Who knew Audi India would bring two snorting RS models in six weeks! The first was the RS 7 Sportback, which wears a price tag of Rs 1.94 crore without any taxes. And today, we have this – the RS Q8. At Rs 2.07 crore, it becomes the most expensive model to boast the famous four-rings logo. The reason for that mahoosive price tag is simple – the RS Q8 arrives in India via the CBU (Completely Built Unit) route. That means according to the government’s importation rules, it attracts a 100 per cent import duty.

Let’s not moan about it! The Audi RS Q8 isn’t for everyone to own, but is for drooling over endlessly. And, when you hear it, you’ll probably want to marry it! Under that bonnet is a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 and it pumps out 591bhp/800Nm. An 8-speed automatic handles transmission duties, while the Quattro all-wheel-drive system ensures little oomph goes to waste. Audi claims that even though the RS Q8 weighs over 2.3 tonnes unladen, it can do 0-100kmph in 3.8 seconds. Flat out, it will reach an electronically-limited speed of 250kmph. Get the optional dynamic package, and that last figure shoots up to 305kmph.

To let the driver relish all that power, Audi has equipped the RS Q8 with several mechanical gizmos. The list includes a centre differential, which helps distribute the power between the front and rear wheels in 40:60 ratio. In the event of a slip, the maximum torque goes to the axle that has more traction. Up to 70 per cent of the torque can go to the front wheels and up to 85 per cent to the rear wheels. There’s also rear-wheel-steering which aids in high-speed stability and low-speed manoeuvrability.

There are fuel-saving features as well. The RS Q8 comes with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system which, as per Audi, can help save up to 0.8 litres of fuel every 100km. If the driver takes the foot off the accelerator at speeds between 55kmph and 160kmph, the mild-hybrid system either recovers energy or lets the crossover coast with the engine off. The RS Q8 also comes with Cylinder On Demand (COD) function, which can deactivate half of the cylinders with the load ranging between low and intermediate.

As far as the list of features goes, it is extensive. The crossover comes with stuff like HD Matrix LED headlamps, 22-inch wheels, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system and heated and ventilated front seats. There’s also an 8.6-inch touchscreen for additional functions, four-zone climate control, ambient lighting and a wide array of active and passive safety features.

It all comes down to a simple question – would you choose the Audi RS Q8 over its step-sibling – the Porsche Cayenne Coupe Turbo?