- Audi is working on a hotter S6 e-tron, which could be a performance variant.
- The model was originally believed to be an RS6, but that may not be the case.
- Whatever it’s called, it features sportier styling and will likely have over 600 hp.
Last year, reports emerged that Audi had decided to kill the RS6 e-tron. This was curious as prototypes were spotted shortly after the car’s rumored demise.
We haven’t heard much about the model since last September, but prototypes were recently spotted near the Nürburgring. It’s reportedly a Performance variant and not a full RS version, which could help to explain reports about its rumored demise.
More: RS6 E-Tron Spotted Testing Even As Rumors Claim Audi Pulled The Plug
Looking decidedly more aggressive than the S6 Sportback e-tron, the model has a unique front bumper with revised intakes that incorporate horizontal slats at the outside edges. They’re joined by vertical air curtains and a familiar honeycomb mesh pattern.
The sporty styling continues further back as the prototype has new front fender vents and sportier side skirts. We can also see sizable wheels that are backed up by a high-performance braking system with red calipers.
Changes to the rear end are less noticeable, but a closer inspection reveals a new bumper and a sportier diffuser. They’re joined by a familiar spoiler that appears to carryover from the standard S6.
SHProshots
The model will be offered in Sportback and Avant body styles, and the latter prototype rides on mismatched wheels. Other than that, it’s largely identical to its sibling.
Spy photographers didn’t get a good look inside, but we can likely expect a familiar cabin with an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.5-inch infotainment system, and an optional 10.9-inch front passenger display. They’ll likely be joined by a flat-bottom steering wheel and sport seats.
SHProshots
Performance specifications remain a mystery, but the S6 e-tron has a 100 kWh battery pack that feeds a dual-motor all-wheel drive system developing up to 543 hp (405 kW / 550 PS). This enables the model to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in as little as 3.7 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 149 mph (240 km/h). The car is also notable for having a 270 kW DC fast charging capability, which takes the battery from 10-80% in around 20 minutes.
The S6 e-tron performance will undoubtedly be more powerful and rumors had suggested the RS6 e-tron could have around 805 hp (600 kW / 816 PS). However, that number seems pretty optimistic if the model isn’t getting the full RS treatment.
