The future of performance is coming into focus as the Audi RS6 e-tron has been spied wearing less camouflage than ever before. In fact, this particular prototype looks virtually production-ready. That’s a big step and we can see the model will have an expressive front fascia with a wide lower intake that is flanked by vertical air curtains. If the design looks familiar, it should as the RS Q6 Sportback e-tron was recently spied with a similar bumper.
Sticking up front, there’s a pronounced
chin as well as split lighting units. We can also expect a fully enclosed
grille with a prominent four-ring logo. As we move further back, we can see
lightweight wheels that are backed up by a high-performance braking system. The
model also has front fender vents, which echo those found on the aforementioned
crossover. Rounding out the highlights are sporty side skirts, flush-mounted
door handles, and a sport-tuned suspension with what appears to be a reduced
ride height. We can also see a relatively tame rear end with slender taillights
and a sizable diffuser.
Spy photographers haven’t gotten a good
look inside, but the model could follow in the footsteps of the Q6 e-tron. That
remains to be seen, but the crossover has an 11.9-inch digital instrument
cluster, a 14.5-inch infotainment system, and a 10.9-inch front passenger
display. We can also expect an assortment of RS-specific features including
sport seats and carbon fiber trim.
Powertrain details remain elusive, but the
model rides on the PPE platform that underpins the aforementioned Q6 e-tron and
Porsche Macan Electric. These models could provide some hints as the SQ6 e-tron
has a dual-motor all-wheel drive system that produces up to 510 hp. This enables the model to accelerate from 0-96 km/h in
approximately 4.2 seconds and hit a top speed of 230 km/h.
The Macan Turbo Electric develops up to
630 hp and 1,129 Nm of torque. That allows the
crossover to hit 96 km/h in 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 259 km/h. Rumors have suggested the RS6 e-tron could exceed those numbers,
but we’ll likely get a better idea of what to expect when the standard model
debuts this summer.