The Audi RS Q8 has finally landed on our shores! Audi India has officially launched this monster of an SUV at INR 2.07 Crore. As the name suggests, the RS Q8 is the performance version of the Q8 which was launched earlier this year. The Q8 was launched in India at a starting price of ₹1.33 crore. The RS Q8 belongs to the ‘Super SUVs’ breed of SUVs which reek of sportscar-like performance and handling characteristics, without losing out on the butch appeal.
More details
It will go head-on against the Porsche Cayenne Turbo and the Lamborghini Urus. As standard, the Audi RS Q8 boasts an All-wheel steering, RS roof spoiler, Audi’s Virtual cockpit, quattro with self locking differential, Sport Adaptive Air Suspension and 2 RS modes for personalized drive settings. The Audi RS Q8 also comes standard with massive 58.42 cms (23”) 5 Y Spoke Diamond Turned alloys. Air Quality Package with 4 Zone climate control is also standard.
The powertrain
The highlight of this performance-SUV is obviously, the powertrain. The RS Q8 is powered by a 4-litre TFSI twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine which is capable of belting out 600PS and 800 Nm. The SUV can get from 0 to 100 kmph in 3.8s and go on to 200 kmph in 13.7s. Top speed is limited to up to 305 kmph. What goes on to show its capabilities even further is the fact that it is the fastest SUV to lap the Nurburgring. Tested and tuned at the renowned Nurburgring race track in Germany, the RSQ8 raced to a lap time of 7:42:25 over the course of 12.94 miles (20.82 kilometres) ring. Transmission duties are managed by an eight-speed Tiptronic auto unit.
Exterior and Interior details
Exterior highlights that differentiate the Audi RS Q8 from the regular model include an aggressive fascia, new single-frame grille, redesigned front and rear bumpers, integrated diffuser and RS-spec spoiler. Inside, the upcoming Audi RS Q8 will come equipped with sport seats, leather and Alcantara trims, RS-spec flat-bottom steering wheel and the virtual cockpit.
There are as many as seven drive modes inside the RS Q8 on offer in international markets which allows for a whole wide range of steering, suspension and transmission shift programs. Interior features also include contour/ ambient lighting package, electric tailgate, optional RS sport seats in Valcona leather with a honeycomb stitching including seat ventilation and massage and optional Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System with a captivating 3D sound.
Official statement
Commenting on the launch, Mr Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of 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.”
Also read: Audi Optimises ‘quattro’ To Set New Benchmarks In Electric Mobility
Mr. Dhillon further added, “The recently launched Audi RS 7 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.”