The venerable V8 engine is perhaps the most loved configuration of them all – and for good reason. Whether it’s a flat-plane screamer that revs to 8,000rpm or a rumbling, low-revving torque monster, no other layout offers the variety that a V8 can. Every V8, however, has one thing in common: they are exciting, and sometimes even manage to upstage the very car they’re in.
Unfortunately, it looks like the V8’s days might be numbered. The Ferrari 296 ditched its predecessor’s V8 for a hybrid V6, Mercedes-AMG went a step further and dropped the V8 in the C63 for a four-cylinder, and it’s a similar story in the US muscle car market. If that makes you want to go out and buy a V8 before it’s too late, here are all the options still available to you in India right now, starting with the most affordable.
Land Rover Defender
Rs 1.52–2.59 crore (ex-showroom)
The Land Rover Defender actually comes with a choice of V8 engines. There is the 5.0-litre V8 that makes 425hp and 550Nm that’s available on the Defender 90, 110 and 130 versions. However, if that isn’t hardcore enough there is the Octa that’s powered by a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 putting out 635hp and 750Nm. While Rs 1.52 crore (ex-showroom) will buy you a Defender 90 V8, an Octa costs significantly more at Rs 2.59 crore (ex-showroom).
Porsche Cayenne GTS
Rs 1.99 crore (ex-showroom)
If you want the dynamics and powertrain of the Panamera GTS but need room in the cargo area for a dog then the Cayenne GTS is for you. Powered by the same 500hp, 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, the Cayenne GTS is just six tenths slower to 100kph than the Panamera. Prices start at Rs 1.99 crore (ex-showroom).
BMW M5
Rs 1.99 crore (ex-showroom)
While the current generation BMW M5 has received some flak for its 2.5-tonne kerb weight, we can all be thankful it still retains its V8. Under the hood is a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 that produces 585hp augmented by an additional 197hp courtesy of the hybrid system. Combined output is 727hp and 1,000Nm which means 100kph is achieved in 3.5 seconds and 200kph in an even more astounding 11 seconds. Prices start at Rs 1.99 crore (ex-showroom).
Porsche Panamera GTS
Rs 2.33 crore (ex-showroom)
It’s hard to make a limo handle like a sports car but if anyone can, it’s Porsche. Despite its 2,140kg weight, the Panamera GTS is eager to tuck into a corner and fire out using the traction of the all-wheel-drive system and of course the 500hp, 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. It sprints from 0-100kph in just 3.86 seconds and is priced from Rs 2.33 crore (ex-showroom).
Mercedes-AMG SL 55
Rs 2.35 crore (ex-showroom)
The Mercedes-AMG SL 55’s V8 might not have the outright performance of the GT 63, but it does allow you to drop the roof to enjoy its acoustics. Powering the SL 55 is a 476hp, 700Nm version of AMG’s 4.0-litre V8 and prices start at Rs 2.35 crore (ex-showroom).
Audi RS Q8 Performance
Rs 2.49 crore (ex-showroom) before options
The Q in RS Q8 does not stand for Q ship but it should. This for all intents and purposes is a Lamborghini Urus in a business suit. Now in updated Performance guise the 4.0-litre, twin-turbo V8 puts out 640hp and 850Nm for a 0-100kph time of 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 250kph (limited). Prices start at Rs 2.49 crore (ex-showroom) before options.
BMW XM
Rs 2.6 crore (ex-showroom) before options
The BMW XM features the same 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 and hybrid system as the M5 – this time with 653hp and 800Nm – but in a polarising SUV body shell. Despite its heft, the XM manages a 0 to 100kph time of 4.4 seconds and corners flat while feeling poised. Prices start at Rs 2.6 crore (ex-showroom) before options.
Mercedes-Maybach S 580
Rs 2.69 crore (ex-showroom) before options
The Maybach S 580 offers the ultimate chauffeur-driven experience with a back seat fit for royalty. Nevertheless, far in the distance under the bonnet is a 496hp, 700Nm version of the 4.0-litre V8 humming away. Prices start at Rs 2.69 crore (ex-showroom) before options.
Range Rover Sport
Rs 2.95 crore (ex-showroom)
The Range Rover Sport Autobiography gets a 4.4-litre V8 with 590hp but the SV Edition Two is really the one you want. It’s the most driver focussed SUV in the JLR line-up and produces 635hp and 850Nm for a 0 to 100kph time of 3.8 seconds. Prices for the Autobiography V8 start at Rs 2.11 crore (ex-showroom) while the SV Edition Two costs Rs 2.95 crore (ex-showroom).
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 / GT 63 Pro
Rs 3–3.6 crore (ex-showroom)
The second generation of the Mercedes-AMG GT is no longer a bespoke platform, instead using the SL as its basis. However, it still has plenty going for it including a hand-built 4.0-litre V8. In the GT 63 this motor puts out 585hp and 800Nm while the GT 63 Pro ups the ante to 612hp (+27hp) and 850Nm (+50Nm). Prices start at Rs 3 crore (ex-showroom) for the GT 63 and Rs 3.6 crore (ex-showroom) for the GT 63 Pro.
Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance
Rs 3.3 crore (ex-showroom)
This S-Class isn’t for your chauffeur. The S63 E Performance gets a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, putting out 612hp and 900Nm augmented by a plug-in hybrid system that takes total output to a ridiculous 802hp and 1,430Nm. Despite its 2.5-tonne heft, it can go from 0 to 100kph in just 3.4 seconds and costs upwards of Rs 3.3 crore (ex-showroom).
Land Rover Range Rover
Rs 3.33 crore (ex-showroom)
While it can be had with a choice of petrol, diesel and PHEV powertrains, it’s the 4.4-litre V8 that is the real highlight of the Range Rover. Available in both the Autobiography and SV versions, the V8 produces 615hp and 750Nm of stately power and prices start at Rs 3.33 crore (ex-showroom).
Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600
Rs 3.35 crore (ex-showroom)
If you’d like an example of the breadth of a V8’s ability this is it. The GLS Maybach 600 is powered by a 4.0-litre V8, much like its more boisterous stablemates, but in this application it is tuned to be almost invisible. While it produces 557hp and 770Nm, its role is to waft you along in comfort, but bury your right foot deep enough in the carpet and it will make some epic noises. Prices start at Rs 3.35 crore (ex-showroom).
Mercedes-AMG G63
Rs 3.64 crore (ex-showroom)
The Mercedes-AMG G63 is an event and much of that is thanks to the drama of its V8. The boxy bonnet hides a 4.0-litre V8 that produces 585hp, 850Nm and a whole lot of noise. Prices are quite steep, starting at Rs 3.64 crore (ex-showroom), however, this does little to dampen its popularity.
Bentley Bentayga
Rs 3.6 crore (ex-showroom)
Bentley ceased production of its famed W12 last year and replaced it with a twin-turbo V8 in all of its models. The Bentayga in particular gets a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 without any of the hybrid gubbins some of its stablemates get. In Speed guise this engine makes 650hp and 850Nm making it more powerful than the W12 ever was. Prices start at Rs 3.6 crore (ex-showroom).
Lamborghini Urus SE
Rs 4.6 crore (ex-showroom) before options
The Lamborghini Urus is now a PHEV but that doesn’t mean it’s gone soft. The Urus SE has a 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 620hp and 800Nm which in conjunction with the plug-in hybrid system, makes 800hp and 950Nm. Prices start at Rs 4.6 crore (ex-showroom) before options.
McLaren GT Coupe
Rs 4.59 crore (ex-showroom)
The GT is McLaren’s take on a grand tourer however our review found its interior isn’t plush enough for that role. However, if a usable supercar is what you are after then this just might be the ticket. Its explosive performance comes courtesy of a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 620hp and 630Nm and prices start at Rs 4.59 crore (ex-showroom).
Aston Martin Vantage
Rs 4.25 crore (ex-showroom)
The baby Aston Martin is not kidding around. The new Vantage is more focussed than any of its predecessors and with an AMG-sourced 665hp 4.0-litre, twin-turbo V8, it has the firepower to match those stunning looks. Prices start at Rs 4.25 crore (ex-showroom).
Aston Martin DB12
Rs 5.15 crore (ex-showroom) before options
Google grand tourer and an Aston Martin is most definitely one of the top results, specifically the DB12. Improved in every conceivable way from its predecessor, the DB12’s sumptuous two plus two cabin is the perfect place to cover great distances while the AMG-sourced 680hp, 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 ensures you do so swiftly. All for a price of Rs 5.15 crore (ex-showroom) before options.
Ferrari Roma Spider
Rs 5.30 crore (ex-showroom) before options
Until the Ferrari Amalfi arrives, the Roma Spider is the only V8-engined car you can buy in India from the prancing horse stable. Powering it is a 620hp, 3855cc twin-turbo V8 and the fabric roof opens in 13.5 seconds if you want to hear it scream. Prices start at Rs 5.30 crore (ex-showroom) before options.
Aston Martin DBX 707
Rs 5.45 crore (ex-showroom) before options
If Daniel Craig’s Bond survived the last film and settled down, the Aston Martin DBX 707 is what he would drive. Stunning good looks with SUV practicality and supercar performance courtesy a 707hp, 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. Prices start at Rs 5.45 crore (ex-showroom) before options.
McLaren 750S
Rs 5.9 crore (ex-showroom) before options
On the surface, the McLaren 750S might seem like an incremental update on the 720S but dig deeper and there is a lot more than meets the eye. The 4.0-litre, twin-turbo V8 engine now produces 750hp and 800Nm and the whole car is 30kg lighter, with McLaren ensuring it sounds fuller and bassier than before. Priced at Rs 5.9 crore (ex-showroom) before options.
Lamborghini Temerario
Rs 6 crore (ex-showroom) before options
On paper the Lamborghini Temerario’s engine has a lot in common with others on this list – a V8 with a 4.0-litre displacement, twin-turbos and a hybrid system – however, this one revs all the way to 10,000rpm. Lamborghini claims it is the most powerful and highest-revving V8 engine ever installed in a production car. Prices start at Rs 6 crore (ex-showroom) before options.
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