Audi RS6 Next Gen: Offering the Top Powertrain Choices of All

Audi is gearing up to launch an all-new generation of its legendary RS6—and this time, it’s bringing more than just the beloved superwagon. For the first time in 16 years, the RS6 will also be available as a high-performance sedan, marking a bold return to form for one of Audi’s most iconic nameplates. The next-gen RS6 lineup is expected to hit dealerships next year, offering enthusiasts more options than ever to experience its power and prestige.

If the return of the Audi RS6 sedan isn’t exciting enough, there’s even more big news—Audi is preparing to offer the next-generation RS6 as a fully electric model. Yes, the legendary performance wagon is embracing electrification. But purists need not worry: Audi isn’t abandoning the V8 just yet. A potent plug-in hybrid version, pairing the roaring V8 with an electric motor, will still be part of the lineup. It’s clear—Audi is leaning into performance and choice.

RS6 Will Give Horsepower Junkies Real Choice

An electric RS6 shouldn’t come as a total shock—after all, stricter emissions regulations are forcing automakers to rethink performance. Audi is no exception. In fact, prototypes of the upcoming RS6 e-tron have already been spotted undergoing cold-weather testing in the Alps. Notably, the prototype wasn’t a wagon—it was a sedan, revealing two major developments at once: the RS6 is going electric, and the long-absent sedan is making a comeback.

Audi isn’t going all-in on electric just yet. Instead, the next Audi RS6 will follow a dual powertrain strategy. That means buyers will get to choose between a fully electric RS6 and a plug-in hybrid version—likely powered by a familiar V8 engine. It’s a smart move in today’s climate, especially as EV sales continue to fall short of early expectations and aggressive industry targets.

Offering both plug-in hybrid and fully electric versions of the next RS6 essentially means Audi is developing two distinct vehicles. According to the HARJA report, the all-electric RS6 will ride on Audi’s cutting-edge Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture—a foundation designed specifically for EVs. Meanwhile, the plug-in hybrid RS6 will be built on the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC), an evolved version of the existing platform that underpins the current RS6. It’s a split approach that lets Audi chase future tech without alienating fans of traditional performance.

The V8 at the heart of the upcoming plug-in hybrid RS6 is expected to be the same 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged unit found in the current model. It’s no slouch—producing a hefty 621 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. With the addition of electric assistance, the new PHEV RS6 could deliver even more explosive performance while also improving efficiency.

Audi Needs 700 Horses Just to Keep Up

Audi won’t just be electrifying the RS6 to meet emissions—it’ll need serious firepower to stay competitive. Rivals have already gone the plug-in hybrid route with staggering results. The new BMW M5 combines a PHEV setup with a gas engine to produce 717 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. Meanwhile, Mercedes-AMG’s S63 E Performance cranks out an astonishing 791 horsepower from its own V8 plug-in hybrid system. If Audi wants to keep the RS6 in the fight, it’ll need to push output north of 700 horses—at minimum.

If Audi wants the Audi RS6 to hold its own, it’ll have to break into the exclusive 700-horsepower club—and it looks ready to do just that. The key? A familiar electric motor and battery setup already in use within the Volkswagen Group. Porsche, for example, combines that system with the same 4.0-liter V8 to produce 730 horsepower in the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid. In the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, the output climbs even higher to 771 horsepower. While the RS6 likely won’t be tuned to outmuscle the Panamera, it has plenty of room to land somewhere in the 750-horsepower ballpark—putting it right in the fight with BMW and Mercedes-AMG.

Surprisingly, the all-electric RS6 may deliver slightly less horsepower than its hybrid counterpart. According to HARJA, insiders at Audi Sport suggest the RS6 e-tron will produce around 670 horsepower. Audi appears keen to avoid overshadowing the RS e-tron GT, which boasts a staggering 912 horsepower, ensuring the Audi RS6 e-tron holds its own distinct place in the lineup.

It remains uncertain whether both the electric and gas-powered Audi RS6 models will be available in sedan and wagon body styles. While the A6 e-tron and traditional gas-powered A6 each come in both forms, offering four similar high-performance RS6 variants might risk saturating the market—especially as Audi grapples with softening sales. On the flip side, providing such a broad lineup could help attract a wider range of buyers. Expect clarity soon, as Audi prepares to unveil the new RS6 lineup ahead of its launch.