Audi unveils Q9, one of the most powerful and premium Sports Utility Vehicles (SUV) to date. It is the first Audi car bearing the ‘9’ in its nomenclature and will be positioned as the topmost SUV by Audi with three rows of seats. The new Audi Q9 will be built at the Bratislava plant in Slovakia and will take on the BMW X7, Mercedes GLS, and other premium SUVs from the market.
The Q9 is anticipated to enter the Indian market in the second quarter of 2027, with local assembly. The vehicle will be available for global sales in November 2026, with prices starting at 108,400 euros (approximately Rs 1.18 crore before local taxes and duties) in Europe.
Exterior Styling and Lighting Innovation
Audi Q9 Concept car has a sporty front end with a prominent grill that houses bright LEDS forming vertical bars plus a 2D Audi logo. The front bumper also features large air intakes, and a central position hosts the radar sensor for the car’s advanced driver assistance systems.
Audi Q9 has a variety of advanced lighting features:
- Digital Matrix LED headlights that utilise a split design to combine slim daytime running lights function with micro-LEDs for the main beam, plus it creates various hazard symbols on the road ahead by projecting warning signs.
- Ground-projected turn signals are activated at the front end when the indicator is on to create illuminated arrows on the road surface indicating intentions to the traffic.
- Audi Q9’s rear has a curved digital OLED tail-light that uses an illuminated strip and Audi logo as a design in between the two tail-lights, creating a light bar function. At the bottom, there is a gloss-black rear bumper with two oval tailpipes.
The Q9’s sides provide an overview of the car’s sporting capability with 20-to-23-inch alloy wheels. The 22- and 23-inch wheels have special acoustic inserts that minimise the road noise from the tyres. Also, some doors utilize smart closing technologies that have sensors that automatically close the doors if they are not shut properly. The standard grey brake callipers come with optional red brake callipers.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Dimension | Measurement |
| Length | 5,309 mm |
| Width | 2,010 mm |
| Height | 1,794 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,138 mm |
Interior Layout and Technology
The Audi Q9 offers a standard 7-seat layout and an alternative 6-seat option with captain’s seats in the 2nd row. The seats in all 3 rows are power-adjustable. The front sport seats feature heating, ventilation, and massage functions as standard. The 3rd-row seats can be electrically folded using either the buttons in the boot or the infotainment screen.
The dashboard integrates a triple-screen layout running on Android Automotive OS:
- 12.3-inch Driver Information Display
- 14.5-inch Central Infotainment Touchscreen
- 12.3-inch Front Passenger Display with an integrated privacy mode
The cabin is finished with a wood-trimmed dash and centre console, plus a four-spoke steering wheel. Among the standard equipment are dual wireless phone chargers, USB Type-C charging ports for all three rows, a huge panoramic sunroof, and a 22-speaker Bang & Olufsen 4D sound system featuring integrated speakers and actuators mounted in the front headrests.
Available features also include heated doors, centre armrests, and an electrochromic panoramic glass sunroof that can adjust its tint and match the interior ambient lighting.
Safety and Semi-Automated Driving
The Audi Q9 is fitted with Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and automated parking in and out with a 360-degree camera and front/rear parking sensors.
Moreover, the new Audi Q9 features Adaptive Driving Assistant Plus, which is capable of handling some driving tasks on specific highways and the Autobahn at speeds of up to 130 km/h with the driver’s hands on the wheel. It is the first Audi to offer this semi-autonomous driving assistance.
High-Performance SQ9 Variant
Alongside the standard Q9, Audi will also offer a sportier SQ9 in global markets. It gets several design and interior upgrades to give it a more performance-focused look.
Exterior Changes
The SQ9 features a revised front grille with silver L-shaped accents, ‘S’ badging, honeycomb-pattern bumper air intakes, unique alloy wheels, silver window surrounds, a rear bumper with silver accents, and quad exhaust tips.
Interior Updates
Inside, the SQ9 comes with a black-and-white cabin theme, carbon fibre trim instead of the standard wood finish, a three-spoke ‘S’ steering wheel, and seat headrests with embossed ‘S’ logos.
Powertrains and Mechanical Specifications
The Audi Q9 will be offered with different engine options depending on the market:
- 3.0-litre V6 Diesel (Germany): Produces 299 hp and 630 Nm of torque. It is paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, Quattro all-wheel drive, and a mild-hybrid system that provides an additional 24 hp during acceleration from a standstill.
- 3.0-litre V6 Diesel (Selected European Markets): This version produces 245 hp and 500 Nm of torque. It also comes with an 8-speed Tiptronic transmission, Quattro all-wheel drive, and mild-hybrid technology.
- 2.9-litre Twin-Turbo V6 Petrol (US): Delivers 429 hp and 599 Nm of torque, paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive.
- 4.0-litre Twin-Turbo V8 Petrol (SQ9 – US): Produces 591 hp and 800 Nm of torque. It is paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive. The SQ9 can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.
Suspension and Braking System
The Audi Q9 comes standard with adaptive air suspension, which automatically adjusts based on the vehicle’s speed, load, and road conditions. Drivers can also manually change the ride height by up to 90 mm using the drive select system.
The SUV is also equipped with all-wheel steering, which improves manoeuvrability at low speeds and enhances stability at higher speeds. Braking is handled by 400 mm composite front brake discs and 350 mm composite rear brake discs.
Market Launch & Future Group Architecture
Global launches of the Audi Q9 are set to start in November 2026, which makes it a significant vehicle in the luxury premium class.
Moreover, the platform of the Q9 will also be utilised for developing other cars within the Volkswagen Group. It is stated that the Audi Q9 will also form the base for Porsche’s upcoming flagship SUV, currently codenamed ‘K1’. The new model is expected to make its global debut in 2028 and will be available with multiple seating configurations.
