Audi has officially pulled back the curtain on its newest and largest flagship SUV yet: the Audi Q9. Marking the very first time the German manufacturer has rolled out the ‘9’ designation, this massive cruiser sits comfortably above the Q7 as the brand’s second three-row model.
Built globally at Audi’s Bratislava plant in Slovakia, international deliveries for the Q9 are set to commence in November 2026 with a starting price of 108,400 euros (roughly Rs 1.18 crore before taxes and duties). Car buyers in India can expect it to arrive in the second quarter of 2027 as a locally assembled unit, ready to go toe-to-toe with luxury rivals like the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS.
Engine Options, Suspension, and Performance Specs
Audi is tailoring the Q9’s engine lineup based on regional markets, offering a mix of diesel, twin-turbo petrol, and mild-hybrid configurations:
Powertrain Breakdown
- German Market (Q9 Diesel): A 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine delivering 299hp and 630Nm of torque. It is paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive (AWD). A mild-hybrid system supplies an additional 24hp for smoother starts and improved efficiency.
- Select European Markets (Q9 Diesel): A detuned version of the 3.0-litre V6 diesel producing 245hp and 500Nm, mated to a Tiptronic gearbox, Quattro AWD, and a mild-hybrid setup.
- US Market (Q9 Petrol): A 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol unit churning out 429hp and 599Nm, coupled with an 8-speed Tiptronic transmission and AWD.
- US Market (SQ9 Performance Petrol): A 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine generating a massive 591hp and 800Nm of torque. Mated to an 8-speed Tiptronic transmission and AWD, the SQ9 sprints from 0-100kph in just 4.0 seconds, reaching an electronically limited top speed of 250kph.
Audi Q9 Dimensions at a Glance
Before diving into the tech, here is how the new Q9 measures up:
| Dimension | Measurement |
| Length | 5,309mm |
| Width | 2,010mm |
| Height | 1,794mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,138mm |
Striking Exterior Design & Advanced Lighting Features
Outside, the Audi Q9 debuts a sweeping list of lighting and visual upgrades designed to blend elegance with on-road safety:
- Next-Gen Lighting: Upfront, a split-headlight layout pairs slim LED daytime running lamps (DRLs) with Digital Matrix LED headlights. These headlights use micro-LED modules capable of projecting warning symbols directly onto the road, while smart turn signals project directional arrows onto the ground at night to alert other drivers.
- Aggressive Front Fascia: A large front grille with illuminated vertical slats commands attention alongside an illuminated 2D Audi emblem. The front bumper houses sizable air intakes and a centrally mounted radar sensor for driver assistance.
- Refined Profile: Clean body lines accommodate wheel sizes ranging from 20 to 23 inches. The 22- and 23-inch alloy options feature standard acoustic foam inserts to reduce tyre noise. Soft-closing automatic doors with collision-detection sensors come standard, paired with grey brake callipers (or optional red callipers).
- Distinct Rear Styling: Curved digital OLED tail-lights span the back, linked by a light bar with an illuminated Audi badge. A black centre section on the rear bumper, gloss-black surrounds, sharp body creases, and twin exhaust tips wrap up the athletic rear end.
Luxury Interior Tech and Layout
While the exterior display is brand new, Audi previewed the Q9’s cabin back in May. The model comes standard as a 7-seater, though a 6-seat setup featuring second-row captain’s chairs is available at an extra cost.
- Seating Comfort: Sport seats are standard in the front, and power-adjustable seating is fitted across all three rows. Front passengers benefit from ventilation and massage functions, while the third row folds away electronically using controls in the boot or via the central screen.
- Triple-Screen Dashboard: Extensive wooden trim decorates the dash and centre console. Drivers are greeted by a four-spoke steering wheel featuring a 2D Audi logo and a triple-screen interface: a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.5-inch driver-focused infotainment touchscreen, and a 12.3-inch passenger display with a privacy mode. The software runs on Android Automotive OS, allowing standalone app usage without needing a connected smartphone.
- Cabin Features & Safety: Highlights include Audi’s largest panoramic sunroof to date (with an optional variant offering switchable transparency and synced ambient lighting), optional heated door and centre armrests, dual wireless phone chargers, and USB Type-C ports for all three rows. Audio comes courtesy of a 22-speaker Bang & Olufsen 4D system with front-seat headrest speakers and actuators.
- Safety & ADAS: The Q9 comes loaded with Level 2 ADAS, a 360-degree camera, automated parking assist, and front and rear parking sensors. Notably, it debuts Adaptive Driving Assistant Plus, enabling partial automated driving on approved highways and Autobahn sections at speeds up to 130kph—a first for any Audi model.
The Sportier Audi SQ9 Variant
Alongside the standard SUV, Audi has introduced the higher-performance SQ9, bringing distinct visual and interior touches to the lineup:
- Exterior Enhancements: The SQ9 gets a revised front grille featuring silver L-shaped inserts, an ‘S’ badge, and a honeycomb mesh pattern on the bumper air intakes. It rides on exclusive alloy wheels, adds silver trim around the window line and rear quarter glass, and features a silver-accented rear bumper with quad exhaust tips (two on each side).
- Cabin Upgrades: Inside, the standard beige-and-black theme gives way to a sportier black-and-white look. Carbon fibre trim replaces the wood accents, a three-spoke steering wheel carries an ‘S’ badge, and the seats feature embossed ‘S’ logos on the headrests.
Chassis and Handling
- Adaptive Air Suspension: Standard on the Q9, this system automatically adjusts based on speed, load, and road conditions, with a manual lift option of up to 90mm via the drive select menu.
- All-Wheel Steering & Brakes: Standard all-wheel steering improves low-speed manoeuvrability while boosting stability at high speeds. Stopping duties are handled by lightweight composite disc brakes measuring 400mm at the front and 350mm at the rear.
Future Platform Sharing
The Audi Q9 platform will also serve as the foundation for Porsche’s upcoming flagship SUV (codenamed ‘K1’), which is slated to make its global debut in 2028 with various seating configurations on offer.
