Audi’s Most Powerful SUV Is Just Around The Corner

• Bookings for the RS Q8 are now open for a token amount of Rs 15 lakh.

• It is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that produces 600PS and 800Nm. 

• The RS Q8 also features RS-specific air suspension and all-wheel steering.

• Achieves 0-100kmph in 3.8 seconds; optional dynamic package takes top speed upto 305kmph. 

• Expect a sky high price tag around Rs 2 crore (ex-showroom). 

We finally have a launch date for Audi’s top-of-the-line RS model, the RS Q8, in India and it’s only a week away on August 27. Earlier this month, the carmaker commenced bookings via its online portal and authorised dealerships for a token amount of Rs 15 lakh. 

The RS Q8 is Audi going no holds barred on the standard Q8 to make it the most powerful SUV in Audi’s lineup. A 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine coupled with a mild-hybrid system delivers 600PS of outright punch and 800Nm of torque. Paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox and an AWD drivetrain, the RS Q8 hits 0-100kmph in 3.8 seconds and tops out at an electronically limited 250kmph. For more oomph, the optional dynamic package bumps the top speed up to 305kmph. 

Performance goodies come in the form of RS-specific adaptive air suspension that can be set up  according to the road surface for either a hardcore track run or a comfortable cruise. It also gets rear-wheel steering and an active anti-roll bar for peak cornering prowess. It currently holds the record for the fastest production SUV around the Nurburgring circuit (in Germany) with a lap time of 7 minutes and 42.2 seconds.

Performance aside, the RS Q8 looks spicier than its standard counterpart thanks to a blacked-out single-frame front grille, dark-tinted Matrix LED headlights and larger air dams on the front bumper. It also features a wider track width than the standard Q8, coupled with 22-inch dual-tone alloy wheels that can be upsized to 23-inches and dual exhausts at the rear.

Heading inside, the RS Q8 gets sportier seats and an RS theme for its three screens and a driver-focused virtual cockpit with data such as lap time, G-force meter and shift lights.  

Audi’s green Hulk will most likely be worlds apart from the standard Q8 with a likely price tag of around Rs 2 crore (ex-showroom). Once launched, it will go up against the likes of the Lamborghini Urus and Porsche Cayenne Turbo.