The Czech carmaker Skoda Auto India has finally confirmed that it will be launching its fastest SUV ever in the country very soon. The company has officially announced that bookings for the all-new Skoda Kodiaq RS will commence from June 22, 2026. The upcoming Kodiaq RS will become the first Skoda SUV in India to boast the legendary RS badge, which stands for Rally Sport.
What makes the launch of the Kodiaq RS even more special is that Skoda has allocated only 50 units for India in the first batch. As a result, buyers who are interested in getting this SUV will have to act very quickly if they want to add one to their garage. The Kodiaq RS will be brought to India as a Completely Built Unit (CBU). This means it will be a lot more expensive than the standard Kodiaq, which is currently on sale.
Skoda Auto India has also highlighted that the Kodiaq RS launch is very important because 2026 is a very special year for the brand, as it will reach two major milestones for Skoda globally. This year, the company is celebrating 125 years of Skoda’s motorsport heritage, and it also marks 50 years of the iconic RS badge. So, to commemorate these achievements, the company has decided to launch its performance-focused SUV in the Indian market.
Now, coming to the details of the Skoda Kodiaq RS, the biggest highlight of this performance SUV will be its powertrain. This SUV will come equipped with a heavily upgraded 2.0-litre four-cylinder TSI turbocharged petrol engine. This motor will be capable of producing an impressive 265 bhp and 400 Nm of torque.
When compared to the standard Kodiaq, we will see an increase of 60 bhp and 80 Nm. What’s interesting is that it is the same engine, in the same state of tune, as the one used in the Octavia RS and the Volkswagen Golf GTI, which have already been launched in India.
All of the power generated by this 2.0-litre motor will be sent to all four wheels through a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission and a permanent All-Wheel Drive system. As a result, the Kodiaq RS will sprint from 0–100 kmph in just 6.3 seconds. It will also reach a top speed of 231 kmph.
Apart from the more powerful engine, Skoda is also offering the Kodiaq RS with several mechanical improvements over the standard model. The Kodiaq RS comes equipped with upgraded braking hardware featuring ventilated and slotted brake discs. It also gets larger two-piston brake calipers finished in gloss red.
The SUV is based on Volkswagen Group’s MQB Evo platform. It also features a sophisticated suspension setup consisting of MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link suspension at the rear. Internationally, the Kodiaq RS is offered with Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) adaptive dampers, which can automatically adjust suspension stiffness based on driving conditions and selected drive modes.
However, whether this feature will be offered on the India-spec model has not been confirmed. Additionally, the SUV will also come equipped with progressive steering. This reduces the steering inputs required during low-speed manoeuvres and also helps improve the agility of the SUV during spirited driving.
When compared to the standard Kodiaq, the RS version will look a lot sportier and more aggressive. At the front, the SUV will come equipped with a redesigned bumper, which will feature larger air intakes and functional air curtains. It will also get a gloss black grille with RS badging. One of the standout features is the illuminated front light bar, which connects the Matrix LED headlamps. This will give the SUV a very futuristic appearance, especially at night.
Moving to the side profile, the Kodiaq RS will be offered with massive 20-inch alloy wheels, which will be wrapped in performance-oriented tyres. These wheels are complemented by bright red brake calipers. The SUV will feature blacked-out elements as well, which will include roof rails, ORVM caps, window surrounds, and C-pillar trim. Meanwhile, at the rear, the Kodiaq RS will get revised bumpers, a sporty roof spoiler, connected LED tail lamps, and dynamic turn indicators.
Like the outside, on the inside, the Kodiaq RS will get a number of changes to differentiate it from the standard SUV. The cabin will boast a sporty all-black theme with contrast red stitching spread across the dashboard, seats, armrests, and door panels. The front seats will get heavy bolstering and feature integrated headrests with RS branding.
At the centre of the dashboard will be a large 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system paired with a 10.25-inch fully digital driver’s display. It will also get a set of smart rotary dials, which will be positioned below the infotainment screen. These configurable controls will be used for adjusting climate settings, audio volume, and drive modes.
The Kodiaq RS will also come equipped with a premium 13-speaker Canton sound system, which will produce 725 watts of audio output. Other notable highlights will include dual wireless smartphone chargers with cooling, ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, multiple storage spaces, premium upholstery, rear AC vents, ADAS Level 2, a 360-degree camera, and many other safety features.
As stated above, the Kodiaq RS will be launched as a limited-unit, full-import vehicle. This means it will command a premium over the standard Kodiaq. It has been reported that it could be priced between Rs 50 lakh and Rs 60 lakh (ex-showroom).
Commenting on the arrival of the Kodiaq RS, Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Škoda Auto India, stated, “The RS badge carries over 50 years of global performance legacy and a fiercely loyal following in India since the Octavia RS arrived more than two decades ago. The latest Octavia RS, launched last year, sold out in just 20 minutes, highlighting its cult status among enthusiasts. Now, we’re taking that legacy forward with the Kodiaq RS, our first-ever seven-seater in India to wear the iconic RS badge and the quickest Škoda yet in the country. It blends performance, space, and 4×4 capability into a bold, unmistakable expression of our racing DNA.”
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