2025 Audi RS7 Avant: Will It Ditch Hybrids and Go Full-Throttle?
The forthcoming successor to the Audi RS6 Avant has finally been spotted. Interestingly, images reveal the sleek RS7 Avant covered in camouflage while undergoing rigorous testing. What stands out immediately is the absence of any electric warning stickers, which might hint at the RS7 forgoing hybrid power. This teaser has certainly set the rumor mill ablaze, sparking myriad questions about its engine and future lineup changes.
Stepping into the Future: Audi’s Renaming Strategy
As Audi sets to rename its lineup, with even numbers designated for electric vehicles (EVs) and odd numbers for combustion vehicles, this new RS7 Avant emerges at a pivotal transition. Expect the 7 series to eventually encompass both the RS7 Sportback and the RS7 Avant, thus creating a slightly bewildering yet streamlined naming convention. But rest assured, fans of Audi’s high-performance wagons will soon get accustomed to this fresh identity. The prototypes caught near and on the Nürburgring reveal a model that’s clearly in the early stages of development but already showcases a wider and longer body—a telltale sign of its high-performance aspirations.
Hints of Aggression: Design and Features
A closer look at these spy shots offers a visual feast for car aficionados. Those widened fenders are unmistakable, giving the RS7 Avant a menacing, muscular stance. Up front, the bumper appears wider and includes extra venting at the edges, complemented by a more open grille designed for optimal cooling. This design alignment is quite similar to what we’ve observed on the RS6 e-tron. Other notable advancements include flush door handles, adaptive headlights, and sleek new taillights, complete with slit turn signals for an ultra-modern touch.
Although some elements might still be in early development stages, it's clear that this is not just another Allroad. Dual exhausts, drilled brake rotors, and massive calipers reaffirm this as a high-performance vehicle. The wide performance wheels and tires corroborate that this isn’t your everyday luxury wagon but a performer built for the track and beyond.
What’s Beneath the Hood?
The big mystery remains: what’s under the hood? Early reports had forecasted a plug-in hybrid powertrain with an estimated 700 horsepower to rival the BMW M5 Touring. However, the absence of an electric charging port and stickers in these latest images brings this assumption into question. One plausible scenario is that this is a test mule that’s still early in its design journey. Audi might be focusing on fine-tuning chassis dynamics with a basic combustion engine before introducing a more powerful hybrid setup.
Alternatively, there might be a deliberate strategic shift. Perhaps Audi plans to offer the RS7 Avant as a pure combustion model for those who prefer traditional performance vehicles and want to avoid the extra weight that hybrid components add. This theory isn’t far-fetched, especially considering the market's evolving landscape and diverse customer preferences.
The Market Awaits
Whatever the final specifications may be, one thing is certain: the upcoming Audi RS7 Avant is shaping up to be a force to be reckoned with. The absence of hybrid indications raises speculations, yet it leaves us eagerly anticipating further details. With the ongoing trend of electrification and the high stakes in luxury performance cars, Audi’s choice—whether to stick purely with combustion engines or offer a hybrid alternative—will undoubtedly impact its standing among competitors.
One thing is guaranteed: the future of Audi’s RS models promises thrilling dynamism and innovative engineering. Whether rivalling pure-electric competitors or setting new benchmarks in the combustion engine realm, the RS7 Avant will be a marvel to watch.