Audi India is regaining the identity it lost by launching new cars and SUVs back to back. It all kickstarted with the A6 last year, then the Q8 and then the A8L. Yesterday we witnessed the launch of one of the best looking super sedan - the RS7. This came with a surprise as Mr Dhillon said that RS7 isn't the only RS scheduled for 2020 in India. It specifies that we will see at least one more Audi RS model in India this year and it is likely going to be the RSQ8.
Audi RSQ8 is a powerful SUV which also shares its underpinnings with the stunning Urus and exquisite Bentayga. The exteriors of the Audi RSQ8 are not majestic as the Urus but it looks understated. The front single-piece grille with aluminium borders and honeycomb mesh is the mainstay of RS models. The RSQ8 gets a bolder grille, deeper air intakes and sporty bumpers. As standard, the RSQ8 rides on 22-inch alloy wheels which can be further upgraded to 23-inches.
Also read: Audi RS7 Sportback Launched In India - Price Starts At Rs 1.94 Crore
The lights of Audi cars are the main highlight and this one is no exception - the RSQ8 gets LED matrix lights at the front and connected LED lights at the rear. The rear of the RSQ8 sees faux air ducts, shark fin antenna, dual oval exhaust pipes and roof spoiler. The Audi RSQ8 feels distinctive on the road, to say the least. The interiors of the RSQ8 are similar to the Q8, fundamentally, but with some sprinkled sportiness. Like the flat-bottomed steering wheel, Alcantara-covered front sports seats and RS heads-up display.
Now let's talk about what lies under the hood! The RSQ8 borrows its propulsor from the RS7 which is a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 churning out 600 PS (591bhp) and 800 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and a 48V hybrid setup which is, indirectly, connected to the crankshaft and charge the Li-ion battery while decelerating. The powertrain is mated to the popular Quattro all-wheel-drive system which can send 70% of the total power to the front and 85% power at the rear wheels.
Audi RSQ8 comes with adaptive air suspension and all-wheel steering as standard. But what if you want to gun your RSQ8 on a race track and attain the Nurburgring lap time record of 7 minutes and 42.2 seconds? Well, you can get the optional Electromechanical Active Roll Stabilization (EAWS) which minimises body roll and floatiness around corners. With the optional Dynamic plus package, you get 305 km/h top whack unlock, EAWS, Quattro sports rear differential and RS ceramic disc brakes.
Also read: Used Flagship Audi A8L Priced At Rs 23 Lakh - Cheaper Than A New Harrier / Civic
Running to the core part after all the bewilder specs, the RSQ8 is indeed a Super SUV. With the chassis and powertrain shared by the hugely popular Urus, this will attract the buyers who want to go fast without gathering camera shutters. If Audi launches the RSQ8 in India, it will get a price north of Rs 2.5 crores ex-showroom. It will go head-on with its sibling - the Urus, BMW X6M, and Porsche Cayenne Turbo Coupe.
