Enthusiasts, get ready to welcome a new beast to the Audi Sport lineup. Spy photographers have captured revealing glimpses of what is believed to be the upcoming Audi Rs7 Avant, undergoing rigorous testing at the Nürburgring and in arctic conditions. This sighting confirms that Audi is indeed developing a successor to the beloved RS6 Avant, but with a twist – electrification.
This prototype, heavily clad in camouflage, is part of Audi’s next-generation A7 family rollout. We’ve already seen spy shots of the standard A7 sedan and Avant, the rugged A7 Allroad, and even the sporty S7 Avant. This new generation A7 marks a strategic shift for Audi. While the current A7 range utilizes the Sportback liftback design, the future will see a clearer distinction: sedans replacing the gas-powered A6 sedan models, and Avant wagons stepping in for the traditional A6 Avant wagons.
Audi’s commitment to both electric and combustion engines is evident in their evolving model strategy. The all-electric A6 E-Tron Sportback has already been unveiled, but Audi recognizes the continued demand for gasoline-powered vehicles in the midsize segment. This is where the A7 family, including this potent Audi RS7 Avant, comes into play. Aligned with Audi’s new naming convention, odd numbers will denote internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, while even numbers are reserved for EVs.
Audi RS7 Avant prototype undergoing testing, showcasing its aggressive front fascia and wide intakes.
Identifying this prototype as the RS7 Avant is straightforward thanks to signature RS design cues. The aggressive front fascia, characterized by significantly enlarged air intakes, is a telltale sign. Furthermore, the widened wheel arches, accommodating a more muscular stance, and the rear fascia cutouts,预示着预示着 the eventual integration of iconic RS oval exhaust tips, leave little doubt about its performance pedigree.
While the exact powertrain remains under wraps, the automotive world anticipates a plug-in hybrid setup for the Audi RS7 Avant. The most plausible configuration involves pairing the current RS 7’s formidable twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 engine with an electric motor integrated within the transmission. This powertrain architecture is already employed across the Volkswagen Group, notably in Porsche’s Cayenne and Panamera models, Lamborghini’s Urus, and Bentley’s Continental GT, showcasing its proven performance and reliability.
Currently, the RS 7 boasts a maximum output of 621 horsepower. Electrification promises to elevate the next-generation Audi RS7 Avant‘s power figures, potentially pushing beyond the 700 horsepower mark. Consider the BMW M5, a key rival, which in its latest iteration also adopts a V-8 plug-in hybrid system, delivering a staggering 717 horsepower. The competition in the high-performance wagon segment is heating up.
Rear view of the 2026 Audi RS7 Avant prototype, highlighting widened wheel arches and exhaust cutouts.
Audi has yet to officially announce details regarding the new A7 family, but industry experts believe it will utilize an updated version of the current MLB platform, known as PPC (Premium Platform Combustion). This platform recently debuted with the redesigned A5 family. The first A7 models are expected to be unveiled in early 2025, with models reaching the U.S. market potentially as 2026 models. For American enthusiasts, the Audi RS7 Avant is poised to be a particularly significant arrival, directly replacing the much-adored RS 6 Avant, which is concluding its run after 2025. The legacy of the performance Audi wagon is set to continue, electrified and evolved, with the Audi RS7 Avant.
