Audi RS 6 e-tron Spy Shots
Audi’s slate of electric cars looks to add another model, this time from the Audi Sport division. We already know an Audi A6 e-tron has already been in the works for some time. However, these spy shots show that a possible RS 6 e-tron is coming as well.
Audi Sport EVs are already available in the Audi e-tron S and RS e-tron GT. Now an Audi RS 6 e-tron is set to join the party.
Audi RS 6 e-tron spy shots in Germany
As revealed by Motor Authority, these spy shots show a camouflaged test mule. At first, it appears to be wearing similar packaging to the A6 e-tron we already know is coming. However, this tester also includes some key differences that hint at a more sport-oriented vehicle.
Flared wheel arches give the electrified RS 6 more aggressive body lines, fitting with RS models. Meanwhile, upgraded sport brakes show through the five-spoke wheels.
Audi RS 6 e-tron specs
At the time of writing, we know no specific details about an Audi RS 6 e-tron. However, we can speculate a few things based on current and upcoming e-tron models.
The A6 e-tron, for example, uses a 100 kWh battery to deliver 469 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque through its Quattro all-wheel drive system. Meanwhile, the current gas-powered Audi RS6 Avant churns out 621 horsepower from its 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8.
In addition, the current RS e-tron GT offers 637 horsepower and 612 pound-feet of torque. We expect that an Audi RS 6 e-tron would make similar power, matching or exceeding that of the current RS 6 Avant.
Will there be an Avant variant?
Audi hasn’t confirmed either an RS 6 e-tron nor an electric wagon, though we wouldn’t be surprised to hear more in the coming months. Despite its price tag, the current RS 6 Avant is a popular model among enthusiasts and an electric version should help the brand show off its electric performance on an already-popular platform.
Bolstering this belief is the fact that the brand has already pointed toward producing an A6 Avant e-tron. A higher-performance model wouldn’t be hard to adapt from there, and could prove to be a popular move.
An evolution of the VW modular platform
The upcoming A6 e-tron and other Avant or RS variants will build around the VW Group’s modular EV platform. Dubbed PPE, this architecture is designed for high-volume luxury cars and electric vehicles, making variants easier to produce for less money. This modular platform, plus the adaptability of electric vehicle powertrains, make it easy for the brand to produce both standard and RS versions of its vehicles. The modular setup allows this without having to design everything from the ground up. It’s why the upcoming Q6 e-tron crossover will likely get an RS variant, and it’s why there look to be so many A6 e-tron options coming down the pike.
When will an RS 6 e-tron be available?
With sales of the standard A6 e-tron starting later this year, we don’t expect to see any RS variants until early to mid-2024. Until then, we’ll be on the lookout for more details as they emerge.
