Skoda Kodiaq RS India Launch: Performance Bear Unleashed with 265 Horsepower

The Indian premium SUV space is preparing for a massive dose of adrenaline this month. Skoda Auto India has officially confirmed that the highly anticipated Skoda Kodiaq RS India launch will happen in the coming weeks. More importantly, official pre-bookings for this hardcore machine will commence on June 22, 2026. At BharatNewsX, we bring you the ultimate list of crucial things you need to know about this racing-bred family car.

Currently, this upcoming launch sits right at the Top of performance automotive search trends nationwide. This model proudly marks the arrival of the very first Skoda SUV in India to wear the legendary Rally Sport (RS) badge. By combining high-octane track-day performance with practical seven-seater utility, Skoda aims to capture the hearts of driving enthusiasts. However, buyers must act fast because the company is bringing this performance flagship in highly restricted numbers.

Heart of a Hot Hatch: Explosive 265 HP Engine

Under the sculpted hood sits a masterpiece of modern internal combustion engineering. The new Kodiaq RS utilizes a powerful 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo petrol engine.

• Power Output: The motor pumps out a staggering 265 hp and 400 Nm of peak torque.

• Performance Bump: This represents a massive increase of 60 hp and 80 Nm over the standard Kodiaq model.

• Shared DNA: This engine shares its exact state of tune with the iconic international Octavia RS and Volkswagen Golf GTI.

The motor pairs with a lightning-fast 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Power flows directly to all four wheels via a smart all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. Furthermore, the Kodiaq RS benefits from upgraded braking components, including slotted brake discs and twin-piston front calipers.

Aggressive RS Design Overhaul and Blacked-Out Details

In the Middle of its physical transformation, the Kodiaq RS replaces luxury chrome elements with track-inspired visual styling. The front fascia receives a signature gloss-black grille panel paired with advanced Matrix LED headlamps. Designers also introduce a revised front bumper featuring significantly larger air intakes to improve engine cooling.

Along the side profile, the performance SUV features massive alloy wheels measuring up to 20 inches in international markets. These larger rims beautifully showcase upgraded braking components, including bright red brake calipers. At the back, the vehicle sports a redesigned bumper with black inserts, a roof-mounted spoiler, and LED tail-lamps linked by a smoked trim element. Skoda also offers the Kodiaq RS in exclusive colors overseas, including the famous Hyper Green shade.

Premium Practicality: Sports Luxury Upgrades

Moving inside the cabin, the overall interior layout maintains its practical three-row family configuration. However, Skoda heavily drapes the space in premium, motorsport-inspired upholstery.

While the company has not confirmed if adaptive suspension will make it to the India-spec model, the overall package focuses heavily on giving the SUV a performance-oriented driving dynamic.

Expected CBU Pricing and Ultra-Strict Allocation Limits

Because Skoda will import the Kodiaq RS as a Completely Built Unit (CBU), heavy customs taxes will push its price upward. Industry experts expect the ex-showroom price to land between Rs 50 lakh and Rs 55 lakh. For context, the standard locally assembled Kodiaq currently retails between Rs 36.99 lakh and Rs 46.99 lakh.

The biggest catch involves its availability. Just like the previous Octavia RS batches, this exclusive performance SUV will likely sell out completely within minutes of the booking window opening.

The BharatNewsX Verdict: A True Collector’s Item

As we reach the Bottom of our exclusive preview, the final conclusion is crystal clear. The Skoda Kodiaq RS India launch represents a golden opportunity for wealthy driving enthusiasts. By stuffing a 265 hp hot-hatch heart inside a practical, large 7-seater body, Skoda creates a highly unique machine. It will essentially stand in a league of its own, effortlessly combining family duties with serious track performance.

Make sure to log onto BharatNewsX on June 22 for our live booking coverage and official delivery timelines. We bring you the sharpest automotive insights to keep you fully ahead of the curve in 2026!