New Audi RS6 Prototype Caught Testing—And It’s No EV

Audi Cancels RS6 Avant EV, But a New Combustion-Powered Version is Coming

As the US electric vehicle market shifts, automakers are re-evaluating their EV plans. Audi is no exception. Despite debuting the battery-powered A6 E-Tron sedan, the company has reportedly canceled its plans for a high-performance RS6 Avant EV.

The Good News: A New Combustion-Powered RS6 is Still in the Works

While the cancellation of the RS6 Avant EV may be disappointing for some enthusiasts, there’s still hope for fans of the performance wagon. Audi is working on a new combustion-powered version of the RS6, and a recent spy video has caught the upcoming model testing on public roads in Spain.

Spy Video Reveals the New RS6’s Powertrain

The video, posted on the NCars YouTube channel, shows the RS6 prototype testing on public roads. While the exact powertrain is still a mystery, it’s clear that this isn’t an EV. The videographer suggests that the prototype features either a V-6 or V-8 engine paired with a plug-in hybrid system, with recent spy shots from the Nürburgring supporting the hybrid theory.

What to Expect from the New RS6

Originally, the RS6 EV was rumored to deliver nearly 700 horsepower on Audi’s Premium Platform Electric. If rumors are true, the new plug-in hybrid version could be even more powerful, potentially producing upwards of 730 horsepower. The current RS6 Avant Performance already makes 621 horsepower in the US, so a significant boost in power is expected.

Performance Wagons See a Resurgence in the US

Interestingly, performance wagons have seen a resurgence in popularity, especially in the US. Audi reported that RS6 orders had reached an all-time high, with demand up 41 percent in the first half of the year compared to 2024. Other manufacturers, such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz, have also seen strong demand for their wagon offerings.

The New RS6 is Scheduled to Debut in 2026

The next-generation RS6 is scheduled to debut in 2026, with sales likely beginning in time for the 2027 model year. We’ll have to wait and see what Audi has in store for the new RS6, but based on the spy video and rumors, it looks like it’s going to be a powerful and exciting performance wagon.