Audi A6 C9

Thanks to Audi's rollback in the naming structure, the A6 is here to stay. The all-new C9 model will co-exist alongside its unrelated A6 e-tron range. So, what's it all about, the all-new sixth-generation Audi A6?

2026 Audi A6 Avant

2026 Audi A6

The Audi A6 C9 starts at €55,500 for the sedan model and €58,000 for the Avant model, not including additional costs. It's impressive that Audi chose to retain the A6 name for this latest full model update, rather than giving it a new name as they did when they transitioned the A4 to the A5. It's a long story, but what's it all about, the Audi A6 C9?

2026 Audi A6 Avant

2026 Audi A6

Beginning with the design, the A6 C9 looks more like an enlarged A5 B10, judging by Audi's latest design language. It features a more streamlined, elegant yet sporty design, which contributes to its improved aerodynamics with a drag coefficient of 0.23.

2026 Audi A6 interior

Still packs a similar Audi interior, just like its siblings, the A6 C9 is packed with the digital stage cockpit that features an 11.9-inch digital instrument display, a 14.5-inch central touchscreen that controls the entire vehicle, and an available 10.9-inch passenger display. Although complicated at first drive, the passenger comfort surprisingly improved compared to the C8 model. As for the Avant model, it's good for 503 liters of boot space with the rear seats present and up to 1534 liters with the passenger seats folded down.

Under the hood, the A6 C9 offers a wide range of powertrain choices such as the 2.0L TFSi, a 2.0L TFSi e-hybrid, a 2.0L TDi MHEV, and the range-topping 367PS 3.0L V6 TFSi MHEV. All are mated to a 7-speed S tronic gearbox. Depending on the variant, the A6 C9 is offered in either a rather regular front-wheel-drive or a signature quattro all-wheel-drive. Asked about the driving experience, the A6 C9 in its quattro setup is still as Audi as any Audis can be. Nothing special about it, even though it can be equipped with the available all-wheel steering for better dynamics.

As for safety, the Audi A6 C9 is packed with a broad suite of driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, lane guidance, parking assist, and more.

While it may be considered standard for luxury cars, it's beneficial that Audi revised their naming structure to keep the A6 designation for this latest version. Although not as enjoyable as today's BMW 5-Series and Mercedes' E-Class, the all-new Audi A6 tries to keep it cool even when things get tense. Any questions?

Photo: Audi AG

Third-Generation Audi Q5 (Typ GU)

The Audi Q5 is now in its third generation, and it promises to be the most advanced Q5 to date. The question is, what's it all about, the all-new Audi Q5?

2025 Audi Q5

2025 Audi Q5 Sportback

The all-new, third-generation Audi Q5 starts at 52,300 Euros plus additional costs. This all-new model is a gambit in its class as it aims squarely at the likes of the BMW X5, the Mercedes-Benz GLE, the Lexus RX, and the Genesis GV80. Do you think that the Q5 can compete with these luxury vehicles?

Beginning with the design, the all-new Q5 is reminiscent of its all-electric equivalent, the Q6 e-tron, because of the time Audi used a naming policy where odd numbers were used for ICE-powered cars and even numbers for EVs. Long story short, but never mind all that. With such looks that mimic the Q6 e-tron, it's a sign that Audi's new design language is suffering from the Russian doll effect.

2025 Audi Q5 interior

The all-new Q5 features a familiar Audi interior representative of the current generation. However, it has been noted that the soft-touch haptic controls can be tricky to use, especially for those with recently sanitized fingers. The Q5 is equipped with an MMI panoramic display that includes an 11.9-inch virtual cockpit and a 14.5-inch touchscreen that manages nearly all vehicle functions. Additionally, there is a 10.9-inch MMI display for the front passenger, designed to be visible only to them for safety reasons.

The all-new Q5 is not as spacious as its predecessor, so your comfort zone may not be as large as it was on your old ride. Although the wheelbase has grown by just a millimeter, it was not enough to improve cabin space. This new Q5 is shorter and wider than the previous model, and it is taller. What I find particularly disheartening is that there is less cargo space in the new model, 47 liters less, to be precise.

2025 Audi SQ5

2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback

Because it now runs on the new Premium Platform Combustion, a platform suitable for ICE-powered vehicles, which serves as a replacement for the MLB architecture, the all-new Q5 feels more dramatic to drive than before, even with Audi's signature quattro all-wheel drive system. Feels bulky, but it's slightly enough for your next escape plan, especially if you're on either tarmac, gravel, or snow.

Under the hood, the Q5 is packed with an all-electrified choice of a 2.0L TFSi, a 2.0L TDi, and the range-topping 2.0L TFSi eHybrid with its 105kW electric motor and 20.7 kWh battery that produces up to 367PS of power and 500Nm of torque. Armed with the 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox, it does 0-100kph in 5.1 seconds and is electronically limited to 250kph. Fuel economy is around 2.6L/100km.

If you want more, you should go for the ultra-expensive SQ5 range with its 367PS 3.0L V6 TFSi engine with mild hybrid and the same S tronic gearbox mentioned above. It does 0-100kph in 4.5 seconds and is electronically limited to 250kph.

For safety, the all-new Q5 features adaptive cruise assist plus, active front assist, traffic sign-based cruise control, park assist plus, and rear turn assist, among others.

Do you want a car that looks exactly like an EV but is powered by a traditional engine? If so, the all-new third-generation Audi Q5 is a good choice. It shares a lot of design elements with its all-electric equivalent, the Q6 e-tron, but it is powered by a combustion engine. The third-generation Audi Q5 may be less spacious than the previous model, and its soft-touch controls can be a bit troublesome, but it feels okay.

Photo: Audi AG

Audi Q6 e-tron Sportback

The Audi Q6 e-tron range demonstrated that crossovers are as popular as Hollywood superhero movies. While it may not be a superhero itself, it offers great value, costing less than its Porsche Macan sibling. With the addition of the Sportback variant, there's a lot to ask about it.

2025 Audi Q6 e-tron Sportback

2025 Audi SQ6 e-tron Sportback

Starting at 65,900 Euros plus additional costs, the first-ever Audi Q6 e-tron Sportback is also the cheaper alternative to the second-generation Porsche Macan. Which sounds fair, but is it really worth it?

Like its normal equivalent, amid its coupe-like silhouette, the Q6 e-tron Sportback has taken a simpler approach, which is clean by Audi standards. It features matrix LED front headlamps, OLED rear taillights, the signature Audi Singleframe grille, and other notable details that make it sporty, progressive, and perfectly proportioned.

Step inside, the Q6 e-tron is packed with the MMI panoramic display consisting of an 11.9-inch virtual cockpit and a 14.5-inch touchscreen that controls almost the entire vehicle. There's even a 10.9-inch MMI front passenger display that can only be seen in the eyes of a front passenger, not the driver, for safety reasons. Thanks to its coupe-like silhouette, it slightly reduced the boot space from the normal one, resulting in 511 liters with the rear seats present, up to 1373 liters with the passenger seats folded down.

Running on the PPE platform and 100kWh battery pack, the Q6 e-tron Sportback's power output ranges from 292 to 387PS, with the latter sprinting from 0-100kph in 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 210kph. The mid-range variant packs the longest driving range with up to 637km on one full charge.

For those who want to push further, the SQ6 e-tron Sportback offers 462PS of power output when launch control is active. It can sprint from 0 to 100kph in 4.3 seconds and has a top speed of 230kph. Both variants are easy to drive everywhere, especially on asphalt, gravel, and snow. They also come equipped with Audi's suite of intelligent driver aids, including adaptive cruise assist plus, active front assist, traffic sign-based cruise control, park assist plus, and rear turn assist.

Normal or Sportback, the Audi Q6 e-tron holds a similar story, telling us that crossovers are as popular as Hollywood superhero movies. While it may not be a superhero itself, it offers great value, costing less than its Porsche Macan sibling. That's all I can say.

Photo: Audi

My FM Log: Spirit of Forza Motorsport - Audi R8 V10

2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the Forza Motorsport series. To commemorate this milestone, let’s take a look back at the cover cars from the Forza Motorsport franchise, starting with the very first game released in 2005 and continuing through to the final installment launched in 2023.

Let's continue with the Audi R8 5.2 V10 FSi quattro, the supercar that graced the cover of 2009's Forza Motorsport 3 video game.

Named after a winning Le Mans Prototype race car, inspired by the Le Mans quattro concept, and running on the same components as the Lamborghini Gallardo, the Audi R8 served as the company's image leader when it made its debut in 2007.

When it was launched, it was initially available only with the 420HP V8 FSi engine, but two years later, the V10 variant of the Audi R8 was added. It features the same 5.2L V10 engine from the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, but it only produces 518bhp of power, sprinting from 0-100kph in less than four seconds. Aside from the engine, the R8 is armed with a quattro all-wheel-drive system and an Audi Space Frame aluminum body.

The Audi R8 V10 is offered with a choice of a coupe and an open-top roadster. There's even a limited-edition GT model that shaved 100kg of weight and improved its V10 engine to produce 560HP of power.

Let's have a commemorative drive around Le Mans Circuit de la Sarthe, the place where the Audi R8 was inspired by. Roll the tape.

Although it doesn't live up to its namesake, it proved its worth.

The Audi R8 cemented its status as the brand's image leader, and its presence as the cover car of Forza Motorsport 3 showcased its “vorsprung durch technik” philosophy to both worlds.

WHERE DREAMS ARE DRIVEN

Next time, let's take a look at the Ferrari 458 Italia, the cover car of Forza Motorsport 4.

My FH5 Log: Battle of the RS flagships

The Audi RS6 Avant and the RS7 Sportback are the flagships of the Audi RS range, and they may be the last of these RS flagships to be equipped with pure thermal engines. In Forza Horizon 5, let's have a final salvo with the two Audi RS flagships.

The C8-spec Audi RS6 Avant and the 4K-spec Audi RS7 Sportback are regarded as the top guns of the Audi RS hierarchy, yet they pose only a minimal threat to BMW's M5 and Mercedes-AMG's E63. Both are equipped with a formidable 4.0L V8 TFSi engine featuring a 48-volt electrical system and a cylinder-on-demand mechanism for enhanced efficiency on the go. This engine delivers 600PS of power and 800Nm of torque. When paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic gearbox, it accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in just over three and a half seconds, and with the dynamic package plus, it can achieve a top speed of 305 kph. There's even a performance variant that has seen its V8 engines enhanced to 630PS, reducing the 0-100 kph time by 0.2 seconds.

With their quick introductions done, it all comes down to this question: which of these RS flagships is the best? The RS6 Avant or the RS7 Sportback. With a bone-shaped circuit located near the Horizon Rush site as my laboratory, it's time for these blood relatives to settle the score for the last time in the heat of the rainfall. A fitting tribute to the last pure thermal-powered Audi RS overlords. Roll the tape.

Here are the results...

RS6 C8 - 1m07.818s (Wet)

RS7 4K - 1m07.100s (Wet)

It was a close result, but in the end, it seems the saloon equivalent is the winner after all. I didn't expect the RS7 to be slightly lighter than the RS6. No big deal.

As the Audi RS lineage prepares for the "new normal," we can be certain that the era of powerful Audis will never be forgotten by future generations. The C8-spec Audi RS6 Avant and the C8-spec Audi RS7 Sportback have made their mark, but one day they will return—this time as even more formidable versions that are truly challenging to handle. Remind you of any?

EPILOGUE

After delivering their final blow as pure thermal-powered RS overlords, the RS6 Avant and the RS7 Sportback are ready for their true final blow. Having winded up to similar levels akin to the RS6 Avant performance and the RS7 Sportback performance, I gave them roles that suit their personalities.

Trust anyone who has an RS6 Avant in their spare time because they had a lot of fun driving through the Swiss Alps in style and comfort. With that, I shall call you...Fuwari. As in, Fuwari Midorikaze, one of the Tricolore members from PriPara. Na-chu!

As for my RS7 Sportback, its high and mightiness as the true RS flagship invoked the wrath of a high-and-mighty PriPara idol, and with that, I shall call you...Chili. Chili Tsukikawa, of course.

With everything settled, Fuwari and Chili are up for their Making Drama they'll never forget. The RS6 Avant is taking on an EventLab re-enactment of a Forza Motorsport classic track, the Bernese Alps, while the RS7 Sportback is locked in a duel against...someone outside the temple in the middle of snowy weather. Making Drama, Switch On!

Chili may have a rough "chilly" day but Fuwari feels right at home with the Bernese Alps re-enactment. Still, kudos to the masterminds of these EventLab creations.

The RS6 Avant and the RS7 Sportback may be polar opposites, but they both share the same powerful engine that has driven them to the very end. They have fulfilled their purpose, but they don't have the classic "Beauty and the Beast" ending. As witnesses, we are grateful to observe their final days and are ready to share their stories.

Danke, RS6 and RS7. We'll meet again someday.

Audi A6 e-tron

The Audi A6 e-tron is a controversial vehicle. It started as a concept car, but now it's a reality. It's Audi's answer to the BMW 5-Series. It's an all-electric vehicle, so it's a competitor to the i5. Is it for the greater good, or not?

2025 Audi A6 e-tron

2025 Audi A6 e-tron avant

Starting at 62,800 Euros plus additional costs, the first-ever Audi A6 e-tron range morphed Audi's answer to the BMW 5-Series into an all-electric, all-original, presentation thanks to Audi's new naming policy where ICE-powered vehicles will have odd numbers while EVs like this have even numbers. Feeling the odd one out, the A6 e-tron is the business end of the controversial luxury EV market.

2025 Audi A6 e-tron interior

Drawing cues from its concept car from three years ago, the A6 e-tron features slim LED headlights and a closed-off singleframe grille, the hallmark of the e-tron styling. The saloon version features a sportback setting rather than the sedan look from its predecessor soon to be the next Audi A7 while the Avant version is surprisingly better looking indeed for a luxury EV estate.

Step inside, the A6 e-tron proudly displays up to five screens on its dashboard such as the curved MMI panoramic display that incorporates the 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit instrument display and a 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, the additional 10.9-inch touchscreen on the front passenger side, and optional side-view cameras. On the comfort side, the A6 e-tron features luxurious extras such as four-zone air-conditioning, air fragrance repackage, electrochromic panoramic glass roof, and Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System with headrest speakers.

In the topic of boot space, both the sportback and the Avant have 502 liters of boot space with all seats present, and in the Avant's case, up to 1422 liters of boot space with the passenger seats folded down.

2025 Audi S6 e-tron Avant

2025 Audi S6 e-tron

Running on the PPE platform just like the Q6 e-tron and 100kWh battery, the base A6 e-tron runs on a single motor powering the rear wheels, which sounds blasphemous by Audi standards. It produces 326PS of power output and has 621km of driving range. The quattro variant adds an additional motor at the front, resulting in 462PS of power, 855Nm of torque, a 0-100kph of 4.5 seconds, a top speed of 210kph, and 711km of driving range.

Those who demand more should go for the rear-biased dual motor S6 e-tron range with 503PS of power output with launch control engaged, sprinting from 0-100kph in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 240kph.

Audi's A6 and S6 e-tron models are mild to drive everywhere, especially on tarmac, gravel, and snow. They come with Audi's suite of intelligent driver aids, including adaptive cruise assist plus, active front assist, traffic sign-based cruise control, park assist plus, and rear turn assist.

Although a controversial move to be EV-only, the concept-turned-reality Audi A6 e-tron range nicked the status quo as the cheaper and more friendly alternative to the BMW i5 range. It really is the business end of the controversial luxury EV market.

Photo: Audi AG

Audi Q6 e-tron

The Audi Q6 e-tron is the first Audi crossover to run on the Volkswagen Group's new PPE platform. It's part of Audi's "progress is an attitude" tagline. But is it worth it? Let's take a look at it.

2025 Audi Q6 e-tron

Starting at 63,500 Euros plus additional costs, the first-ever Audi Q6 e-tron is the cheaper alternative to the second-generation Porsche Macan because it's twenty grand less, which sounds fair but is it worth it?

2025 Audi Q6 e-tron

2025 Audi Q6 e-tron interior

Beginning with the exterior design, the Q6 e-tron has taken a simpler approach which is clean by Audi standards. It features matrix LED front headlamps, OLED rear taillights, the signature Audi Singleframe grille, and other notable details that make it sporty, progressive, and perfectly proportioned.

Step inside, the Q6 e-tron is packed with the MMI panoramic display consisting of an 11.9-inch virtual cockpit and a 14.5-inch touchscreen that controls almost the entire vehicle. There's even a 10.9-inch MMI front passenger display that can only be seen in the eyes of a front passenger, not the driver for safety reasons. Although as spacious as most crossovers in its class should be, it packs up to 526 litres of boot space with all five seats present or 1529 litres of boot space with the passenger seats folded down. It even has 64 litres of frunk space.

2025 Audi SQ6 e-tron

Running on the PPE platform and 100kWh battery pack, the Q6 e-tron's power output ranges from 292 to 387PS of power output with the latter sprinting from 0-100kph in 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 210kph. The mid-range variant packs the longest driving range with up to 637km on one full charge.

Those willing to push further should go for the SQ6 e-tron with 462PS of power output when launch control is active, sprinting from 0-100kph in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 230kph. Either way, they're both mild to drive everywhere, especially on tarmac, gravel, and snow, and they pack Audi's suite of intelligent driver aids consisting of adaptive cruise assist plus, active front assist, traffic sign-based cruise control, park assist plus, and rear turn assist.

The all-new Audi Q6 e-tron range demonstrates that crossovers are as popular as Hollywood superhero movies. While it may not be a superhero itself, it offers great value, costing less than its Porsche Macan sibling. Thoughts?

Photo: Audi AG

Audi A5 B10

Audi has a new naming policy where ICE-powered cars will be given odd numbers while EVs will have evens. As a result, the ICE-powered A4 range is now named the A5, a name reserved for coupe versions of the said car. What's it all about?

2025 Audi A5

2025 Audi A5 Avant

Starting at €45,200 plus additional costs, the Audi A5 B10 is no longer the familiar model for speed enthusiasts. The two-door equivalent of the A4 has now been restructured to replace it. However, the A4 may return in the future as the A4 e-tron. Ironically, with Audi no longer producing coupes, this aligns with their mantra that "progress is an attitude."

Beginning with the design, the A5 B10 looks subtle and attractive at the same time even when it was reformatted into a four-door saloon with the more spacious Avant in the party. Hinted by muscular proportions such as the flared wheel arches and the standard, electric tailgate, which opens together with the rear window, not to mention the choice of eight different digital light signature pairs, the A5 B10 is a concoction of business and leisure at a snail's pace.

2025 Audi A5 interior

Moving to the interior, the A5 B10 is futuristic even behind the wheel. On the driver's side, you are greeted by its Audi MMI panoramic display, which features an 11.9-inch instrumental display, a 14.5-inch MMI touchscreen with the controversial ChatGPT integration, and an available 10.9-inch front passenger display.

Although slightly more spacious and more comfortable than its A4 predecessor, it's the Avant that takes the credit with up to 1424L of boot space when the passenger seats are folded down, giving you plenty of room for your quiet weekend drives away from your business degree.

2025 Audi S5

2025 Audi S5 Avant

At launch, the Audi A5 B10 is powered by a choice of a 2.0L TFSi engine with up to 204PS of power and a 2.0L TDi MHEV, which is sadly the one to avoid due to Europe's disdain for diesel. All are mated to a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic.

The S5 range, meanwhile, is powered by a 3.0L TFSi V6 engine that produces 367PS of power, and thanks to its said gearbox, the quattro sport rear differential, and variable AWD clutch, it sprints from 0-100kph in 4.5 seconds and has an electronically-limited top speed of 250kph.

Because it now runs on the new Premium Platform Combustion, a platform suitable for ICE-powered vehicles, which serves as a replacement for the MLB architecture, the A5 B10 feels more dramatic to drive than its A4 predecessor even with Audi's signature quattro all-wheel drive system, the integrated and blending-capable brake control system, and the brake torque vectoring for reducing understeer. It's common sense but it feels okay to drive even when feeling under the weather.

As for safety, the A5 B10 features adaptive cruise assist plus, active front assist, traffic sign-based cruise control, park assist plus, and rear turn assist.

Formerly known as the two-door version of the A4, the Audi A5 was reformatted as the replacement of the A4 thanks to Audi's new naming policy. This is no longer the A5 that speedo boys were familiar with and with Audi no longer making coupes, it's a sad day for them. It's a shame but as a replacement to the A4, the all-new A5 is all about continuing its predecessor's tradition as a direct rival to BMW's 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz's C-Class. Morbid cynicism but it gets results. That's common sense to you.

Photo: Audi AG

My FH5 Log: The last 2-door Audi

The Audi RS5 Coupe is the last two-door high-performance Audi you can buy because Audi is no longer building two-door coupes after this. Here in Forza Horizon 5, it's time to pay a little tribute to the last-ever 2-door high-performance Audi from how it started to how it ended.

From the 8T model to the F5 model, the RS5 Coupe can be harshly called a two-door equivalent of the RS4 Avant judging by the fact that both share the same backbones. Anyway, let's get to know how it started and how it ended.

Let's begin with the first RS5 Coupe. Launched at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show, the Audi RS5 is the powerful version of the Audi A5 coupe. It is powered by a 4.2 FSi V8 engine that produces 450PS of power.

Now, let's move on to the last-ever RS5 Coupe, a DLC car in the game. This model is now powered by a 2.9 TFSi V6 BiTurbo engine that produces 450PS of power and 600Nm of torque. The 8-speed Tiptronic transmission allows the RS5 to sprint from 0-100kph in 3.9 seconds with top speed normally limited to 250kph or with a little extra service that will raise the limit to 280kph.

The second-generation RS5 is the last DTM Touring Car to win the championship with Rene Rast behind the wheel. After that, the DTM as we know it is gone. Today's DTM became the equivalent of the GT300 class of the Super GT series with GT3-class machines ruling the pack.

To observe the advancements made by the RS5 from its initial V8-powered model to its final V6-powered iteration, I went to the Horizon Mexico main site to conduct this experiment. Let us proceed with the footage.

Here are the results...

RS5 (8T) - 1m18.195s

RS5 (F5) - 1m16.777s

Despite a two-cylinder gap between them, it took nearly two seconds for evolution. Progress is an Attitude, as Audi says in the commercials.

With the R8 and TT reached their end-of-life status, the RS5 Coupe is the next to be euthanized. Audi has been involved in making race-prepped coupes since the legendary Quattro and with the last two-door Audi heading to the crusher, Audi has nothing to race for as it only focuses on its Formula E involvement and its imminent F1 involvement with Sauber. It's a sad day for speedo boys who have been loyal to the Audi brand since the quattro. As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end.

EPILOGUE

The F5-spec Audi RS5 Coupe completed its mission in this unstable world but I decided to give the last-ever two-door Audi one last hurrah. But first...

Bananice, as one stage girl said. Bananice indeed.

With the "bananice" stage girl's name written all over it, my RS5 Coupe's final salvo takes place in an EventLab re-enactment of a certain racetrack I know. Let's roll the tape.

BANANICE, NANA-CHAN!

Thank you for everything, Audi RS5 Coupe. You may not be as good as the competition but you emerged as the last DTM Touring Car to be crowned as the champion and now that you've served your purpose, all that is left is for me to say...

ABSCHIED, RS5 COUPE. Abschied von der Audi-Zweitürer-Coupé-Familie.