Audi RS Q8 launched at Rs 2.07 crore

The high-performance Audi RS Q8 SUV has been launched in India at a price of Rs 2.07 crore (ex-showroom, India). A rival to the Lamborghini Urus and Porsche Cayenne Turbo Coupe, the RS Q8 costs Rs 74 lakh more than the standard V6-powered Q8 which is priced at Rs 1.33 crore (ex-showroom, India).

• 4.0-litre, twin-turbo V8 petrol engine makes 600hp and 800Nm
• Audi claims a 0-100kph time of 3.8sec
• Standard kit includes all-wheel steering, sports adaptive air suspension and more.

How do you tell an RS Q8 apart from the regular Q8?

To go with its high-performance credentials, Audi Sport has made a number of changes to the SUV including sportier bumpers, larger 23-inch wheels, a larger exhaust, a revised grille and a bespoke roof spoiler. The cabin, meanwhile, gets many RS-specific touches, such as sports seats up front, an RS steering wheel, RS-specific drive modes and RS-specific graphics for the infotainment and digital instrument screen. Bits such as the dual-touchscreen layout on the centre console are carried over from the standard Q8.

What is under the hood of the RS Q8?

The RS Q8 is currently Audi’s most powerful production SUV on sale globally. It uses the same 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine as you get in the recently launched RS7 Sportback, as well as the  Lamborghini Urus and the Porsche Cayenne Turbo Coupe – its VW Group brethren. The unit here develops a massive 600hp and 800Nm of torque – down on power and torque compared to the Lambo (650hp, 850Nm) but higher than the Cayenne Turbo Coupe (550hp, 770Nm). The engine also comes equipped with a 48V mild hybrid system and cylinder-deactivation technology.

The unit is paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox and power is sent to all four wheels via Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system. Audi claims a 0-100kph time of just 3.8 seconds.

The brakes and suspension too are upgraded over the standard Q8 to handle the additional power and torque. You can read our driving impressions of the RS Q8 here.

What equipment do you get in the RS Q8?

The Audi RS Q8 gets tech such as all-wheel steering, four-zone climate control, LED headlamps, sports adaptive air suspension, Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital instrument screen, powered tailgate, two configurable RS drive modes, 360-degree cameras, hands-free parking and more.

Furthermore, customers have the option to add in kit such as a panoramic sunroof, Matrix LED headlamps, an RS Sports exhaust, a B&O Advanced sound system, electromechanical roll stabilisation and a heads-up display. Customers can also option the RS Dynamic Package Plus, which increases the vehicle’s top speed to 305kph.