Audi Won’t Make The Mercedes Downsizing Mistake

After the demise of the R8, most Audi enthusiasts tend to choose the RS6 Avant as the brand’s most desirable model. It has epic looks, a monster V8, and the extra versatility of a station wagon body. But plans for a fully electric next-gen RS6 raised fears about this iconic model changing forever. Fortunately, Autocar has reported that a V8-powered RS6 isn’t nearing extinction, as Audi will introduce both a fully electric one and a plug-in hybrid alternative in 2026.

Next RS6 Will Go The M5 Touring Route

The latest BMW M5 Touring has a plug-in hybrid V8 that delivers 717 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. Audi would struggle to match or surpass that without electrification of some kind, which is why the next RS6 will get its own V8 plug-in hybrid powertrain. An output of 730 hp has been touted for this RS6, making it the most powerful RS6 ever. 

Although the finer details haven’t yet been confirmed, Audi is expected to continue using a version of its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, developed by Porsche, but in updated form. The plug-in hybrid setup will include an electric motor mounted on the gearbox, something Porsche already makes use of. The continued use of the V8 will be literal music to the ears of RS6 fans; everyone knows how poorly received Mercedes-AMG’s new C63 was when it lost its V8.

While it will be more powerful, it’s almost guaranteed that the new RS6 PHEV will be heavier, too. For instance, the new M5 Touring weighs around 5,500 lbs, but the extra power enables a 0-60 mph sprint of 3.5 seconds. That’s the figure the new RS6 PHEV will aim to beat, and standard all-wheel drive should help the Audi accomplish just that.

Fully Electric RS6 Provides More Choice

Audi recently said it would keep selling new ICE cars for the foreseeable future. Previously, the brand planned to switch to EVs only from 2033, but the current management team realized the implications of switching over to a fully electric range before customers were ready for it. Instead, the goal is to offer multiple powertrain choices, even for niche models like the high-performance RS6.

To that end, the next RS6 will also be available in fully electric form. The dual-motor setup is expected to yield in the vicinity of 670 hp and 701 lb-ft, but it won’t step on the latest RS e-tron GT’s toes, Audi’s most powerful EV and production car. 

“It’s unlikely to reach as far as the RS e-tron GT, but there will be a solid increase over and above the S6 e-tron as part of the differentiation measures,” said an unnamed source when speaking to Autocar.

A 94.8-kWh battery will be used, and like the RS6 PHEV, the EV will feature more aggressive bodywork, larger brakes, and a hefty price premium over lesser A6 models. We expect some styling elements to be shared with the S6 Sportback e-tron pictured above. For those missing the RS6 Sedan, this body style is also set to make a comeback, although it remains to be seen if it will be sold in the United States.