New Audi RS6 Avant Is Taking Shape — And It’s Keeping a Gas Engine

The last time we covered spy shots of an Audi RS6 Avant, we saw an all-electric prototype with split headlights. That high-performance electric wagon has now reportedly been canceled, but a combustion-powered RS6 is still happening, and as these new spy shots confirm, it won’t conform to the split headlight fad, instead adopting a look that is somewhat familiar. Much like the new A4-replacing A5 sedan, the RS6 will get one-piece headlights with sharp angles, making the wagon look somewhat traditional. It’ll also take some styling inspiration from the limited-run RS6 Avant GT that signaled the end of the C8 generation.

Hybrid RS6 Gets Aggressive Looks

At the front, those headlights sit atop an angry-looking fascia that features large upright side intakes that flank a new interpretation of the Singelframe grille with complex diamond-shaped mesh above and below a horizontal element that houses the license plate. As is customary, the expansive roof will feature rails that will allow the fitment of a roofbox if so desired, while the profile reveals flush (but not recessed) physical door handles. More interestingly, the front fenders will feature vertical air outlets like the aforementioned GT runout special, and all the way at the rear, the oval exhaust outlets seem larger than ever before. They’re closer to the center of the diffuser panel, which will also be more aggressive with several vertical vanes. Expect some color contrast in this region, too.

Speaking of color, this test mule’s underlying paint appears to be a paler, more metallic color than the Nogaro Blue traditionally associated with the C8 model. Finally, the taillights will have an L-shape more commonly seen on SUVs, and while the front lighting system may have resisted the urge to follow trends, the rear appears to be continuing the extended lightbar fad.

Hybrid V8 Power Expected But Not Yet Confirmed

We know that this RS6 features a hybrid powertrain due to the high-voltage yellow triangle decal visible in the driver window, but what sort of combustion engine will accompany it has not yet been confirmed. Some rumors have suggested that a twin-turbo V6 like that in the outgoing RS5 might appear, but that might be a risky move when the V8-powered BMW M5 Touring is performing so well. If we had to guess, we’d posit that a V8 will live on, possibly like the High Performance Hybrid V8 that corporate stablemate Bentley uses; the Ultra Performance Hybrid will likely be too rich for Audi’s blood. Either way, that would mean 4.0 liters of displacement and two turbos, and well over 600 horsepower. Whether the RS6 will come close to the 717 hp offered in its Bimmer rival remains to be seen, but we’ll have to wait to find out – the C9 RS6 is only likely to arrive as a 2027 model, meaning a reveal will take place sometime in the second half of next year.