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Audi has officially unveiled the all-new Q9, the largest and most luxurious SUV in the company’s history, which now takes its place as the new flagship of the German manufacturer’s lineup.
Designed primarily for the North American market, where SUVs account for a dominant share of luxury vehicle sales, the new Audi Q9 brings three rows of seating, imposing dimensions, cutting-edge technology and performance worthy of a sports car.
Alongside the standard Q9, Audi has also introduced the more powerful SQ9, aimed at customers seeking maximum performance without sacrificing comfort.
The Largest Audi SUV Ever
The Q9 is the first model in the company’s history to carry the number 9 designation, clearly emphasizing its position at the very top of the Audi SUV family.
Measuring an impressive 531 centimeters in length, 220 centimeters in width including the mirrors and 181 centimeters in height, the Q9 surpasses every previous SUV produced by the brand. It is based on the same platform as the new Q7, but features a considerably longer 314-centimeter wheelbase, allowing for an exceptionally spacious cabin.
Familiar Design With Modern Details
At first glance, it is clear that Audi did not simply want to enlarge the existing Q7. The front end is dominated by an enormous grille featuring an illuminated Audi logo, a detail that will be exclusive to the North American market.
The SQ9 is further distinguished by a honeycomb grille pattern, flared wheel arches, body-colored sporty details and dual exhaust outlets.
Both versions can be equipped with the latest generation of adaptive Digital Matrix LED headlights, designed to illuminate the road with greater precision while significantly reducing glare for other road users.
A Cabin Designed Like a Luxury Lounge
The interior of the new Q9 combines luxury with the latest technology.
The standard configuration features seven seats arranged across three rows, while customers will also be able to choose a more luxurious six-seat version with individual captain’s chairs in the second row.
Thanks to the generous wheelbase, even third-row passengers have enough space for comfortable longer journeys.
Cargo capacity behind the first row reaches an impressive 2,484 liters, placing the Q9 among the most practical luxury SUVs on the market.
Digital Stage and ChatGPT Inside the Car
At the heart of the interior is the new Digital Stage architecture featuring three large displays:
- an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster
- a 14.5-inch central infotainment display
- a 12.3-inch front passenger display
The infotainment system provides access to the vehicle’s functions, a choice of six driving modes and the Audi Assistant powered by ChatGPT, enabling more natural voice interaction with the vehicle.
Customers will also be able to choose a new Bang & Olufsen audio system featuring no fewer than 22 speakers, designed for those who demand a premium listening experience.
Two Powerful Engines, Quattro All-Wheel Drive and Sports Car Performance
The Audi Q9 is powered by a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine producing:
- 429 hp
- 600 Nm of torque
Power is sent to all four wheels through the legendary Quattro all-wheel-drive system, allowing the large SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds.
For those who want even more, the SQ9 features an upgraded 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing:
- 591 hp
- 800 Nm of torque
The SQ9 reaches 100 km/h in an impressive 3.9 seconds, while its top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.
Both engines have been developed exclusively for the North American market.
Comfort Without Compromise
Despite its imposing dimensions, Audi claims that the Q9 drives like a considerably smaller vehicle. Standard adaptive air suspension plays a major role, continuously adjusting the damping and vehicle height according to road conditions.
According to Vito Paladino, president of Audi of America, the goal during development was to ensure that the large SUV never felt cumbersome, while retaining the agility for which Audi is known.
Sales of the Audi Q9 and SQ9 in the United States will begin during the fourth quarter of this year. Prices start at $89,095 for the Q9, while the performance-oriented SQ9 will start at $119,395.
