Next-gen Audi RS 7 Avant caught testing in new spy photos

Audi’s RS 6 Avant replacement was first spotted testing at the Nürburgring this week. This new RS 7 Avant prototype confirms that even after the company completes its next lineup-wide rebranding effort, a gasoline-powered performance wagon will remain in the lineup. But if you were expecting Audi to back off on its electrification efforts, we’ve got bad news for you. The sticker on this prototype’s windshield warns first responders that it’s equipped with a high-voltage battery. Hybrids are here to stay, my friends.

We don’t have anything from Audi on its next-generation RS powertrain, but we may have some hints from Porsche. The 2024 Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid was also revamped for the latest model year and features 670 horsepower from its plug-in hybrid V-8 powertrain. Porsche’s premium sedans have been hovering in this range for a while, while Audi’s latest V-8-based RS models make do with just 621 horsepower. We suspect the hierarchy will remain intact for the next-generation RS, meaning we don’t expect a major power bump, but the introduction of a new Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid will create a bit more breathing room for Audi’s larger RS ​​models.

If you’re wondering why the name change happened, the move from the RS 6 to the RS 7 is largely due to electrification. Audi wants to make it easier for customers to differentiate between electric and combustion engine models. Starting in 2025, the company will dedicate the even-numbered nomenclature to electric models and the odd-numbered variants to gasoline and diesel models. We’ve already seen the first steps of this consolidation taking shape.

While this essentially forces Audi to consolidate the RS 6 and RS 7 into one model, it stands to reason that we’ll see not only this RS 7 Avant, but also a Sportback version to replace the existing model. Whether or not an A6-like sedan model materializes will likely depend on Audi’s confidence in old-school four-door sales in other global markets. Luxury sedans have a hard time selling in the United States, as have their smaller cousins.

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