Audi has launched the RS Q8 in India a price tag of Rs. 2.07 crores (ex-showroom) and it is among very few cars that give sleepless nights to those worried about the environment.
Do not get me wrong, the RS Q8 complies with all the latest emissions-related regulations. But its presence in itself is enough to get the so called earth-loving group rise up and protest on the streets with pitchforks and torches.
Which is why it should exist and at present it exists at the top of Audi’s performance SUV range. It makes 600 HP and 800 Nm from its 4.0-litre TFSI twin turbocharged V8 petrol engine which is mated to an 8-speed Tiptronic gearbox.
A mild-hybrid system with a 48-volt main on-board electrical system works along with the stonking V8 to ensure maximum performance is delivered, while the RS Q8 also features Cylinder On Demand (COD) technology.
Quattro all-wheel-drive system enables the antithesis to EVs to hit 0-100 km/hr in an impressive 3.8 seconds and it will go all the way to hit 304 km/hr with the optional RS dynamic package plus. Without the latter, top speed is 250 km/hr.
Such numbers meant nothing but trifle to Audi, which is why it took the RS Q8 for a spin around the Nurburgring Nordschleife to make it the fastest SUV around the famous track. That feat was accomplished with a lap time of 7 minutes 42 seconds.
Since the Audi RS Q8 price is as large as the car itself, there are many visual differences between the performance car and the regular Q8 which costs Rs. 1.33 crores (ex-showroom).
The changes include a redesigned single-frame octagonal honeycomb grille in gloss black, LED headlights with DRLs, a large front air intake and side air inlets, RS-specific side sills, 23-inch standard wheels, black calipers, RS roof spoiler, LED rear light strip, rear diffuser and oval exhaust pipes.
Inside, the RS Q8 gets Audi Virtual Cockpit, MMI touchscreen, flat-bottom multi-function steering wheel with shift paddles, Audi Sport badging wherever you look, sports seats and ambient lighting package.
There are more features as standard and they include – all-wheel steering, adaptive air suspension, eight profiles in Audi Drive Select including off-road and two RS modes (RS1 and RS2) for personalised drive settings, electric tailgate, air quality package with 4 zone climate control, among others.
Optional extras on the car are several, including a black styling package, panoramic sunroof, head-up display, Matrix LED headlights, RS Sports exhaust, a Bang & Olufsen advanced sound system with 3D sound, foot-activated gesture control for tailgate, RS ceramic brake, RS sport seats in Valcona leather with honeycomb stitching including seat ventilation and massage.
Audi RS Q8 Price
- Audi RS Q8 launched in India with a Rs. 2.07 crores price tag
- Is powered by a 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 that makes 600 HP
- The SUV does 0-100 km/hr in 3.8 seconds and tops out at 304 km/hr
