The Phenomenal Demand for the RS Badge
Skoda Auto India has hit a major milestone with the launch of its highly anticipated, performance-focused SUV—the new Skoda Kodiaq RS. Priced at a premium Rs. 66.99 lakh (ex-showroom), the flagship seven-seater SUV has set an unprecedented benchmark in the Indian automotive market. Proving that Indian buyers are willing to pay a hefty sum for exclusive performance, the entire first allocation of 50 units brought to the country via the Completely Built Unit (CBU) import route sold out within a staggering six minutes after the official order books opened on June 22.
What Commands the Massive Price Premium?
The Kodiaq RS sits right at the apex of the Kodiaq family lineup in India, positioned well above the luxury-oriented Selection (L&K) variant. It commands an aggressive price premium of around Rs. 20 lakh over the standard top-spec model. For enthusiasts, this premium translates into pure racing heritage combined with everyday three-row utility. This marks the historic first time that Skoda has globally pinned its coveted “vRS” performance badge onto an SUV body style in India, creating immense hype among long-time brand loyalists.
Explosive Performance and Mechanical Upgrades
Under the hood, the new Kodiaq RS features a heavily re-tuned version of Skoda’s legendary 2.0-litre, four-cylinder EA888 TSI turbo-petrol engine. This potent motor pumps out an impressive 261 bhp of peak power and 400 Nm of maximum torque. This represents a significant mechanical bump of 60 bhp and 80 Nm over the standard engine configuration.
Mated seamlessly to a lightning-quick 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission, power is distributed to all four wheels via an advanced 4×4 drivetrain. Despite its large structural footprint as a family vehicle, the Kodiaq RS sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in an astonishing 6.3 seconds, maxing out at an electronically restricted top speed of 231 km/h. To manage this sudden surge of mechanical energy, Skoda has integrated upgraded high-performance brakes with vibrant red calipers and a sophisticated Dynamic Chassis Control Plus (DCC+) adaptive suspension system.
Stealth Aggression: Exterior and Interior Elements
Visually, the SUV trades standard chrome elements for a menacing, stealth-like dark aesthetic. The exterior gets high-gloss black treatment spread generously across the signature front grille, window outlines, outer rearview mirrors (ORVMs), and the elongated D-pillar. It rides proudly on massive 20-inch alloy wheels with an intricate, petal-like aerodynamic design. The revised rear bumper boasts polished dual stainless-steel exhaust tips, leaving no doubt about its sporty DNA.
Stepping inside reveals a luxurious, race-inspired all-black cabin upholstered in premium perforated leather with contrasting red stitching. The front sport seats are electrically adjustable and come loaded with ventilation, heating, and memory functions.
Packed with Cutting-Edge Technology
The dashboard is dominated by a crisp 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment display supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, paired with a 10.25-inch virtual cockpit digital cluster featuring RS-exclusive graphics. The premium cabin experience is rounded off by a 13-speaker Canton audio system, a panoramic sunroof, a three-zone climate control system, and dual wireless charging pads. On the safety front, it comes comprehensively packed with 9 airbags, a 360-degree camera system, a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and a full Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) suite.
