Audi's Hottest Electric Wagon Spied Testing

The new Audi RS5 Avant might be getting loads of attention from the automotive press while stealing the hearts of buyers in Europe, but it won't be the only hot wagon in the lineup. Besides the new generation of the RS6 Avant which is expected to debut next year with a potent plug-in hybrid powertrain, there will also be a slightly more tamed fully electric alternative based on the S6 Avant E-tron.

Last year, it was reported that the RS6 Avant E-Tron was cancelled due to slower-than-expected demand for high-performance EVs. Still, our spy photographers kept spotting camouflaged prototypes of a hotter S6 E-tron in Sportback and Avant flavors. According to the latest rumors, this could wear the Performance moniker instead of receiving the full-blown RS treatment.

The latest example of the sporty wagon was caught at the Nürburgring. The bodywork is covered in camouflage wrap, but a few gaps reveal a light gray exterior shade. More importantly, it wears a unique bodykit, differentiating from the existing S6 E-tron.

The front end features redesigned bumper intakes and a more prominent splitter, while retaining the split headlight arrangement and the covered Singleframe grille of the A6/S6 E-Tron family. The front fenders have also been tweaked, with slim openings next to the front doors hinting at a slightly wider stance.

The wagon rides on large-diameter alloy wheels with six double spokes and a diamond-cut finish, joined by sharper side skirts. At the back, we can see a reprofiled roof spoiler and a larger diffuser occupying more space on the rear bumper. Since the model is fully electric, it doesn't get the gigantic oval tailpipes of the RS5 that will also be featured in the upcoming RS6.

For those who prefer SUVs, Audi is also working on a hotter variant of the SQ6 E-tron which shares the same Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture with the S6 E-Tron and the Porsche Macan EV.

Whether Audi will call its new offering the S6 Avant E-Tron Performance or the RS6 Avant E-Tron, it will most likely benefit from some sort of performance and chassis upgrades to justify the redesigned aero. 

The S6 E-Tron is fitted with dual electric motors producing 543 hp (405 kW / 551 PS) when using Launch Control. As a result the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint is completed in 3.9 seconds, before reaching a top speed of 240 km/h (149 mph). The 100 kWh battery pack offers a WLTP range of 640 km (398 miles) between charges.

While Audi has yet to announce a launch date, we expect to learn more about the upcoming high-performance EV in the coming months. Since the flagship e-Tron GT Performance is not offered with an Avant bodystyle, the new model will be Audi Sport's most capable electric wagon. Rivals will include the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4Matic, the BMW i5 M60 xDrive, and the Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo.