Next Audi RS 6 will have electrified powertrains only

Both hybrid and electric performance A6s are being readied for 2026, the former based on a V8 engine.

Whatever the choice, all RS 6s will be electrified for the fifth generation of the go-hard large family Audi. And the electric variant will be the first full EV for Audi Sport.

A competitor to BMW M5 and i5 M60, the new RS 6 will be the most powerful version yet, as you’d expect with an additional power source on board. It is likely to produce up to 544kW in combustion-engined form. And it will also come in both saloon and wagon versions, something not offered by Audi in 15 years. 

A couple of years back, Audi Sport was intending to take the RS 6 fully electric. But sluggish EV sales have convinced it to extend the life cycles of key ICE models to the middle of the 2030s.

The electric RS 6 e-tron will use Volkswagen Group’s new Premium Platform Electric (PPE) underpinnings. But the hybrid example will run on the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture. In other words, an update of the MLB mechanicals it already uses. 

Power galore

Expect the 4.0 twinturbo V8 petrol engine to be carryover. To meet Euro 7 emissions legislation, it combines with a plug-in hybrid system that has a motor mounted in the gearbox.

A similar powertrain is used in Porsche’s Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid. There, it is good for 575kW and 1000Nm, sufficient for a sub 3.0sec sprint time. Audi will likely be chasing similar spirited performance.

The electric RS 6 e-tron will run a dual-motor, four-wheel drive powertrain similar to that in the S6 e-tron, only with greater output.

Expect around 500kW and 950Nm. It should almost give the RS e-tron GT a run for its money.

Audi is expected to give the RS 6 e-tron similar paddle and sonic treatment to the Ioniq 5 N, for greater driver engagement. The engineers are also working on a ‘progressive torque curve’.

The EV will use the same 95kWh (usable) battery as the A6 e-tron but it won’t have as much range, around 640km.

Styling will involve the usual amped up aggressive appearance compared with their more mainstream stablemates. Cue wider wheel arches, a bigger diffuser and spoiler, and a lower, wider stance.

Read our review of the S5 Avant here.

The PHEV will feature bigger air intakes and central tailpipes.

Both models will be 4900mm long. Expect the PHEV to be around 2090kg, and the RS 6 e-tron to weigh in excess of 2500kg. 

Audi Sport will likely employ a new active suspension system similar to that used on the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid. Brakes will likely be carbon ceramic units with 10-pot front calipers.