In 2021 alone, Audi has flipped the script, fully embracing electrification without thinking twice about it. What started with the E-Tron GT quickly led to the release of the Q4 E-Tron and Q4 E-Tron Sportback. And, just when you thought that was enough, Audi hit us with that cool-as-hell A6 E-Tron concept. Now, we’re learning that Audi is planning to stir up the pond even more, and this time it’s the RS4 that’s in the crosshairs, and you’re probably going to think this is really good news.

The 2023 Audi A4 Will Embrace Electrification As It Bids Farewell to The ICE Forever

Following the introduction of the Audi A6 E-Tron Concept, we speculated that it would turn in the electric A6 Avant that the future needs. However, it looks like the Audi A4 might beat it to the punch if the latest report from Autocar is, in fact, legitimate. Despite the fact that the original plan was to move the A4 to the MQB platform from the MLB platform, Audi has decided to take a different path. We don’t know a lot about the next-gen A4, but word has it that the next-gen Audi RS4 will be offered with the same 2.9-liter V-6, but it will be paired with an electric motor. This move means the A4 will likely retain the same platform but will see an improvement over its current output of 444 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque.

Here’s where it get’s really interesting, though, as the next-gen model – which is due sometime for 2023 – will be the last of the A4 range to be offered with an internal combustion engine. The transition of the A4 lineup into electrification, however, starts with the next generation, as Audi is reportedly set to offer a fully electric version of the A4 alongside the gas-powered model – a move similar to what Porsche is doing with the Macan and what we expect it to do with the Boxster EV.

2023 Audi A4 RS E-Tron

We assume that the electrified A4 will actually be considered an RS model, hence the speculative name we’ve given it: A4 RS E-Tron. Unlike what we’re expecting from the A6 E-Tron, which will turn into an electric wagon, it’s reported that the electric A4 will have a different shape – a more practical liftback configuration similar to that of the A6 E-Tron concept and the A5 Sportback. It will, however, ride on a completely different platform than the gas-drinking A4, as it’ll be sitting upon the PPE platform – the same platform that underpins the A6 E-tron, Q6 E-Tron, and the next-gen Macan.

As far as performance is concerned, the sportiest version of the electric A4 is said to feature a dual-motor configuration with Quattro AWD. Output is said to be pegged at 469 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, but that’s far from confirmed to take it with a grain of salt. 0-60 mph should happen in four seconds or less and top speed will probably be limited to 155 mph as you’d expect. Whether or not Audi will offer lesser versions of the electric A4 remains to be seen, but if the technology is there for a performance-oriented RS model, then it should be very easy for Audi to offer less powerful version at a cheaper price. Expect pricing to be closer to $100,000 than $50,000 but it should still be relatively affordable for an EV of its nature.

2023 Audi A4 electric specifications

Powertrain

dual electric motor

Power

469 HP

Torque

590 LB-FT

0 to 60 mph

4.0 seconds

Top Speed

155 mph