New Audi Q9 Revealed As Its New Flagship SUV

Audi has revealed the Q9, its biggest and most premium SUV yet. It is also the first Audi SUV to use the ‘9’ name. The Audi Q9 sits above the Q7 as the brand’s second three-row SUV. It will launch in India in the second quarter of 2027 and will be locally assembled. Globally, Audi builds the Q9 at its Bratislava plant in Slovakia. It will rival the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS.

Key Highlights

• Gets Digital Matrix LED headlights, automatic doors, and curved digital OLED tail-lights
• Offers 7 seats as standard, while a 6-seater version is available at extra cost
• Comes with twin-turbo V6 petrol and V6 diesel engines, while the SQ9 gets a twin-turbo V8 petrol engine
• The Audi Q9 starts at 108,400 euros (around Rs 1.18 crore before taxes and duties). Meanwhile, global deliveries will begin in November 2026.

Audi Q9 SUV Exterior Design

Up front, the Audi Q9 gets split LED headlights with slim LED DRLs and Digital Matrix LED headlights. These use micro-LED modules to project warning symbols on the road. They also project turn signals on the ground at night, improving visibility for other drivers. The large grille with illuminated vertical slats gives the SUV a bold look. It also features an illuminated 2D Audi logo. Moreover, the bumper includes large air intakes and a central radar sensor for the ADAS features.

From the side, the Audi Q9 has a clean and elegant design. It rides on 20- to 23-inch wheels. The 22- and 23-inch alloy wheels include acoustic foam inserts to reduce tyre noise. In addition, the SUV comes with soft-closing automatic doors and collision-detection sensors. Grey brake callipers are standard, while red callipers are optional.

At the rear, the Audi Q9 features curved digital OLED tail-lights linked by a light bar with an illuminated Audi logo. The black rear bumper and gloss-black trim create a strong contrast with the body. Sharp lines and twin exhaust tips further enhance its sporty look.

SQ9 Gets a Unique Grille, Bumpers, and Alloy Wheels

Compared to the standard Q9, the SQ9 looks sportier. It features a revised grille with silver L-shaped inserts, an elegant finish, and an ‘S’ badge. The front bumper also gets honeycomb mesh air intakes. Moreover, the SUV rides on new alloy wheels. Silver trim around the window line and rear quarter glass adds a premium touch. At the rear, the overall design stays similar. However, the SQ9 stands out with a silver-accented bumper and quad exhaust tips, with two outlets on each side.

Audi Q9 SUV Interior Design and Features

Step inside and you will find a cabin built for pure relaxation on long road trips. You get plush leather seats that offer heating and cooling functions for all seven passengers. The dashboard houses three separate digital screens so your front passenger can control the music while you watch the GPS map. Audi added a panoramic glass roof that floods the interior with natural sunlight to keep your kids happy in the back. Storage cubbies sit under every seat, giving you plenty of space for water bottles, snacks, and toys.

7 seats and a triple-screen setup on the dashboard are standard

Audi first revealed the Q9’s cabin in May. It comes as a 7-seater by default, while a 6-seat version with second-row captain’s chairs is optional. Sport seats are standard in the front, and all three rows have power-adjustable seats. Moreover, the front seats offer ventilation and massage functions. You can also fold the third-row seats electronically using the infotainment system or boot controls.

The cabin looks premium thanks to wooden trim on the dashboard and centre console. Meanwhile, the dashboard features three screens: a 12.3-inch digital driver display, a 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 12.3-inch passenger display with privacy mode. In addition, the new four-spoke steering wheel carries a 2D Audi logo. The infotainment system runs on Android Automotive OS, so you can use built-in apps without connecting a smartphone.

Gets a panoramic sunroof, a 22-speaker sound system and Level 2 ADAS

The Audi Q9 offers its largest panoramic sunroof yet. It also gets a 22-speaker Bang & Olufsen 4D sound system with headrest speakers, dual wireless phone chargers and USB Type-C ports in all three rows. Furthermore, buyers can choose heated armrests and a panoramic sunroof with switchable transparency and lighting effects that match the ambient lighting.

For safety, the Q9 includes Level 2 ADAS, a 360-degree camera, automated parking assist and front and rear parking sensors. It also gets Adaptive Driving Assistant Plus, which supports partial hands-on driving on approved highways and Autobahn sections at speeds of up to 130 kph. According to Audi, this feature is a first for its lineup.

While many brands are moving away from diesel engines, Audi still offers the Q9 in Germany with a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine. It produces 299hp and 630Nm. The engine comes with an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox, Quattro all-wheel drive (AWD), and a mild-hybrid system. As a result, it adds 24hp for quicker starts and better fuel efficiency.

Audi Q9 SUV Powertrain Options

Meanwhile, some European markets get a lower-tuned version. It delivers 245hp and 500Nm. However, it still includes the same Tiptronic transmission, Quattro AWD, and mild-hybrid technology.

In the US, the Audi Q9 uses a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine. It produces 429hp and 599Nm. The engine is paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Moreover, Audi is likely to add more engine options in the future.

Adaptive air suspension comes standard on the Q9. It automatically adjusts to speed, load, and road conditions. You can also raise or lower the suspension by up to 90mm through the drive select menu. In addition, all-wheel steering improves low-speed handling and high-speed stability. For better braking, the Q9 features lightweight composite disc brakes with 400mm front discs and 350mm rear discs.

In the US, the Audi SQ9 comes with a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine that delivers 591hp and 800Nm. It uses an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox and Audi’s all-wheel-drive system. As a result, the SQ9 can sprint from 0-100kph in 4 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 250kph. Meanwhile, the Audi Q9 platform will also support Porsche’s upcoming flagship SUV, codenamed K1. It is expected to make its global debut in 2028 and will be available with multiple seating layouts.

Premium Cabin With Advanced Technology

Technology surrounds you in this vehicle to make every commute feel effortless. The head-up display projects your speed and turn-by-turn directions directly onto the windshield so your eyes never leave the road. You can speak natural voice commands to adjust the cabin temperature or find the nearest gas station. The premium Bang and Olufsen sound system turns the interior into a private concert hall with 23 strategically placed speakers. Driver-assistance features include adaptive cruise control and lane centering to reduce fatigue on cross-country drives.

Audi Q9 vs Major Luxury SUV Rivals

Conclusion

The Audi Q9 is not just another SUV added to a crowded lineup. It is Audi finally answering a question American families have asked for years: where is our full-size flagship? Between the seven-seat layout, the 591 hp SQ9 option, and tech that rivals a private jet cabin, this SUV gives you real reasons to cross-shop it against the X7 and GLS. If you need space, power, and a cabin built for long trips, keep the Q9 on your list this year.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the Audi Q9 launch?

Audi confirmed the global reveal for July 29, 2026, with U.S. dealership arrivals expected by the end of 2026.

Is the Audi Q9 a three-row SUV?

Yes. You can choose a seven-seat layout with a second-row bench or a six-seat layout with captain’s chairs.

What engine powers the SQ9?

The SQ9 uses a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 591 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, borrowed from the outgoing RS6 Avant.

Does the Audi Q9 come with all-wheel drive?

Yes. Quattro all-wheel drive comes standard across the lineup.

How big is the Audi Q9 compared to the Q7?

The Q9 is Audi’s largest SUV ever built, stretching well past 208 inches, noticeably longer than the Q7.

What platform is the Audi Q9 built on?

It rides on Audi’s new Premium Platform Combustion architecture, the same platform family used for the A5, A6, and Q5.