New Audi RS6 won’t be a “copycat” RS5

Audi has promised the next-generation RS6 will be far more than a scaled-up version of the new plug-in hybrid RS5, as speculation intensifies about whether the iconic performance wagon will downsize from V8 to V6 power.

Speaking with carsales at the launch of the 2026 RS3 Competition Limited, Audi Sport boss Rolf Michl said the next RS6 would deliver a “really, really convincing package” and not be a “copycat” of the RS5.

The comments come as Audi weighs two powertrain directions for the next RS6: a more powerful evolution of the RS5’s plug-in hybrid V6, or a higher-torque V8 system.

By combining a twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 and an electric motor, the new RS5’s PHEV system produces more total power (470kW/825Nm) than the outbound, non-hybrid V8 RS6 (463kW/850Nm).

The problem is that the RS5 is easily the most powerful V6 hybrid found anywhere in the Volkswagen Group. It has the most combustion-only power (375kW/600Nm) and its electric motor (130kW/460Nm) is only bested very slightly by a 140kW unit available in Porsche and Bentley models.

Adopting the six-cylinder Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid’s 140kW electric motor would only make the next-gen RS6 marginally more powerful than the RS5 – while being noticeably heavier.

That could make it plausible for the RS6 to borrow the ‘Ultra Performance Hybrid’ from the latest Bentley Continental GT Speed, which couples a 441kW/800Nm twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 with a 140kW/450Nm electric motor.

Combined outputs for Bentley’s V8 PHEV are 575kW/1000Nm; a 20 per cent uplift over the RS5 and would provide the effortless character that aligns to the RS6’s flagship role, particularly now the S8 sedan is dead.

“We know about the meaning of the RS6 for our history… be sure that we are carefully regarding all our generations of RS6,” Michl said.

“Every generation had its USPs, and also the oncoming generation will show that.

Asked whether the RS6 needed a V8 to be mechanically distinct, Michl offered a few hints.

“In different RS6 generations, I have driven 250,000-300,000km at least. I drive a lot in a mixture now of the B10 RS5 and C8 RS6. For me, it is very obvious where the cars are separate, and this is by far, more than a question of cylinders,” he said.

“For me, the most important thing is a convincing package – I can make absolutely sure it is not a copycat, in all dimensions.

“We know about the value of RS6 customers; it is a different [buyer] profile. An RS6 today is also a very luxurious travel machine.

“It has to be absolutely performant, and sovereign – but performance and sovereignty is not only a question of an engine.”

Expect to see the RS6 lean into advanced chassis systems including adaptive air suspension and active roll stabilisation – features the more athletically-orientated RS5 lacks.

Unlike the RS5, the larger RS6 will retain a higher degree of usability, with buyers demanding the retention of heavy towing capacity: “It has to tow horses, yachts, boats,” Michl said.

Dimensionally, the RS6 is expected to be around 100mm longer than the RS5 on a 25mm longer wheelbase, while being similar in both width and height.

While an answer on engine cylinder count is forthcoming, Michl indicated the RS6 is already well advanced and that the company is confident in the final product.

“We know what is absolutely essential [and] we definitely know what has to be added to have a really good next step,” he said.

The production version of the ‘C9’ RS6 is expected to be revealed in late 2026 ahead of an early 2027 launch.

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