New Audi Q9: the brand’s largest production model ever

At 5.31 metres long, the new Audi Q9 leaves no room for doubt: it is the largest series-production model ever developed by the four-ring brand.

It is 24 cm longer than the new Q7, placing Audi in a segment where it has previously had no direct presence: the full-size luxury SUV class, led by models such as the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7. These vehicles are especially significant in markets including North America, the Middle East and China.

It is therefore no surprise that Audi selected North American soil - New York - for the Q9’s global unveiling. From late 2026, the greatest number of examples is expected to be on the roads on this side of the Atlantic, with the United States and Canada identified as its leading global market.

This is also the first series-production Audi to feature the number 9 in its name. That detail should be particularly well received in China, where the numeral is linked with longevity and power, and where cars of this size fit especially well into the local automotive landscape.

Beneath it sits the PPC platform, the same technical architecture used by the new Q7. The Q9 shares much of its powertrain range and technology with that model, while the current Q8 still uses the older MLB platform.

One of its most striking features is the upright front grille, which extends almost to the lower edge of the bumper. It can be specified with chrome or black vertical bars, optional illumination, and a sportier treatment on S line versions and the SQ9, where it adopts an open-cell structure.

Highly advanced lighting

The Q9 introduces a new generation of OLED lighting technology, with individual elements that can be as little as 0.1 mm thick. This solution makes it possible to create curved digital panels that follow the bodywork’s contours.

At the rear, a light bar spans the full width of the vehicle and incorporates Audi’s four rings. Altogether, the rear light signature employs 512 individually controlled OLED segments.

The indicators can project signals onto the road surface, while the system can also display hazard warnings to other road users. Drivers can additionally select from eight light signatures.

Getting into the cabin is designed to be equally effortless. The doors open and close electrically, can swing out to 90º, and use sensors to prevent contact with people or objects. An assisted-closing system also pulls a door shut if it has not been fully closed.

Luxury for six or seven occupants

Inside, the Audi Q9 is conceived as a lounge on wheels. The standard layout provides seven seats, though a six-seat arrangement will be available, replacing the second-row bench with two individually adjustable, fully electric seats.

The front seats are electrically adjustable and may be equipped with heating, ventilation and massage functions. Even the front and rear armrests can be heated.

In the seven-seat configuration, the second row can be split 35/30/35 or 65/35. There are three Isofix mounting points, while the two outer seats can slide electrically forwards and backwards without folding their backrests. This means child seats do not need to be removed to alter the available space.

The second- and third-row backrests can be folded down and raised electrically using controls located in the luggage compartment. Even with all seven seats in use, the quoted capacity remains generous at 684 litres.

At 1.5 m², the panoramic roof is the largest ever fitted to an Audi. Its transparency can be adjusted independently across nine sections and, according to the manufacturer, the laminated glass blocks 99.5% of ultraviolet radiation.

A premium sound system is a fitting addition to a living room. The most comprehensive option, supplied by Bang & Olufsen, features 22 speakers, 1360 W of power and a 4D sound effect. Four speakers are built into the front head restraints.

Three screens as standard

The dashboard is defined by three curved-glass OLED displays. The digital instrument panel measures 11.9”, the central infotainment display is 14.5”, and the screen for the front passenger has a 12.3” diagonal.

Material quality is expected to match the flagship status Audi is seeking for this SUV. In many markets, including several in Europe, the Q9 will effectively take the place left by the A8, which has since been withdrawn from sale.

Wood, leather, brushed aluminium and carbon-fibre mesh are among the various trim choices, complemented by extensive personalisation programmes.

Long live Diesel!

As with the new Q7, the V6 Diesel engine is expected to be the key choice for the European market. With a displacement of three litres, it will be offered with 245 hp and 500 Nm, or 299 hp and 630 Nm.

In both versions, the combustion engine is supported by a mild-hybrid system featuring an 18 kW (24 hp) electric motor producing 370 Nm. As well as assisting acceleration and cutting fuel consumption, this system is expected to reduce engine response lag. It does so using an electric compressor capable of generating up to 1.2 bar of pressure in only 1.2 seconds.

In North America, the leading role will go to the SQ9 with its 4.0 V8 biturbo engine. In China, attention is expected to focus on a 3.0 V6 petrol version.

For Europe, the plug-in hybrid variant, due at the beginning of 2027, will be of particular importance. Every powertrain uses an eight-speed automatic gearbox with a torque converter and quattro all-wheel drive.

A highly sophisticated chassis

To manage an SUV measuring more than 5.3 m and weighing at least 2605 kg, Audi has not held back on chassis sophistication. The Q9 comes with independent suspension at all four wheels, air springs and adaptive dampers as standard.

Rear-wheel steering allows the rear wheels to turn by up to five degrees. At low speeds, they steer in the opposite direction to the front wheels to reduce the turning circle. At higher speeds, they turn with the front wheels to improve stability.

There are seven driving programmes and a total 90 mm range of suspension-height adjustment. The system can increase ground clearance away from the tarmac or lower the body to enhance stability and make entry to the cabin easier.

When will it arrive?

The new Audi Q9 will be built at the Bratislava factory in Slovakia, alongside the Q7 and other large Volkswagen Group SUVs, including the Porsche Cayenne.

The first versions will reach customers in late 2026, although the range will only be complete during the first half of 2027, when the remaining powertrains are introduced.

In Germany, the Q9 V6 TDI with 299 hp will have a reference price of €108,400. There are no figures yet for Portugal, but all indications suggest that entry to the range will sit at around €130,000.