The story of the RS6 For the last 22 years, the Audi RS6 has been in a bloody battle with both the BMW M5 and the Mercedes–Benz AMG E63. But where the M5 and E63 excelled in precision, power, balance, and smiles, the RS6 was more about immediate grip and go, making it the ultimate getaway car. The current generation C8 will soon end, with the recently launched 660-built, 621 horsepower, 190 mph RS6 GT serving as a swansong for both this generation and petrol power being utilized in the world’s beloved escape mobile. As spy shots and recent news from Audi themselves have revealed, the RS6 will be going fully electric. Is this bruiser still capable of giving an M5 and E63 a bloody nose, or has it shifted focus and become a Taycan rival? The story of the RS6 Audi's plan for an all-electric future Audi has made it no secret that their long-term goal is to release only fully electric vehicles from 2026 onwards. It also states that all petrol-powered and hybrid cars will eventually be phased out between 2029 and 2033. From 2025 onwards, all Audi models designated with an even number will be fully electric, and those that are odd may still utilize internal combustion engines. Nowhere is this better illustrated than with the new A6 e–Tron. Audi recently unveiled their new $131,000, 550 brake horsepower S6 e–Tron. But of course, we’re not interested in the S6; the model we all want is the full-fat, police-evading powerhouse, the RS6. What we garner from spy shots and rumors Despite the lack of official statistics from these spy shots and rumors, there are some facts and figures that we do know about the new RS6 e-Tron. Given the S6 is now at a three-figure cost, more than likely, the new RS6 e-Tron will be well over $155,000. Design-wise, the new RS6 e–Tron appears to feature a more outlandish front bumper, subtly wider wheel arches, lowered suspension, and a small spoiler to separate it from the rest of the range. That being said, the overall proportions are a lot sleeker and curvaceous, contrasting with the more square, butch “don’t mess with me” stance its predecessors excelled at. And for the first time since the C7, the RS6 will be available in both Avant and Sportback form. Going by history, the car's interior will likely feature a sportier steering wheel and Alcantara stitching that has become accustomed to RS6s. However, given the RS6 is now fully electric, its boot will likely be larger than the previous petrol-powered cars. Whilst nothing has been confirmed, rumours have it that the RS6 e–Tron may produce a hair-raising 805 horsepower, nearly 200 more than the outgoing GT. The instant torque of an electric motor will result in a 0–62 time of less than 3 seconds. Audi also predicts the RS6 e–Tron will achieve a maximum of 430 miles of range. Rumors state the RS6 will share many components with the recently electrified PorscheMacan features a motor driving each wheel. Handling-wise, the car will have a low center of gravity, which hopefully counteracts the nearly 3-ton weight. Still an M5 or E63 rival, or has it boosted to Taycan status? The new G90 M5 has gone hybrid, and the new E63 AMG will be a hybrid, but the RS6 seems to have gone in a completely opposite direction from its core rivals. If rumors are to be believed, it will have nearly 100 more horsepower than both its ex-competitors. The RS6 was always the odd one out of this trio in the past, but given this radical shift in its powertrain, it now feels more like a Porsche Taycan Turbo S rival. Whether this will turn out to be true is yet to be seen. Still, the getaway car we all love Whilst it’s sad to know the ultimate getaway car is no longer being fuelled by petrol, the new RS6 e–Tron will certainly be a game-changer in Audi’s long-term EV plan. And look at it this way: in the past, police failed to keep up with an RS6, but with it going EV, they won’t even hear it leaving. A representation of Audi’s mantra, and fingers crossed, still the ultimate getaway car.
