The next-gen RS6 Avant will probably be the last to include an internal combustion engine, with the following models probably going all-electric.
Audi introduced the fast wagon into the American markets in 2021, quickly garnering attention with its speed and practicality. Therefore, fans would be happy to realize that the RS6 Avant will be succeeded by a newer model with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Surprisingly this news was announced exactly 20 years into the model’s launch. Although the ongoing RS6 Avant C8 model will remain in production until the middle of this decade, it may likely be the end of the model’s exclusive use of combustion engines.
Audi has made its intentions quite clear on how it plans to hop into the all-electric bandwagon. As per the plan, the Ingolstadt automaker will adopt a three-stage product plan; it starts with a mild hybrid, then a plug-in hybrid, and the final destination is fully electric.
The current RS6 Avant C8 isn’t a fully gas-fueled powertrain — it runs a 48V mild-hybrid system alongside the notorious 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. Hence, the next-gen RS6 Avant C9 set to release on 2026 will pack a plug-in hybrid powertrain, as confirmed by the current head of R&D at Audi, Stephan Reil.
However, buyers may have to wait until the next decade for a fully electric RS6 Avant. Meanwhile, Audi will launch an all-electric version of the A6 sedan, which should boast an RS variant, so it’s unclear how the company will merge both models.
What is interesting is the allegory behind Audi’s statement that it will stop developing new internal combustion engines in 2026. Considering that the company has yet to provide a deadline for producing its ICE models, it may be safe to assume that Audi may still go hand in hand with both EV and ICE vehicles for a couple of years.
