is not just another luxury SUV; it is a statement of intent, a brutal machine that combines German sophistication with an immense dose of power, ready to rival and perhaps even surpass the iconic Lamborghini Urus.
If you thought the Audi RS Q8 was already the pinnacle of SUV performance, get ready to have your expectations shattered. ABT took this already impressive vehicle and injected it with an extra dose of steroids, transforming it into an even more wild and exclusive beast. The result? An SUV that not only accelerates like a supercar but also boasts a look and sound that will make any car enthusiast drool.
The heart of this untamed beast is the 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine, which in its original version already produced a respectable 591 hp. But for ABT, “respectable” is not enough. Through its acclaimed “ABT Power R performance upgrade,” the power has been catapulted to a stunning 760 hp! And it doesn’t stop there: the torque has also received a significant boost, jumping from 800 Nm to a brutal 980 Nm. These numbers are not just impressive on paper; they translate into a visceral driving experience, with accelerations that push you back into your seat and instantaneous throttle response. To put this into perspective, we are talking about an SUV with more power than many renowned supercars, dangerously close to the output of the plug-in hybrid version of the Lamborghini Urus SE. Did ABT manage to create the perfect anti-Urus?
But performance is not just about raw numbers. ABT understood that to create a truly immersive experience, sound matters greatly! That’s why they equipped the RSQ8-LE with a new stainless steel exhaust system, adorned with four imposing 105 mm exhaust outlets. This system not only improves exhaust flow, further optimizing performance, but also unleashes a mechanical symphony that will raise the hairs on your neck. ABT dared to challenge the sound of the Lamborghini Urus, known for having a more visceral sound than the stock RS Q8. Will this new ABT exhaust allow the German SUV to dethrone its Italian rival in this department as well? Only your ears can be the judge!
And because straight-line performance is not everything, ABT also dedicated special attention to driving dynamics. The RSQ8-LE receives an electronic roll stabilization system (eAWS) and the acclaimed ABT Level Control (ALC) air suspension. These enhancements, developed in direct collaboration with Audi, aim to provide superior lateral dynamics, more agile handling, and remarkably reduced body roll control. The result is an SUV that not only devours asphalt in a straight line but also feels surprisingly agile and precise in corners, maintaining exemplary driving comfort for everyday use. Forget the idea that SUVs are clumsy in curves; the ABT RSQ8-LE has come to change the paradigm.
Visually, the RSQ8-LE also does not disappoint. ABT has bestowed it with a carbon aerodynamic kit, a trademark of the tuner, featuring matte carbon fiber details that lend an aggressive and exclusive touch. The front spoiler, hood inserts, mirrors, front wing extensions, side skirts, rear bumper inserts, and the new rear wing, all in carbon fiber, not only enhance the aesthetics but also optimize airflow. The 23-inch Legacy Edition wheels, finished in glossy black and fitted with 295/35 R23 tires, fill the wheel arches impressively, completing the muscular and sophisticated exterior look.
The interior has also received ABT’s attention, with carbon fiber finishes throughout the cabin, from the paddle shifters to the dashboard, including the gear selector and the seat structure covers. The sported steering wheel is wrapped in Alcantara, providing superior touch and grip. Every detail has been designed to create a luxurious and sporty atmosphere, consistent with the performance and exclusivity of this special edition.
Speaking of exclusivity, ABT will produce only 125 units of the RSQ8 Legacy Edition, making it an even more coveted object of desire. The official launch is scheduled for March 20, 2025, and the price of the modification package is set at €95,900, excluding the cost of the base Audi RS Q8. A price that reflects the exclusivity, performance, and attention to detail that ABT has dedicated to this masterpiece.
The ABT Audi RS Q8 Legacy Edition is not just a more powerful SUV; it is a statement of power, a perfect fusion of luxury, performance, and exclusivity. With 760 hp, a breathtaking look, and enhanced driving dynamics, this German SUV is ready to challenge the status quo and, who knows, surpass the Lamborghini Urus in the hearts of car enthusiasts. Get ready for the launch in 2025, as this is an SUV that will turn heads!
Author: Fabio Isidoro
Fabio Isidoro is the founder and editor-in-chief of Canal Carro, where he has been writing about the automotive world since 2022. Passionate about cars and technology, he began his journey on the HospedandoSites portal and today dedicates himself to creating technical content and comprehensive analyses of national and international vehicles. 📩 Contact: contato@canalcarro.net.br