Story and photos by Andreas Conradt, Automedia
Spy photographers have once again caught several upcoming vehicles undergoing testing, giving an early glimpse at what's to come before they officially debut.
Audi Prepares Next-Generation RS6 Sedan
Audi is preparing a new generation of its high-performance RS6 sedan to compete directly with the BMW M5, according to new images captured by SEMA News sources.
Prototypes of the upcoming estate version Audi RS6 Avant have been spotted multiple times in recent months and were recently seen again at the Nürburgring and on surrounding roads, but the sedan hadn't been spotted until now. Photographers in Germany recently spotted a prototype of the RS6 just outside the Ingolstadt Audi development center wrapped in full camouflage. The vehicle appears to be close to production, featuring final-spec lighting units and front and rear bumpers, as well as red brake callipers.
Design changes are expected to be subtle, with the RS6 retaining the aggressive styling typical of Audi Sport models, including the dual oval exhaust outlets. Underneath, the chassis has been upgraded compared with the standard new-generation A6, which recently entered production.
The current RS6 Performance, sold as a '26 model, produces 621 hp and 627 lb.-ft. of torque from a 4.0L twin-turbo V8. The next-generation RS6 Sedan and Avant is expected to adopt a plug-in hybrid V6 powertrain, with combined output projected to exceed 725 hp.
That figure would place it slightly ahead of the new BMW M5 Touring, which develops 717 hp from its PHEV V8 and accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds, one tenth quicker than the outgoing RS6. The new Audi RS6 is expected to debut as a '27 model.
New Mercedes-Benz GLB Spotted Again in Germany
The next-generation Mercedes-Benz GLB, with its official debut set for '26, has been spotted again in Germany after a massive drop of camouflage compared to earlier pictures.
While the new model retains some of the boxy charm that made its predecessor stand out, it adds more rounded corners to the mix. It will also adopt Mercedes-Benz's new Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA) platform, offering a wider range of mild-hybrid and fully electric powertrains.
The recently spotted prototype is only covered in thin camouflage and the proportions strongly suggest we're looking at the successor of the three-row GLB rather than the hatchback-style GLA. The SUV appears to have a sleeker design compared to its predecessor, incorporating Mercedes-Benz's new styling language.
The front end features slimmer LEDs flanking a large grille that appears to be mounted lower on the front bumper. The greenhouse has been slightly tweaked, as with the upright tail. The latter has been disguised to irritate onlookers about the real shape of the taillights. The Mercedes-Benz GLB might have a similar shape and size with the Smart No. 5, but the two SUVs are unrelated, as the Smart rides on a Geely-sourced architecture.
Mercedes-Benz's entire future compact lineup will ride on the new MMA platform, which is compatible with internal-combustion and electric powertrains. We already know most of the options for the upcoming CLA, which will likely find their way under the hood of the GLB.
The fully electric models that will eventually replace the EQB could offer the option between a rear-mounted electric motor with 268 hp, or a dual-motor setup with 375 hp. The EV will likely be available with 58-kWh and 85-kWh battery packs, although its driving range will be shorter than the 460-plus miles expected from the more aerodynamic CLA.
The ICE-powered lineup will include a mild-hybrid 1.5L four-cylinder gas engine and a small electric motor inside the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The combustion engine is expected to be offered with different outputs, rated at 134 hp, 161 hp and 188 hp, with an additional 27 hp from the electric motor.
Like the current GLB, the new model will offer both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. And, of course, an AMG performance version is on the horizon, likely with some form of hybrid assistance for extra power and efficiency.
