Audi’s newest test vehicle is generating excitement among enthusiasts: the powerful RS 7 Avant. Recently spotted testing, this new addition to the A7 lineup promises to elevate performance while maintaining the sleek and sophisticated aesthetics Audi is known for.
Fans may recall previous test sightings of other A7 variants, including the standard A7 sedan, the versatile A7 Avant, the rugged A7 Allroad, and the sporty S7 Avant. Currently, the family of A7 models is united by a distinctive Sportback liftback design, blending elegance with functionality. However, significant changes are on the horizon. The upcoming generation of A7 will include both sedans and Avant wagons that will eventually replace the existing gas-powered A6 sedan and A6 Avant, respectively.
This shift comes hot on the heels of Audi’s launch of the A6 E-Tron Sportback earlier this year, reinforcing the company’s commitment to a robust lineup of mid-size cars powered by traditional gasoline engines. It’s a strategy that outlines a clear direction in Audi’s evolving portfolio, emphasizing that while electrification is a priority, there’s still a vibrant market for internal combustion engines. This approach ties into Audi’s new naming convention introduced last year, which designates even numbers for electric models and odd numbers for those powered by gasoline.
The RS 7 Avant prototype is unmistakably part of the RS family, with its aggressive front fascia, prominent air intakes, flared wheel arches, and distinctive cutouts at the back that accommodate signature RS oval exhaust tips. It’s not just a pretty face, either. While there has yet to be an official confirmation of the powertrain details, insider speculation suggests that this new model will be equipped with cutting-edge plug-in hybrid technology.
We can expect a thrilling fusion of the existing RS 7’s formidable twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine supplemented by an electric motor integrated into the transmission system. This combination isn’t just a dream; it’s already being successfully utilized across a variety of high-performance offerings from the Volkswagen Group. Names like Porsche, Lamborghini, and Bentley have adopted similar configurations, reinforcing the viability of this exciting setup.
Currently, the RS 7 delivers an exhilarating 621 horsepower, but with the anticipated enhancements, we could see the next generation bursting past the 700-horsepower mark. This potential jump in performance is particularly compelling in light of BMW’s fierce competitor, the M5, which leverages a V8 plug-in hybrid configuration to achieve a remarkable 717 hp.
As for Audi’s official plans for the new A7 lineup, the automaker is likely to introduce an upgraded version of the existing MLB platform, now rebranded as PPC (Premium Platform Combustion), which received its fresh introduction earlier this year with the revamped A5 family.
Mark your calendars: the first models of this exciting new A7 lineup are expected to debut early next year, with U.S. versions likely debuting as 2026 models. Among these, the RS 7 Avant is poised to make a significant impact, stepping in to fill the void left by the beloved RS 6 Avant, which is set to retire post-2025.
In the ever-evolving automotive landscape, it’s thrilling to see how luxury brands like Audi continue to innovate, merging high-performance with cutting-edge technology. For enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike, the promise of the RS 7 Avant exemplifies the best of what’s to come. With Audi’s steadfast commitment to performance and technology, it will undoubtedly set the stage for a new era in driving excitement.
