This Is Your First Look At Audi's 800-HP Electric RS6 e-tron

Feb. 06, 2023 3:17 PM ET by Jared Rosenholtz Spy Shots / 8 Comments

Audi's sporty EV could be a game changer.

The 2023 Audi A6 e-tron is currently in development, as evidenced by recent spy shots of the car testing in the snow, and now we may have our first look at the faster Audi RS6 e-tron variant.

It's tough to tell from these low-light photos, but the car seen below wears red brake calipers that are larger than the A6 e-tron we previously spotted. This could hint that this is the high-performance RS model.

Rumors suggest the RS6 e-tron will retain the same body style as the standard A6 e-tron but gain a wider body, bigger wheels, and significantly more power. The all-electric performance sedan could arrive as early as 2024, sporting over 800 horsepower from a dual-motor setup.

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As a reminder, the A6 e-tron and the RS version will ride on Audi's upcoming PPE (Premium Platform Electric) platform that is currently being co-developed with Porsche. This platform will sport an 800-volt charging architecture with 270 kW charge speeds and will underpin future models like the Audi Q6 e-tron and Porsche Macan EV.

Audi hasn't confirmed any official performance figures for the A6 e-tron, but the concept boasted a 100 kWh battery yielding a 435-mile range (WLTP). With 469 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, the base car can hit 60 mph in under four seconds, so the more potent RS version will be significantly quicker.

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We've only spotted the sedan variant thus far, but Audi reportedly wants to build an Avant version of both models.

Even if the RS6 Avant e-tron doesn't reach production, the standard RS6 e-tron will be a Sportback design with a hatch rather than a traditional trunk. It's unclear where this leaves the A7 in Audi's electric future, as it currently fills the role in the lineup of a midsize sedan with a liftback.

Expect to see more information about the A6 e-tron late this year, with the RS model arriving next year.

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This Is Your First Look At Audi's 800-HP Electric RS6 e-tron

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This Is Your First Look At Audi's 800-HP Electric RS6 e-tron

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