Enthusiasts of high-performance wagons, take note! The next generation of Audi’s A7 family is taking shape, and recent spy shots have revealed a thrilling addition: the Audi RS 7 Avant. This prototype, spotted undergoing rigorous testing at the Nürburgring and in the Arctic Circle, strongly suggests that Audi is preparing a successor to the beloved RS 6 Avant in the form of the Audi RS 7 Avant.
Previously, spy photographers have captured glimpses of other models within the upcoming A7 range, including the standard A7 sedan, the versatile A7 Avant, the rugged A7 Allroad, and the sporty S7 Avant. This expanded lineup signals a significant shift in Audi’s naming strategy and model structure.
The current A7 family is characterized by its Sportback liftback design. However, the next generation will diverge, with sedans effectively replacing the existing gas-powered A6 sedan models and Avant wagons stepping in for the current gas-powered A6 Avant wagons. This strategic move aligns with Audi’s previously announced new naming convention, which reserves even numbers for electric vehicles (EVs) and odd numbers for internal combustion engine (ICE) models. While Audi has already introduced the all-electric A6 E-Tron Sportback, the automaker remains committed to offering a comprehensive midsize range powered by gasoline engines, hence the expansion of the A7 family.
The prototype in question leaves little doubt about its identity as the Audi RS 7 Avant. Key indicators include the aggressive front fascia with prominent, enlarged air intakes designed to maximize cooling and airflow. Furthermore, the widened wheel arches, a hallmark of Audi’s RS models, are clearly visible, accommodating a wider track and more aggressive stance. At the rear, cutouts in the fascia are a telltale sign that this prototype is destined to sport the signature RS oval-shaped exhaust tips upon its official release.
Powertrain Expectations for the New RS 7 Avant
While the exact powertrain configuration for the next-generation RS 7 Avant remains officially undisclosed, industry speculation heavily leans towards plug-in hybrid technology. The most probable scenario involves integrating the current Audi RS 7‘s formidable twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine with an electric motor. This electric motor would likely be seamlessly integrated with the transmission, creating a potent and efficient hybrid system.
This powertrain approach is not unprecedented within the Volkswagen Group. Several brands under the VW umbrella, including Porsche in models like the Cayenne and Panamera, Lamborghini with the Urus, and Bentley in the Continental GT, already utilize similar plug-in hybrid setups, demonstrating its viability and performance capabilities.
The current Audi RS 7 already boasts an impressive 621 horsepower. However, with the added boost of electrification, the new generation Audi RS 7 Avant could potentially surpass the 700 horsepower mark. This positions it to compete directly with rivals like the BMW M5, which in its latest iteration, also incorporates a V-8 plug-in hybrid powertrain and delivers up to 717 horsepower. The competition in the high-performance sedan and wagon segment is clearly heating up, pushing automakers to innovate and deliver ever more powerful and technologically advanced vehicles.
Platform and Expected Launch
Audi has remained tight-lipped about the official launch plans for the new A7 family. However, it is widely anticipated that the automaker will utilize an evolved version of the current-generation MLB platform. This updated platform, known as PPC (Premium Platform Combustion), made its debut earlier this year underpinning the redesigned A5 family.
The initial models within the new A7 family are expected to be unveiled in early 2025, with models destined for the U.S. market likely arriving as 2026 models. For enthusiasts in America, the Audi RS 7 Avant is almost certain to make its way stateside, effectively replacing the highly acclaimed RS 6 Avant, which is set to conclude its run after 2025. The arrival of the Audi RS 7 Avant promises to continue the legacy of high-performance Audi wagons, offering a compelling blend of practicality and exhilarating performance.
