Audi has abandoned plans to release a fully electric RS6 E-tron, which was intended to be a high-performance wagon based on the A6 E-tron. The decision is due to weak demand for high-powered electric vehicles, despite previously spotted prototypes with aggressive designs, including enlarged air intakes and pronounced diffusers. Now, the most powerful model in the lineup will remain the S6 E-tron with two electric motors producing 543 hp (405 kW) and a range of 640–670 km thanks to a 100 kWh battery built on the PPE platform developed jointly with Porsche.
Initially, Audi planned to expand the RS6 lineup with two versions: a plug-in hybrid based on the new A6 and an electric RS6 E-tron. However, low interest in high-performance electric vehicles, confirmed by weak demand for the RS E-tron GT (only 473 vehicles sold in the US in the first half of the year), forced the company to revise its strategy. Audi's sales in 2024 fell by 14% compared to the previous year, which also influenced the decision to abandon the project.
Despite the cancellation of the electric RS6, Audi continues to work on the new RS6 Avant with a plug-in hybrid engine, which will retain the model's iconic style: massive air intakes, wide fenders, and dual oval exhausts. The new model, possibly with a V8 engine, is expected to surpass its predecessor in power, competing with the BMW M5 Touring.