Audi RS Q8 SUV Launched In India: Prices Start At Rs 2.07 Crore

The Audi RS Q8 currently holds the record for being the fastest production SUV around the Nurburgring Nordschleife, with a time of 7 minutes 42 seconds. The introduction of the performance-oriented SUV is part of Audi's plans to bring in more ‘RS' models to the Indian market.

Talking about performance, the Audi RS Q8 SUV comes powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine. It produces a massive 600bhp and 800Nm of peak torque — making it the most powerful Q in the Audi lineup. The engine is mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission unit, sending power to all-four wheels via Audi's Quattro system.

The RS Q8 is said to come with an electronically-limited top speed of 250km/h. However, Audi does offer the SUV with an optional RS Dynamic Package Plus, which increases the top speed of the SUV to 305km/h. The SUV also claims a 0 - 100km/h sprint time of just 3.8 seconds.

Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head, Audi India, said,

"We are thrilled to bring the record setting Audi RS Q8 to India. It's an all-in-one model that is at home in the rough as it is on the racetrack. The Audi RS Q8 is an agile beast and is a true high-performance sports model under its aggressive exterior."

"It's massive twin-turbo V8 with 600hp and 800 Nm of torque propels the car to 100kph from standstill in under four seconds. We are confident that the Audi RS Q8 will have a magnetic pull for luxury sports cars aficionados."

The Audi RS Q8 combines outstanding performance and sportiness with maximum everyday usability. The engine on the SUV comes mated with a 48V mild-hybrid system (MHEV), which offers high efficiency. The RS Q8 also comes with cylinder-deactivation, or as Audi calls it ‘Cylinder On Demand (COD)' technology, which switches off cylinders to produce less power and improve fuel efficiency.

In terms of features, equipment and technology, the Audi RS Q8 carries most of them from the standard Q8 model. However, being a performance-oriented model, it additionally comes with a host of other sporty equipment as well.

This includes all-wheel steering, RS roof spoiler, Quattro with self-locking differential, sport adaptive air suspension, two RS modes for personalised drive setting, 23-inch five-spoke diamond-cut alloy wheels, four-zone climate control and Audi's virtual cockpit; among a host of others.

Additionally, the Audi RS Q8 also comes with optional features such as a black styling package, panoramic sunroof, heads-up display, matrix LED headlights, sports exhaust, B&O sound system and an RS dynamic package to name a few.

As optional extras, the Audi RS Q8 offers a Black styling package with logos in black, panoramic sunroof, Head-up display, Matrix LED headlights, RS Sports exhaust, a B&O Advanced Sound system with 3D sound and RS dynamic package plus (Top speed increased to 305kph).

Balbir Singh Dhillon further, also stated:

"The recently launched Audi RS7 and the Audi RS Q8 that debuts today are at the cutting edge of Audi Sport. This shows our commitment to offering the very best to our customers in India. We will add more exciting new models from the Audi global range to India this year and look forward to enhancing the celebrations of our customers during the festive season."

Thoughts On The Audi RS Q8 Performance-SUV India Launch

The Audi RS Q8 SUV has been launched in India. The RS Q8 is a performance-oriented version of the standard flagship SUV model from the brand. The Audi RS Q8 SUV rivals the likes of the Bentley Bentayga and the Lamborghini Urus in the segment.