The next Audi RS6 will be completely electrified for its fifth generation in 2026, when it will arrive with both a plug-in hybrid V8 powertrain and a fully electric one – a first for Audi Sport.
Set to rival both the electric BMW i5 M60 and the PHEV BMW M5, the new RS6 will be the most powerful version yet, producing as much as 730bhp in combustion-engined form.
And for the first time since 2010, the RS6 will offer a choice of estate and saloon bodystyles.
The decision to continue offering a combustion-engined RS6 comes two years after Audi Sport confirmed its intention to take the RS6 fully electric. Slower than anticipated EV sales in important markets prompted a revision of that plan, with Audi now instead seeking to extend the life cycles of key ICE models well into the next decade.
The dual-powertrain approach is underpinned by a dual-platform strategy. The electric RS6 E-tron sits on the Volkswagen Group’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE). Meanwhile, the combustion-engined RS6 adopts the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) – an evolution of the MLB architecture used by the current RS6, which was introduced in 2019.
Details remain scarce, but the combustion-engined RS6 is understood to continue with an updated version of the Porsche-developed twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine used by its predecessor. But in order to meet stricter Euro 7 emissions legislation, it is expected to be combined with a plug-in hybrid system that incorporates a gearbox-mounted electric motor and a lithium ion battery – a set-up already deployed in various Porsche and Bentley models.
Recent sightings of test vehicles appear to confirm this development, with mules spotted wearing smaller, more inboard tailpipes closely resembling those fitted to the Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid. A ‘high voltage’ sticker has also been seen on these prototypes.
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The RS6 e-tron is looking to perhaps get 2/3s the power of the Lucid Air Sapphire, cost anywhere from about the same or considerably more and yet still be behind it on range. I believe the RS6s short comings will be close enough for the Audi faithful, especially with it having all the Audi charm that they demand. And while I get that there are those that hate the idea of fake engine noise and artificial transmission inputs from BEVs, here is some perspective to think about and consider. People pay big money on audio systems, to provide the riches and most realistic concert sound into their homes, vehicles and offices. Yet, while the equipment is real, since Adele isn’t actually singing in our living room, it’s fake! Some pay more to watch a film in IMAX, or 3D and sit in ‘rumble’ seats at the theatre, to feel closer to the action. Yet, while we may feel like we’re hanging from the wing of an air plane with Tom Cruise, it’s fake! We could go on and on with High definition TV and the like. The point is the experience and if it is done well, we fine that we are better off because of it. Just a thought.
Definitely food for thought, although in both cases you mention the listener or viewer has a passive role.
When driving a car you are operating a machine, and the feedback and interaction is much more vital.