Overview of the Flagship SUV

Audi has officially expanded its model lineup with the introduction of the Q9, its most expansive full-size SUV to date. Engineered as a premium three-row flagship, the vehicle focuses on maximizing interior space, cutting-edge lighting design, and robust mechanical performance. Production will take place at the brand's facility in Bratislava, Slovakia, with U.S. market availability scheduled for late 2026. The Q9 will launch with a base MSRP of $87,700, including a three-year or 30,000-mile Audi Signature Care maintenance plan.


Exterior Design and Customization

The Q9 features a commanding aesthetic defined by muscular, clean lines and a seamless black mask that integrates the Singleframe grille and headlights. Buyers can choose between two primary design configurations:

  • Advanced Line: Focuses on elegance with refined details and vertical bars in the grille.
  • S Line: Offers a more aggressive look with an open-design grille, sportier fascia, and a prominent rear spoiler.

The vehicle supports wheel sizes from 21 to 23 inches, with larger options featuring specialized acoustic foam to reduce road noise.


Interior Luxury and Versatility

Built on a 123.5-inch wheelbase, the cabin prioritizes comfort for adult passengers in all rows. Interior highlights include:

«The cabin is meticulously crafted with premium materials, including fine leather options, real wood inlays, and a sophisticated seven-passenger layout that can be upgraded to a six-passenger configuration with individual captain's chairs.»

The Q9 also debuts automatic powered doors that swing open electronically up to 90 degrees and include obstacle detection. For environmental control, the vehicle features a panoramic glass roof with Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) technology, which can switch from transparent to opaque to block UV rays and heat.


Digital Cockpit and Audio Experience

The dashboard is anchored by the "Digital Stage," featuring the MMI Panoramic Display, which combines an 11.9-inch driver cluster with a 14.5-inch central touchscreen running Android Automotive OS. A front-passenger display is also available, utilizing a privacy filter to ensure the driver remains focused on the road. The optional Bang & Olufsen 4D sound system delivers 1,360 watts of power through 22 speakers, complemented by physical seat actuators for a tactile bass experience.


Lighting Innovation

The Q9 introduces advanced lighting technologies to the U.S. market:

  • Digital Matrix LED Headlights: Provide high-resolution, adaptive illumination that creates a "shadow box" to avoid blinding other road users.
  • Curved Digital OLED Taillights 3.0: The world's first production application of flexible 3D OLED panels, capable of displaying complex light signatures and proximity alerts.

Powertrain and Chassis Performance

At launch, the Q9 is powered by a 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine producing 429 horsepower. Power is delivered through an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission and permanent quattro all-wheel drive, allowing for a 0-to-60 mph acceleration time of 4.9 seconds. Ride quality is managed by a standard adaptive air suspension system, with Prestige trims adding all-wheel steering to enhance maneuverability.


Safety and Automated Driving

The vehicle is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking and 360-degree camera arrays. The new Adaptive Cruise Assist Plus enables SAE Level 2 hands-free driving on approved highway segments, monitored by an internal camera to ensure driver alertness. Additionally, the Exit Warning system provides both visual and physical safeguards to prevent passengers from opening doors when traffic is approaching from behind.