Audi Unveils RS6 Prototype in Testing—Confirms It's Not Electric

As the electric vehicle (EV) sector in the United States undergoes changes, numerous automakers are scaling back their EV endeavors. Audi is among those adjusting their strategy. Although the German automaker recently introduced the electric A6 E-Tron sedan, reports suggest that Audi has discontinued its plans for a high-performance RS6 Avant EV.

This is disappointing news for the niche group of fans who were anticipating an electric variant of Audi's performance station wagon. On the brighter side, the RS6 Avant project is not canceled entirely; Audi is developing a new version powered by traditional combustion engines, as evidenced by recent spy footage.

A new clip from the NCars YouTube channel showcases the upcoming RS6 being tested on public roads in Spain. While the specific powertrain details remain unclear, it's evident that this model is not an electric vehicle.

The person behind the video speculates that the prototype might be equipped with either a V6 or V8 engine combined with a plug-in hybrid system. Additional spy images from the Nürburgring support the hybrid theory, and it's likely that Audi will install its twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine. Listen to the engine sounds yourself:

Initially, the RS6 EV was rumored to deliver nearly 700 horsepower using Audi’s Premium Platform Electric. There's optimism that this new plug-in hybrid version could surpass those numbers. The current RS6 Avant Performance in the US produces 621 horsepower, but insiders suggest the new model might reach up to 730 hp.

Rise in Demand for Performance Wagons

Interestingly, high-performance station wagons are experiencing a resurgence, especially in the US market. In August, Audi announced that RS6 orders had hit an all-time high, with a 41 percent increase in demand during the first half of the year compared to projections for 2024. BMW is also witnessing strong interest in its M5 Touring, while Mercedes-Benz continues to broaden its wagon offerings in the United States.

Patrons will need to wait to see Audi's next steps for the RS6. The performance-oriented wagon is expected to be unveiled in 2026, with sales likely starting in time for the 2027 model year.