From Audi to Aston Martin, here’s a definitive guide to every V8 engine still roaring on Indian roads before they’re gone for good.
The V8 Legacy: A Dying Breed
The V8 engine is revered for its power, versatility, and acoustic drama. Whether naturally aspirated or twin-turbocharged, it delivers excitement like no other. But with increasing emissions regulations and electrification, the V8 is becoming a rarity.
Manufacturers like Ferrari, Mercedes-AMG, and Ford are phasing them out in favor of smaller hybrid units. If you’ve ever dreamt of owning a V8, now might be your last chance.
Most Affordable V8s in India (2025)
Land Rover Defender (₹1.52–2.59 crore)
- Available in 5.0-litre and 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 options.
- Power ranges from 425hp to 635hp.
- Defender 90 is the entry point; Octa version is the high-performance halo.
Porsche Cayenne GTS (₹1.99 crore)
- Shares a 500hp 4.0-litre V8 with the Panamera.
- 0–100kph in just under 4 seconds.
- Practicality meets performance.
BMW M5 (₹1.99 crore)
- Retains the 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8, now paired with a 197hp hybrid system.
- Combined output: 727hp and 1,000Nm.
- 0–100kph in 3.5 seconds.
Sporty Saloons and Super SUVs
Porsche Panamera GTS (₹2.33 crore)
- Twin-turbo V8 with 500hp.
- Sporty handling with AWD grip.
Mercedes-AMG SL 55 (₹2.35 crore)
- Drop-top V8 cruiser with 476hp.
- Balanced performance and luxury.
Audi RS Q8 Performance (₹2.49 crore)
- Lamborghini Urus DNA with 640hp.
- 0–100kph in 3.6 seconds.
BMW XM (₹2.6 crore)
- Same V8-hybrid setup as M5.
- Controversial looks, commanding performance.
Ultra-Luxury V8 Offerings
Mercedes-Maybach S 580 (₹2.69 crore)
- Luxury-first, but powered by a 496hp V8.
- Focused on backseat comfort.
Range Rover Sport (₹2.11–2.95 crore)
- Autobiography and SV versions available.
- Up to 635hp and 850Nm.
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 / GT 63 Pro (₹3–3.6 crore)
- Hand-assembled 4.0L V8.
- 612hp and 850Nm in the Pro trim.
Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance (₹3.3 crore)
- PHEV with 802hp combined output.
- Rocketship disguised as a limousine.
Full-Size Flagships
Range Rover V8 (₹3.33 crore)
- 615hp from the 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8.
- Available in Autobiography and SV trims.
Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 (₹3.35 crore)
- 557hp V8 with quiet opulence.
- Silky power delivery with prestige.
Mercedes-AMG G63 (₹3.64 crore)
- 585hp V8 with iconic off-road styling.
- Remains a cult favourite.
Exotic and Performance-Oriented V8s
Bentley Bentayga (₹3.6 crore)
- 650hp in Speed guise.
- Performance surpasses former W12 model.
Lamborghini Urus SE (₹4.6 crore)
- PHEV Urus with a total of 800hp and 950Nm.
- Still delivers on Lambo thrills.
McLaren GT Coupe (₹4.59 crore)
- 620hp V8 supercar with a GT brief.
- Practical for a McLaren, still blistering fast.
Boutique British Performance
Aston Martin Vantage (₹4.25 crore)
- 665hp AMG-sourced V8.
- Now sharper, faster, and meaner.
Aston Martin DB12 (₹5.15 crore)
- Grand tourer done right.
- 680hp, two-plus-two cabin, pure drama.
Aston Martin DBX 707 (₹5.45 crore)
- SUV with 707hp.
- Blends Aston luxury with SUV practicality.
Italian and British Showstoppers
Ferrari Roma Spider (₹5.30 crore)
- Only V8 Ferrari currently available in India.
- 620hp twin-turbo V8, open-top thrills.
McLaren 750S (₹5.9 crore)
- 750hp and lighter than the 720S.
- Sounds richer, pulls harder.
The Pinnacle of V8 Performance
Lamborghini Temerario (₹6 crore)
- V8 that revs to 10,000rpm.
- Claimed to be the highest-revving V8 ever in a production car.
- Combined hybrid output: massive power and razor-sharp response.
Final Thoughts: A Collector’s Era
These V8-powered machines are not just fast – they represent a bygone era of emotionally engaging, mechanically thrilling automobiles. With stricter norms and electrification pushing them out, 2025 might be your last chance to buy one new in India.
