The Audi RS6 EV Is Dead On Arrival

Automakers are in a tough spot. Electric vehicle adoption isn’t progressing as quickly as many had expected, prompting companies to reassess their strategies. Several manufacturers have already canceled planned EV projects—and the latest casualty appears to be the Audi RS6 E-Tron.

According to insiders speaking with Top Gear, Audi has canceled the RS6 E-Tron project due to insufficient demand to justify its development. The news comes as a surprise, especially since spy photographers spotted what appeared to be an RS6 E-Tron prototype testing in 2023—though it may not carry that badge after all.

When contacted for comment, an Audi spokesperson declined to address rumors directly but said, “Nevertheless, we can assure you that we are working on performance models based on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE).”

The PPE platform is a shared EV architecture developed by Audi and Porsche, underpinning models like the Macan EV and Audi Q6 E-Tron. Previous reports have suggested that a high-performance Audi on this platform could produce over 700 horsepower.

Audi Is Taking Cues

High-end buyers are losing interest in high-performance EVs. The segment has lost its exclusivity—especially when a car like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N offers 641 horsepower, a 0–60 time of 3.3 seconds, and a starting price of just $67,800.

Luxury automakers are feeling the shift. Brands like Pagani and Koenigsegg have publicly stated that their customers have little to no interest in electric supercars. Ferrari reportedly delayed its second EV due to “zero” demand, and even Lamborghini’s first electric vehicle may be dead on arrival.

Audi already offered a high-powered EV in the RS E-Tron GT, which has 912 horsepower and can reach 60 miles per hour in just 2.4 seconds. That doesn’t leave much room for another high-powered EV—let alone a station wagon.

While Audi might have canceled plans for an electric RS6, a new combustion-powered one is reportedly in development. It won’t have the punch of an electric powertrain, but it could have some electrical assist and just six cylinders.

But nothing is confirmed about the car that Audi is clearly developing. The RS6 will be the ultimate version of the A6 you will be able to get.