The RS 6 was last redesigned in 2020 with MLB Evo underpinnings. Powered by the 4.0-liter TFSI V8, the outgoing RS 6 Avant will soon be replaced by the RS 7 Sedan and RS 7 Avant. You can blame Audi's electric vehicle wokeness for this peculiar model name overhaul.
RS 6 will soldier on, though, albeit in the form of two electric vehicles underpinned by an EV-centric platform developed in collaboration with Porsche. Our spy photographers have recently captured the less practical RS 6 e-tron Sedan while towing a two-axle trailer in the Alps in cold weather on Pirelli P Zero tires.
The carparazzi also managed to snap the passenger-side front summer tire from up close, revealing a 255/40 by 21-inch unit with a load index of 102, meaning 850 kilograms or 1,874 pounds. The Y after 102, meanwhile, stands for speeds of 300 kph (186 mph) or higher. Considering how much the PPE-based Audi Q6 e-tron quattro weighs, namely 2,325 kilograms (5,126 pounds) without the driver, it goes without saying that platform brother RS 6 e-tron also needs a set of beefy rubber shoes.
Equipped with black multi-spoke wheels that front ventilated rotors and black-painted calipers, the camouflaged prototype is rocking wider front and rear fenders than the A6 e-tron. The front and rear bumpers are noticeably different as well, although the taillight graphic appears to be similar to prototypes of the less powerful A6 e-tron.
Lowered suspension, a large aerodynamic diffuser, and a front fascia that would make the 2025 Audi RS e-tron GT proud also need to be highlighted, along with recessed-style door handles. Look even closer, and you will notice a charging port on the rear right-side panel.
Photo: Baldauf
PPE stands for Premium Platform Electric, an 800-volt affair with a maximum charging capacity of 270 kilowatts for the Q6 e-tron. That's 21 minutes from 10 to 80 percent, whereas 10 minutes of charging will give you – ideally – a driving range of 255 kilometers (158 miles).
The quattro-equipped Q6 e-tron further boasts a total range of 625 kilometers (388 miles) in the WLTP, with the single-motor Q6 e-tron promising up to 641 kilometers (389 miles). Because it sits lower to the ground, the A6 e-tron should offer a few more clicks from the very same 100-kWh battery with a net capacity of 94.9 kilowatt hours. For reference, the press release for the A6 e-tron concept states over 700 kilometers (435 miles) and zero to 100 kilometers per hour (62 mph) in less than four seconds.
From two electric motors, the concept produces 350 kW and 800 Nm (469 horsepower and 590 pound-feet). With Porsche claiming 470 kW and 1,130 Nm (630 horsepower and 833 pound-feet) from the Porsche Macan Turbo, it's pretty obvious that Audi's first electric RS 6 will exceed 600 ponies. There is hearsay in regard to a max output of 700 horses, but only time will tell how much power the folks at Audi Sport are allowed to extract from the Premium Platform Electric.
Similar to the Macan, air suspension with electronic damping control and rear-axle steering are likely going to be offered. With the A6 e-tron scheduled to premiere this summer as a 2025 model, we look forward to the Audi RS 6 e-tron going live sometime in 2025 as a 2026 model.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?
Google News