Audi has started testing the high-performance RS version of the upcoming Q4 SUV, which is expected to feature the company’s iconic turbocharged five-cylinder engine under the bonnet.
The 2020 Audi RS Q4 will be essentially a twin sibling to the RS Q3, using the same 2.5-liter engine paired to a dual-clutch transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive.
According to the latest reports, power output will be increased to 414hp (420PS), in order to make the new generation of RS compact SUVs more challenging to the also upcoming Mercedes-AMG GLA 45.
The test car you see in the pictures appears to be wearing its final production body, which apparently is finished in a very bright green paintjob judging by the uncovered area on the wheel fenders.
The aesthetic revisions over the standard Q4 include the redesigned front and rear ends, deeper side sills, dual exhaust pipes and a set of bigger alloy wheels to create the necessary clearance for the performance brakes. Speaking of which, expect Audi Sport to offer a set of carbon rotors for the front axle as an option.
Both the dual-clutch transmission and the Quattro all-wheel drive will be optimized for the new RS Q4, which will also ride on a specially tuned adaptive suspension. Front and rear tracks will also be slightly wider than standard Q4 models, to help Audi’s latest coupe-like SUV to better cope with bends.
Inside the 2020 RS Q4 you’ll get a set of body-hugging seats, lots of contrast stitching and RS logos, and various other sporty bits to help the driver and passenger to feel more special, with the dashboard expected to be shared with the Q3 models.
Audi plans to introduce the all-electric Q4 E-Tron at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in the form of a concept, as well as the final production version of the RS Q3. With that said, we need to wait for Audi to reveal the Q4 first (also rumored for the Geneva Motor Show but still unconfirmed) and then wait for the debut of the RS Q4.