Bringing the S6 and RS 6 into the electric era was an itch way too deep for Audi Sport not to scratch. Thus, besides the normal A6 e-tron models, the four-ring brand is also prepping the hotter derivatives.
We saw the RS 6 e-tron testing last month, and now it is time to focus on its lesser sibling, the S6 e-tron, which was recently caught giving its best between the apexes at the Nurburgring. And even with the trippy camouflage on, it is clear that Audi wants to separate it from the range-topping flavor of the series.
For one, the S6 e-tron does not feature the widebody design of the RS 6 e-tron, and that will be one good way to differentiate it. We expect the front and rear bumpers to be less aggressive on the all-quiet RS 6, and it will be interesting to see what the German auto marque does to the closed-off grilles of both cars and their interiors.
But that's a story for when the wraps come off officially, so we will now move on to tell you that the S6 e-tron rode close to the asphalt. Those wheels are likely over 20 inches in diameter (we think 21 or 22, maybe), and they reveal the red brake calipers behind them that do not hug the cross-drilled discs like they do on the RS 6. Nonetheless, that was expected, as the S6 e-tron will basically bridge the gap between the normal versions of the battery-electric A6 and the RS 6.
Photo: Baldauf
The S6 e-tron has a face that is almost identical to the one of the RS 6 e-tron, though that could be the camouflage doing its thing. We can also see a diffuser-like piece at the rear, which is also the same as the one fitted to its punchier sibling. A discreet spoiler decorates the tailgate of the liftback sedan in this instance, and since the power is all-electric, there are no tailpipes, which would have been four round ones on the S6 and two oval ones on the RS 6.
While the RS 6 e-tron is expected to have over 800 horsepower, it is obvious to assume the S6 e-tron will be less powerful. The exact number is yet unknown, though it has been reported that it might arrive with roughly 500 horses. Both vehicles, as well as the normal battery-electric A6, will use the VW Group's PPE platform, shared with the upcoming Porsche Macan EV (and Audi's Q6).
The A6 e-tron is expected to debut in 2024, so its hot versions, the S6 and RS 6, might be due a few months later. Therefore, they might launch as 2025 models, and all of them will be available in the sedan and station wagon body styles.
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
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