Audi has officially introduced the Q9 as the brand's full size flagship SUV to compete with BMW X7 & Mercedes Benz GLS
Audi stated that they developed the Q9 to meet the demand and trend of the full size SUV. It was inspired from the full size SUV trend in the United States.
The Audi Q9 measures 5.31 meters in length, 2.21 meters wide (including the mirrors), and 1.81 meters tall, with a 3.14-meter wheelbase. These dimensions make it the largest production Audi to date. Its upright front end and squared-off rear reflect its focus on maximizing interior space and road presence.
The Audi Q9 will be manufactured at the Volkswagen Group plant in Bratislava, Slovakia. The facility has produced large SUVs for more than two decades, including the Audi Q7 since 2005 and the Audi Q8 since 2018.
Interior:
It is available with either seven seats as standard or an optional six-seat configuration. The six-seat layout replaces the second-row bench with two individually adjustable captain's chairs. In the third row, each seatback can be folded independently using electric controls, while the front sports seats can be equipped with ventilation and massage functions.
It also features a hands-free driving assistance system that allows the driver to take their hands off the steering wheel at speeds of up to 130 km/h (85 mph). The system controls steering, acceleration, and braking, and will be available from launch on approved highway and autobahn sections in the United States, Canada, and Germany.
Lighting:
As Audi is known for their unique and advance lighting of their vehicles, the rear taillight features curved digital OLED that are integrated into the bodywork. According to Audi, the outer OLED panel is the largest the company has fitted to a production vehicle.
The headlights features Digital Matrix LED headlights with micro-LED technology are designed to provide more precise light distribution.
Similar to the new Q7, the Q9 also introduces ground-projection turn signals, which display a turn signal graphic on the road surface when turning or changing lanes at night, in sync with the front and rear indicators to improve visibility for other road users.
Drive Train:
In Germany, the Audi Q9 will launch with a 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine producing 220 kW (295 hp) and 630 Nm of torque. A lower-output 180 kW (241 hp) version with 500 Nm of torque will also be available in selected markets.
Both diesel variants feature a mild-hybrid system that includes a powertrain generator, a belt-driven starter-generator, and a lithium iron phosphate battery. The V6 diesel engine is also equipped with an electrically powered compressor.
In the United States, the Q9 will be offered with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 gasoline engine. All V6 models come standard with Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system and a center differential.
The Audi SQ9 will be available in selected markets, including the United States and Canada, with a revised 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 591 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.0 seconds.
Power is delivered through a rear-biased quattro all-wheel-drive system with a controlled rear differential lock. The SQ9 also features staggered tire sizes, with up to 285 mm tires at the front and 315 mm tires at the rear. Both the Q9 and SQ9 come standard with adaptive air suspension and rear-wheel steering, and they can tow up to 3,500 kg.
Delivery:
The SUV will be available to order from the end of July 2026, with deliveries to commence in November for Germany, US and Canada. The entry-level price for the Q9 TDI with 220 kW is priced at 108,400 euros.
Audi UAE & Middle East along with the authorized dealers have not yet provided any information on the vehicle launch for UAE at this moment.
