Skoda Kodiaq RS Arrives in India at ₹66.99 Lakh: The Fastest Skoda SUV Yet
- Team Autopunditz
- 10 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Skoda Auto India has expanded its premium SUV portfolio with the launch of the all-new Skoda Kodiaq RS, priced at ₹66.99 lakh (ex-showroom). Sitting at the top of the Kodiaq lineup, the RS brings together performance, luxury and everyday practicality, making it one of the most exciting seven-seat performance SUVs currently available in the Indian market.
The Kodiaq RS also marks the return of Skoda's iconic RS (Rally Sport) badge to India in SUV form, catering to buyers looking for an engaging driving experience without compromising on comfort or versatility.
Performance Takes Centre Stage
At the heart of the Kodiaq RS is a 2.0-litre TSI four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine producing 265 PS and 400 Nm of peak torque. The engine is paired with a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission and Skoda's all-wheel-drive (AWD) system as standard.
According to Skoda, the SUV can sprint from 0-100 km/h in just 6.3 seconds, making it the quickest production Skoda model introduced in the Indian market to date.
To complement the increased performance, the SUV features Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC Plus) with adaptive dampers, progressive steering and multiple drive modes, allowing drivers to switch between comfort-focused cruising and sharper handling characteristics.
Distinctive RS Design
While the new-generation Kodiaq already carries a more premium design language, the RS version receives several exclusive styling upgrades that differentiate it from the standard model.
Key exterior highlights include:
RS-specific front and rear bumpers
Gloss black grille and exterior accents
Exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels
Black ORVMs and window surrounds
Red brake calipers
Matrix LED headlamps
Full-width LED rear lighting
RS badging across the exterior
The sporty design elements give the flagship SUV a more aggressive and dynamic road presence without appearing overdone.
Premium Cabin with Everyday Practicality
Inside, the Kodiaq RS combines sporty detailing with premium materials while retaining its practical seven-seat layout.
Some of the notable features include:
RS sports seats with integrated headrests
Suedia upholstery with contrast stitching
12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system
10.25-inch fully digital driver's display
Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Canton premium sound system
Panoramic sunroof
Three-zone automatic climate control
Powered front seats with ventilation, heating and memory
Wireless smartphone charging
Ambient lighting
The second and third rows continue to offer flexibility for family buyers, making the Kodiaq RS one of the few performance-oriented SUVs that can comfortably seat seven occupants.
Safety Gets a Major Upgrade
Skoda has equipped the Kodiaq RS with an extensive list of active and passive safety technologies.
Safety equipment includes:
Nine airbags
Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
Adaptive Cruise Control
Lane Keep Assist
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Blind Spot Detection
360-degree camera
Front and rear parking sensors
Electronic Stability Control
Hill Descent Control
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
These technologies position the Kodiaq RS among the safest SUVs in its segment.
Built for Enthusiasts
Unlike the regular Kodiaq that focuses on premium family transportation, the RS has been engineered for buyers who enjoy spirited driving. The combination of a powerful turbo-petrol engine, adaptive suspension, AWD grip and performance-oriented tuning makes it a unique proposition in India's luxury SUV market.
The RS badge also carries significant heritage within Skoda's global lineup, representing the brand's performance-focused models inspired by its motorsport success.
Competition
The Skoda Kodiaq RS occupies a niche space but competes with premium luxury SUVs such as:
Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line
BMW X3
Mercedes-Benz GLC
Audi Q5
Volvo XC60
While some rivals offer larger engines or luxury branding, the Kodiaq RS differentiates itself through its combination of seven-seat practicality, sporty dynamics and extensive standard equipment.
AutoPunditz Verdict
The Skoda Kodiaq RS is not aimed at high sales volumes—it is a halo product designed to showcase the brand's engineering capabilities. For buyers seeking a premium European SUV that offers genuine driving excitement along with family-friendly practicality, the Kodiaq RS presents a compelling package.
Its powerful 265 PS turbo-petrol engine, AWD system, adaptive suspension and feature-loaded cabin make it one of the most desirable performance SUVs currently available in India. While the ₹66.99 lakh price tag places it firmly in the luxury segment, the Kodiaq RS offers exclusivity and driving appeal that few seven-seat SUVs can match.
