RS 6 e-tron reportedly cancelled due to insufficient market interest and production cost concerns.
Standard A6 and S6 e-tron models will continue in Europe and North American markets.
Sales of current RS 6 Avant rose 41%, reflecting ongoing interest in high-performance wagons.
Audi has reportedly shelved plans to develop an RS 6 e-tron, the high-performance variant of its electric A6 lineup, due to concerns over limited market demand. The decision is attributed to internal sources who claim the model would not sell well enough to justify production costs.
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While the standard A6 e-tron and S6 e-tron remain part of Audi’s electrified lineup in Europe and North America, the RS 6-badged version is not expected to move forward. Sources pointed to the performance and sales figures of the e-tron GT as a key indicator of limited consumer appetite for high-powered electric estates.
Although interest in the GT may be limited, for several reasons, including the fact that it holds no legacy, appeal, or standing, an RS 6 Avant e-tron would effortlessly serve as the e-tron lineup’s flagship offering, even priced at nearly $200,000. The RS 6 is an aspirational vehicle, while the GT stands for nothing. This is a mistake in our opinion.
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The current RS 6 Avant, which uses a twin-turbocharged V8 engine, will continue to be sold in various markets. However, that model is expected to be phased out and replaced by a new generation based on the updated gasoline-powered A6 platform. Audi has not confirmed whether the replacement will retain a combustion engine or adopt a hybrid system, in line with developments seen in Bentley, Lamborghini, and Porsche.
Sales of the existing RS 6 Avant have risen globally by 41% year-over-year, driven by continued interest in high-performance wagons and the uncertain future of gasoline-powered performance vehicles. Competition from models such as BMW’s M5 Touring and potentially more offerings from Mercedes-AMG are also believed to be contributing to market momentum in this niche segment. Granted, there aren’t many Porsche Taycan Sport and Cross Turismo EVs on the road…
Despite the RS 6 e-tron’s cancellation, Audi plans to continue offering high-output electric models, including the 543-hp S6 e-tron.
The 2025 Audi e-tron GT range | Photo: AudiSource: Road & Track
