Audi S6: Upcoming Generation Revealed Undisguised as Plug-in Hybrid

(Motorsport-Total.com/Motor1) – Audi caused a stir in mid-June with a wide-body surprise – the new A6 Allroad looks more like a lifted RS 6 with its strikingly flared wheel arches. And it looks like the A6 family is growing significantly. If the video below is any indication, we will very soon be presented with a new S6. Prototypes are already doing completely uncovered laps on the Nürburgring.

Read more MotoGP Training Silverstone 2026: Bezzecchi sets new lap record

Of the two body variants caught by car spotter Jeroen, only the Avant wears a kind of pseudo-camouflage – basically just a piece of tape on the tailgate that is supposed to cover the S6 badge. Audi has meanwhile done away with the unpopular fake tailpipes. So: what you see is real. European customers still remember the less glorious times of the diesel-powered S6 with its suggested four tailpipe trims – fortunately, this will no longer be the case with the successor.

Although Audi has not yet provided any information about the powertrain of the next S6, the fuel filler flap on the left rear fender actually reveals everything. The yellow high-voltage warning at the top left of the rear window also shows that we are dealing with an electrified prototype. The new S6 is likely to be the first plug-in hybrid model with an S badge. However, it is not Audi Sport’s first PHEV, as the new RS 5 was faster in that regard.

How much power is to be expected?

In terms of power, the new S6 is likely to be well above the S5, whose 3.0-liter V6 delivers 367 hp and 550 Nm without electric assistance. It is quite likely that it will adopt the 2.9-liter biturbo V6 plus electric motor from the mentioned RS 5. Whether it will deliver the same 640 hp and 825 Nm is at least questionable. It has to leave some room for the upcoming RS 6. For the latter, we expect a V8 plug-in hybrid that will surely approach 750 hp.

Read more August 4, 2001: The fatal VLN accident of Ulli Richter

Audi S6 at the Nürburgring

Technically, Audi already sells a model called S6. Although it is rarely a topic: the S6 E-Tron has been on the market for two years and offers a system output of up to 551 hp with two electric motors.

We assume that Audi will show the new S6 at the Paris Motor Show 2026 in the first half of October, although an early online premiere is not excluded. Shortly thereafter, the market launch in Europe is expected.

Also new at Audi
Audi Q9 launches in Europe with diesel, but more engines will follow
New Audi interiors: subtle screens, more buttons, better quality

Read more MotoGP Live Ticker Silverstone: Bezzecchi sets record on Friday

Source: Carspotter Jeroen / YouTube