Best V8 Engine Cars in India: Models, Prices and Specs

In India, almost all the cars with V8 engines are luxury and performance vehicles such as high-end sedans, large SUVs and sports cars. These include Mercedes-AMG, BMW M, Audi, Land Rover, Bentley, Aston Martin, and Lamborghini.

There is nothing like "this is the best V8" because each customer has different priorities: some prefer grand-touring cars, others want a rugged off-roader, and there are also those who want a fast and agile sports car. In this article, you will find details about popular V8 models in each category, a comparison of V8S with V6 and V12 engines, and how much you can expect to spend on a V8 car ownership in India over time.

What is a V8 Engine, and How is it Different?

A V8 engine is characterised by eight cylinders arranged in two rows facing each other. The cylinder layout is such that it resembles the letter V, and hence the name "V8". With regard to a four-cylinder or straight-six engine, a V8 offers greater displacement without taking up more space, due to the packaging that allows it to deliver strong torque and power without being too long from front to back.

V8s will influence a buyer's decision on three fronts:

• Engine power and torque: The majority of production V8s are rated as generating 400 650 bhp, which in many cars allows for 0 to 100 kmph acceleration times under 5 seconds.

• Smoother ride and more distinctive sound: An eight-cylinder configuration offers a rich characteristic exhaust note and a smoothly delivered power that car enthusiasts like.

• Status factor: In India, one usually comes with a premium or a flagship car when talking about a V8 while it is a mainstream car that does not include the V8 option.

Hence, V8s being fuel-consuming and taxing is not a surprise. High-capacity petrol V8 engines are taxed heavily in India, and the city driving mileage from these vehicles will normally be in single digits.

Which V8 Sedans and Grand Tourers are Sold in India?

Are you looking for a quick-moving four-door, or perhaps a posh V8 cruiser? Then your first stops will have to be at German performance car manufacturers and Bentley. They manufacture vehicles that blend the performance of a sports car with the comfort and utility of a regular car. The specific configurations and pricing are subject to annual model changes, so take the numbers below as ex-showroom range estimates, not an exact price list.

Prices may vary based on variant options and city-level taxes. Hence, you are required to first cross-check the on-road price with the dealer before making any decision.

Which V8 SUVs are Available in India?

V8s often find their best fit in large luxury SUVs here in India, since the car's design complements the size of the engine as well as its capacity for towing. Performance versions are the most iconic models in this segment of luxury SUVs.

The Mercedes-AMG G 63 is one of the most distinctive V8 SUVs in India, which features an off-road-capable body-on-frame design along with a powerful twin-turbo V8. Just like cars, the prices differ a lot depending on the variant you choose, whether it comes via import and what features you include.

Which V8 Sports and Super Cars are Available in India?

At the sports-car end, the V8 powers some of the most desirable machines on sale in India. These are two-seat or 2+2 performance cars where the engine is the main event.

Model line-ups in this segment change frequently as manufacturers move to smaller turbocharged and hybrid engines, so check the current specification of any car before you buy. Some marques have replaced V8s with V6 hybrids to meet emissions rules, which means a car sold under a familiar name may no longer use a V8.

How Does a V8 Compare With a V6 and a V12?

The number in "V8" is simply the cylinder count. More cylinders generally mean more potential power and smoothness, but also higher weight, cost and fuel use. Here is how the three common layouts compare in broad terms.

Many manufacturers now use turbocharged V6 or even four-cylinder hybrid engines to deliver V8-like power with lower emissions, which is why fewer new cars use large-capacity V8s than a decade ago.

What Does a V8 Car Cost to Own in India?

Getting a V8 is not just expensive; it actually ends up costing way more than just the first purchase. The two biggest expenses besides the purchase price that V8 owners can expect are fuel and insurance. In fact, the reason fuel and car insurance costs are so high in V8 cars is that they are simply very expensive.

An Example: 

Let us consider a V8 SUV with an on-road price of Rs. 2.5 cr and real-road fuel consumption, i.e., around 6 kmpl in a mixed driving scenario. Let us price the petrol at Rs. 100 per litre. Also considering that the average number of kms driven in a year is around 10000.

• Annual fuel: A petrol-powered car will run 6 km/L, which means 9,500 litres of fuel per 60,000 km. Hence, an annual mileage of 10,000 km will consume about 1,667 litres of fuel. Considering the fuel rate is around 100 Rs per litre, the annual fuel cost alone will be roughly 1,66,700 Rs.

• Insurance: The own-damage premium for expensive cars is calculated as a percentage of the car's insured value. Even if the rate is not very high, the car is expensive, so the annual premium is very high.

• Road tax & cess: Big petrol V8S are taxed at 28% GST plus top compensation cess, hence on-road prices are much higher than ex-showroom.

Even servicing, tyres and spares for these cars are priced at the premium end, the total cost of ownership is a significant multiple of that of an ordinary car.