Audi is set to produce a V8 hybrid RS6 instead of moving solely to electric vehicles, according to reports.

      Audi

      Get The Drive’s daily newsletter

      The latest automotive news, reviews, and features.

      In a rapid shift, Audi appears to have shifted from removing internal combustion engines from its global lineup to reviving one of its most cherished gas-powered performance models. Contrary to previous reports, the forthcoming RS6 may not be exclusively available with an electric powertrain; instead, it will include a V8 variant, featuring an updated version of the current 4.0-liter engine in a plug-in hybrid configuration, according to Autocar.

      This reported change in direction can be attributed to the same reasoning that has led Ferrari to postpone its first mass-produced electric vehicle and Ford to focus on new hybrids rather than successors to their existing battery-electric models. Ultimately, this is driven by demand. This information comes at a time when pressure from member countries, particularly Germany, is increasing to overturn the European Union’s 2035 engine ban.

      When approached for a comment on Autocar’s report regarding a new V8 hybrid RS6, an Audi representative did not deny the information and provided The Drive with this statement: “We have always indicated that 2033 was a target date and that we have the capability to adapt with entirely new EV and ICE architectures. We continue to invest in new EV and ICE models and have recently launched several key products. We introduced the Q6 e-tron at the end of 2024 and just released the Q5, A5, and A6 e-tron, with more models, including RS variants, to follow.”

      The current RS6 Avant. Those wheels are fantastic.

      The expected hybrid powertrain would allow the new RS6 to compete directly with the BMW M5, as both will be high-performance V8-powered vehicles augmented by electric motors. Furthermore, Audi is reportedly aligning with BMW’s approach in another respect: the next-generation RS6 is said to be available as both a wagon and a sedan, a distinction Audi hasn’t offered in 15 years, as per Autocar.

      Audi already has the technology to create a plug-in hybrid RS6 within the Volkswagen group, largely thanks to Porsche. The E-Hybrid system utilized in the Cayenne and Panamera, for example, could guide Audi's implementation of the gas-powered RS6. There will undoubtedly be a weight penalty associated with this setup, which is unavoidable; however, electrification will be essential for Audi to provide an RS-level driving experience while complying with Euro 7 emissions standards.

      As for the RS6 E-Tron, it is reported to feature a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive powertrain, generating around 670 horsepower and 700 lb-ft of torque, according to the publication. Given that many automakers are adopting a modular strategy for future vehicle platforms, there’s no reason Audi and others shouldn’t cater to enthusiasts’ desires, whether for a V8 or an all-electric performance model.

      Got tips? Send ’em to [email protected]