Audi RS Q8 Performance priced at Rs 2.49 crore

The Audi RS Q8 Performance has launched in India today at Rs 2.49 crore (ex-showroom), before optional extras. It is Audi's most powerful road-going ICE model so far, and is the current record-holder for the quickest production SUV around the Nurburgring.

1. RS Q8 Performance is Audi's most powerful ICE model yet
2. Exterior styling sportier than regular Q8
3. Powered by a 640hp, 850Nm 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8

Audi RS Q8 Performance exterior and interior

The RS Q8 Performance may be a meaner version of the RS Q8, but both SUVs are identical in terms of design. Compared to the standard Audi Q8, though, the RS Q8 Performance sets itself apart with a honeycomb grille finished in black, larger air intakes on the front bumper, and a wider, more hunkered-down stance. The headlights utilise Audi's LED Matrix technology, and many elements on the fascia are made from carbon fibre to convey the RS Q8 Performance's sporty credentials.

It features large carbon-fibre wing mirrors and 23-inch alloy wheels that can be optionally specced with one of six colour options. Moving over to the rear, one of the RS Q8 Performance's most prominent upgrades is its customisable OLED tail-lamps, with C-shaped air outlets right below. An RS roof edge spoiler sits above the rear windshield, and lower down, there's a chunky new bumper with a honeycomb pattern and sizeable exhaust tips on either side.

Not much has changed inside the RS Q8 Performance's cabin, aside from a new rounded steering wheel and a gear-change indicator in the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster to help the driver execute optimal shifts when in manual mode. Elsewhere, some interior components are finished in Alcantara, and the steering wheel, door liners and seats get red stitching and optional Valcona leather upholstery. The features list includes goodies like a 17-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system, 4-zone climate control, individually adjustable and reclinable rear seats, panoramic sunroof, and more.

Audi RS Q8 Performance powertrain

The Audi RS Q8 Performance is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 developing an immense 640hp and 850Nm, 40hp and 50Nm more than the standard RS Q8. Add in a 48V mild-hybrid system, and it becomes clear how the RS Q8 Performance finishes the 0-100kph run in 3.6 seconds. The top speed is capped at 305kph.

On the vehicle dynamics side, Audi has deployed nifty technologies like all-wheel steering, active roll stabilisation, adaptive air suspension and a new Quattro sport differential to manage body roll.

Audi RS Q8 Performance competitors

In India, the Audi RS Q8 Performance rivals the Porsche Cayenne GTS and Lamborghini Urus SE. Interestingly, all three SUVs are platform siblings and all of them are powered by 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engines, although the Urus SE's 789hp plug-in hybrid powertrain does give it a substantial power advantage over the others.