Audi Expands SUV Range With The All-New Flagship Q9

Audi has introduced the Q9, its latest flagship and biggest SUV to date, representing the inaugural application of the '9' label. 

Positioned above the Q7 as the brand's second three-row SUV, the Q9 is scheduled to debut in India in the second quarter of 2027 and will be assembled locally. 

It is produced worldwide at Audi's plant in Bratislava, Slovakia. 

Aggressive And Sporty Design 

At the front, the Audi Q9 boasts a split-headlight design featuring narrow LED daytime running lights and Digital Matrix LED headlights. 

These feature micro-LED modules that can cast warning symbols onto the roadway, and the sophisticated turn signals project directional cues onto the road at night to enhance visibility for other drivers. 

The front fascia features a large grille with illuminated vertical slats, setting it apart from other Audi models. The front bumper additionally includes a honeycomb mesh design for the air intakes. 

It includes a lit 2D Audi emblem, and the bumper flaunts a massive air intakes along with a centrally positioned radar sensor for the advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) package.

To the side, the Audi Q9 features a sleek and sophisticated design, with 22 and 23-inch alloy wheel options. Grey brake callipers come standard, whereas red callipers come as an option. 

At the rear, it sports curved digital OLED taillights linked by a light strip that showcases a lit Audi logo. 

In contrast to the standard Q9, the SQ9 boasts a sportier front-end design that includes a redesigned grille with silver L-shaped inserts, enhancing its elegant look, along with an 'S' badge. 

At the back, the overall design stays mostly the same, but the SQ9 distinguishes itself with a bumper featuring silver accents and quad exhaust tips, each having two outlets on both sides.

Also Read - Best Luxury Cars in India Around ₹75 Lakh For Going Long Distance
 

Luxury-Focused Cabin Loaded With Premium Features 

Inside, the Q9 is also fitted with Audi's biggest panoramic sunroof yet, a 22-speaker Bang & Olufsen 4D audio system featuring headrest speakers and actuators for front seats, dual wireless phone chargers, and USB Type-C ports available in all three rows.

Some key features include heated armrests in the doors and centre, as well as a panoramic sunroof that provides adjustable transparency and illuminated components that synchronise with the ambient lighting.

In terms of safety, the Q9 features a Level 2 advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) which includes a 360-degree camera, automated parking assistance, and parking sensors at both the front and rear. It also gets automatic soft-closing doors equipped with collision-detection sensors. 

It also includes Adaptive Driving Assistant Plus, allowing for partially automated driving on designated highways and Autobahn sections at speeds reaching 130kph. Audi claims this is a first for any vehicle in its range.

In contrast to the traditional beige and black interior of the standard Q9, the SQ9 boasts a more dynamic black-and-white cabin design, complete with a three-spoke steering wheel adorned with an ‘S’ badge. The wooden trim is swapped for carbon fiber components, and the seats feature an 'S' logo on the headrests.

Petrol, Diesel and Mild-Hybrid Powertrains Offered 

Although manufacturers are moving away from diesel engines, Audi offers the Q9 in Germany equipped with a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine delivering 299 hp and 630 Nm.

It comes with an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox and a ‘Quattro’ all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. 

This engine is combined with a mild-hybrid system, providing 24hp of extra power for strong launches and very efficient driving. 

A revised version of the same powertrain generating 245 hp and 500 Nm will be available in certain European markets, combined with a Tiptronic transmission, Quattro all-wheel drive, and a mild-hybrid system.

In the US, the Q9 features a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine generating 429hp and 599Nm, paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic transmission and all-wheel drive. Audi plans to broaden the Q9 series by introducing more powertrain choices down the line.

Its standard adaptive air suspension automatically adapts to speed, load, and driving conditions, but it can also be manually modified by as much as 90 mm through the drive select menu. 

The Q9 additionally includes all-wheel steering to enhance maneuverability at low speeds and to boost stability as high speeds.

It features lightweight composite disc brakes on both ends, equipped with 400mm discs in the front and 350mm discs at the rear.

As for the Audi SQ9, it comes with a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 gasoline engine delivering 591 hp and 800 Nm in the US. 

The engine is combined with the identical 8-speed Tiptronic transmission found in the standard Q9, distributing power to all four wheels. 

Audi claims that the SQ9 can accelerate from 0 to 100kph in 4 seconds, ultimately achieving an electronically capped maximum speed of 250kph.

The Q9 will share the platform with Porsche’s next flagship SUV, known as ‘K1’, which is scheduled for a global launch in 2028.

Also Read - Top 10 Most Expensive Luxury Electric Vehicles in India
 

Audi Q9 Expected Price And Launch Date

The Audi Q9 is launched for 108,400 euros (approximately Rs 1.18 crore before taxes and duties), with global deliveries starting in November 2026. 

Image Source: Audi