600-hp Audi RS 6 e-tron (Electric) to pursue a distinctive design [Update]

Update: ‘Design’ section revised.

While the gas-powered A6 sedan didn’t come in the RS flavor after the third generation, the pure-electric A6 will mark the return of the Audi RS 6 sedan. That’s great news for Audi RS fans outside Europe, where customers prefer sedans and coupes over station wagons. Here’s everything you can expect from the Audi RS 6 Electric.

Design

The A6 Electric range is expected to spawn multiple performance variants, with the RS sitting at the top of the ladder. The RS variant of the e-tron GT doesn’t offer a great deal of differentiation from the regular model. However, Audi Sport aims to ensure that the RS variant of the A6 Electric stands out with a more distinct design. Dr. Sebastian Grams, Managing Director of Audi Sport, emphasized the importance of creating wilder and visually distinct models to set them apart from regular Audi cars, as reported by Auto Express on May 18, 2023.

Audi’s Head of Design Marc Lichte told the British publication Top Gear that the RS 6 e-tron will get suitable exterior styling updates, larger alloy wheels, and a wider track that will not only enhance the car’s stance but also make it look sportier than the standard A6 Electric. Lichte went on to say “I tell you, you will love our RS EVs.” 

I presented these (future RS models) to 1,000 managers of our group in Berlin. And they went crazy when they saw the images and the models on the stage. 

Marc Lichte, Head of Design at Audi, to Top Gear magazine

Spy photographers in Europe have shot the first test prototypes of the performance A6 Electric, confirming the planned body changes. In these pictures, we observe a slightly wider track, wider tires, pushed-out wheel arches, and large slotted brake discs, but there are no discernible changes to the ground clearance, as compared to the standard A6 e-tron mules. We also don’t see special aero parts on the bodywork, but note that this was an early prototype.

Interior

The Audi RS 6 e-tron will have the same basic interior design as its donor. We reckon that it would be distinguished with unique styling touches such as exclusive puddle lights, upholstery, stitching, and trim. The artificial sound package will feature ‘RS’ exclusive options that complement the car’s rapid acceleration, precise cornering, and impressive top speed. The special auditory enhancements should provide both the driver and passengers with a more exhilarating experience.

The 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit, 14.5-inch MMI touch display, and 10.9-inch MMI front passenger display should display special RS graphics. These dashboard displays will be part of the standard equipment. The instrument cluster and central display may have additional settings for viewing and tuning performance and chassis settings, respectively.

Specifications

The RS 6 Electric will share a dual-motor powertrain with an upgraded Taycan model, which Porsche will unveil in 2025, as per a report Autocar published on August 4, 2023. Said to pack up to 600 horsepower and over 738 pound-feet of torque, the RS 6 e-tron may race from 0 to 60 mph in just approximately 3 seconds and achieve a top speed of around 200 mph.

Audi Sport Managing Director Sebastian Grams has indicated that the RS 6 e-tron and other future Audi RS EVs would have special driving modes and their powertrain may generate a special sound, as per a report Autocar published on July 24, 2023. The silent operation of the electric powertrain will likely push the company to find new ways to differentiate the Audi RS EVs from the regular Audi EVs and ensure customers don’t feel they’re not as exciting to drive as gas-powered Audi RS models.

Release Date

The Audi RS 6 e-tron sedan will be unveiled in 2024, Top Gear reported in a story published on January 27, 2023, but it seems the timeline has been pushed back. According to the more recent Autocar report, the RS 6 e-tron will go on sale in the UK in 2025. The Model S Plaid rival should launch in the U.S. later that year. The RS 6 e-tron would compete with the Mercedes-AMG EQE, Tesla Model S Plaid, and Lucid Air Sapphire.

TopElectricSUV says

The Audi RS 6 e-tron, built as a dedicated EV, is set to retain the spaciousness and practicality inherent to the A6 e-tron, making it a useful everyday car. However, its distinctive edge would be in its brutal acceleration and dynamic performance, primed for track day excitement at the flick of a switch (or MMI setting!). Besides the regular RS-goodies, owners of the RS 6 e-tron will benefit from the inherent low operational costs of EVs as well.

Audi RS 6 e-tron FAQs

Featured image: TopElectricSUV’s rendering of a sporty Audi A6 Electric model.