As the electric vehicle market in the US shifts, automakers continue to pull back on EV projects. Audi is no exception. While the German brand recently debuted the battery-powered A6 E-Tron sedan, the company has reportedly canceled plans for its high-performance RS6 Avant EV.
That’s disappointing news for the (admittedly small) group of enthusiasts looking forward to Audi’s electric station wagon. The good news is that the RS6 Avant isn’t dead; Audi is still working on a new combustion-powered version of its beloved performance wagon—and this new spy video proves it.
A new video from the NCars YouTube channel shows the upcoming RS6 testing on public roads in Spain. While the exact powertrain remains a mystery, one thing’s clear: this isn’t an EV.
The videographer suggests that the prototype features either a V-6 or a V-8 engine paired with a plug-in hybrid system. Recent spy shots from the Nürburgring support the hybrid theory, and if we had to guess, Audi will likely slot in its twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8. Take a listen for yourself:
Originally, the RS6 EV was rumored to deliver nearly 700 horsepower on Audi’s Premium Platform Electric. If we’re lucky, this new plug-in hybrid version could be even more powerful. The current RS6 Avant Performance already makes 621 horsepower in the US, but reports suggest the new model could produce upwards of 730 hp.
Interestingly, performance wagons have seen a resurgence—especially in the US. Back in August, Audi said that RS6 orders had reached an all-time high, with demand up 41 percent in the first half of the year compared to 2024. BMW has also seen strong demand for its M5 Touring, while Mercedes-Benz continues to expand its wagon offerings stateside.
We’ll still have to wait and see what Audi has in store for the next RS6. The super wagon is scheduled to debut in 2026, with sales likely beginning in time for the 2027 model year.
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