Audi is preparing to reintroduce the RS6 sedan after a 15-year hiatus, alongside the familiar Avant variant. This move not only expands the RS6 family but also brings significant changes to its powertrain, with discussions centering on the adoption of a new V8 engine sourced from an unexpected brand.
For the next-generation C9 RS6, Audi is reportedly considering two main engine options. The first is a plug-in hybrid 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6, adapted from the RS5 and reworked for higher performance. Audi aims for this version to exceed the current RS6’s 630 bg and 825 Nm tork, staying competitive within the segment.
The more notable alternative is the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 plug-in hybrid, already in use by the Bentley Continental GT Speed. This engine delivers 771 bg and 1.000 Nm tork, positioning the RS6 as a direct rival to models such as the BMW M5, both in sedan and Touring form. Audi has not confirmed which route it will take, as development is ongoing.
The next RS6 will be available in both sedan and Avant body styles, marking a return to form for the model’s enthusiasts. Prototypes have revealed design cues like flared fenders, reinforced bumpers, and dual exhaust outlets, echoing the RS5’s appearance but with a more pronounced, executive presence.
Audi emphasizes the RS6’s versatility, noting its capability for towing trailers, yachts, and boats. This practicality sets it apart from the smaller RS5, highlighting a different target buyer profile—one that expects both high performance and luxury travel capabilities.
The performance bar for Audi’s RS line continues to rise, with the new RS5 already delivering more power than the outgoing RS6. In response, Audi is focused on ensuring the next RS6 stands out not just in acceleration, but also as a complete, well-rounded package. The plug-in hybrid options under consideration reflect this ambition, aiming to offer both efficiency and substantial output.
With the promise of higher power figures and a renewed sedan offering, Audi positions the RS6 to compete directly with established models like the BMW M5. The addition of a plug-in hybrid V8, especially one shared with Bentley, would give the RS6 a unique selling point in the performance sedan and wagon segment.
The RS6’s historical significance within Audi’s lineup is not lost on the brand’s management. Company representatives stress the importance of maintaining each generation’s unique characteristics, ensuring the next RS6 is more than an RS5 in a different shell.
The return of the RS6 sedan signals Audi’s intent to broaden its reach in the performance luxury segment. By exploring both a powerful V6 hybrid and the possibility of a Bentley-derived V8, Audi shows it understands the demands of buyers who seek both practicality and top-tier performance. The dual-body approach caters to those who want family versatility without sacrificing speed. As the RS line evolves, the next RS6 will be judged by how well it balances tradition with innovation, particularly against rivals like the BMW M5. The final specification and its impact on Audi’s market position will be closely watched as launch details emerge.
