Last month, Audi India launched the RS 7 Sportback at an eye-watering price tag of Rs 1.94 crore. While the four-door model is capable of scaring the bejesus out of anyone, it wouldn’t satisfy the need for a particular type of customer – someone who wants a fast car but with a high riding position. Well, Audi has an answer – the RS Q8. Yes, it will launch in India soon. For now, the German carmaker has started accepting bookings for the go-fast crossover. The minimum token amount is Rs 15 lakh.

Sporting an RS badge means one thing – the car is all about power and performance. Under the bonnet, the RS Q8 houses the same engine that propels the RS 7 Sportback. The twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 pumps out 591bhp/800Nm, while an 8-speed automatic handles transmission duties. The Quattro all-wheel-drive system ensures that little oomph goes to waste. As per Audi, the RS Q8 can hit 100kmph from nothing in 3.8 seconds, and reach an electronically-limited top speed of 250kmph. With the optional dynamic package, that latter figure shoots up to 305kmph.

What’s the point of all that power when one cannot relish it! Audi thinks so too. And that’s why the crossover comes with a centre mechanical differential, which helps distribute the power between the front and rear wheels in 40:60 ratio. In the event of a slip, more drive torque goes to the axle which 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. And, of course, there’s all-wheel-steering as well.

Audi has equipped the RS Q8 with two fuel-saving and emission-lowering technologies – a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and a Cylinder On Demand (COD) system. The former tech can help save up to 0.8 litres of fuel every 100km. Moreover, if the driver takes the foot off the accelerator at speeds ranging between 55kmph and 160kmph, one of the two scenarios can take place. Either the crossover will recover energy to juice-up the hybrid system’s battery, or coast with the engine off. The COD system, on the other hand, can deactivate half the cylinders with the load ranging between low and intermediate.

Features? It has them all. Well, nearly all! The list includes HD Matrix LED headlamps, 22-inch wheels, heated and ventilated front seats, four-zone climate control, ambient lighting, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an 8.6-inch touchscreen for additional functions and a bunch of assistance and safety gizmos. So, although the RS Q8 looks shamelessly aggressive inside and out, it knows how to keep the passengers safe and entertained.

Expect the Audi RS Q8 to cost well above Rs 2 crore. In India, it will lock horns with its step-sibling – the Porsche Cayenne Coupe Turbo – and Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 (if and when it launches). Who knew India would get two RS-marked Audis in one quarter of a year! If you had to buy one, which would it be?