Audi Q9: The Brand’s First Full-Size SUV and New Flagship
Audi has expanded its SUV portfolio at the very top with the introduction of the new Audi Q9. As the largest Audi ever created, the Q9 combines three-row practicality, advanced technology and a new level of space and comfort for the brand.
The Q9 has been developed with a strong focus on space, comfort and technology. It is designed to offer the practicality expected from a large three-row SUV while maintaining the premium driving experience and precise road manners associated with the Audi brand.
At 5.31 metres in length, 2.21 metres in width and 1.81 metres in height, the Q9 is officially the largest Audi ever created. Its 3.14-metre wheelbase plays a major role in creating a particularly spacious cabin, including more usable room for passengers in the third row.
Vehicle Dimensions
- 5.31 m Length
- 2.21 m Width
- 1.81 m Height
- 3.14 m Wheelbase
Flagship Highlights
- Full-Size SUV
- 6 or 7 Seats
- Automatic Doors
- Curved OLED Lights
A New Level of Space Inside
The Audi Q9 comes standard with three rows of seating and space for seven occupants. Audi has also developed a six-seat configuration for customers looking for a more premium, business-class rear-seat experience.
The six-seat layout replaces the conventional middle-row bench with individual seats, giving passengers additional personal space and comfort. The seats feature electric adjustment, while heating is also available depending on the selected specification.
The second row uses a flexible seating arrangement and can slide electrically to provide easier access to the third row. Audi has designed the system so that child seats do not necessarily need to be removed when accessing the rear seats.
The third-row seats can also be folded individually, helping owners adapt the cabin between passenger and luggage requirements. Additional controls from the luggage compartment make it easier to manage the seating configuration.
Automatic Doors Make Their Audi Debut
One of the major innovations introduced with the Q9 is Audi’s new automatic door technology. The doors can open and close automatically, adding another layer of convenience when entering or exiting the vehicle.
The system uses sensors to monitor the surrounding area and can stop the movement of a door when an obstacle is detected. Soft-close functionality is also included to ensure the doors close smoothly.
Several controls are available for operating the doors, and certain functions can also be managed remotely through the myAudi application.
Audi’s Largest Panoramic Sunroof
The Q9 also introduces the largest panoramic glass roof ever fitted to an Audi. Covering more than 1.5 square metres, the roof is designed to make the already spacious interior feel even more open.
It can be opened or tilted, allowing occupants to adjust ventilation according to their preferences. Depending on the specification, the glass can feature electronically controlled transparency, allowing users to switch between a bright cabin and additional protection from sunlight.
A high-end version also integrates lighting into the glass roof, with the illumination able to coordinate with the vehicle’s ambient lighting settings.
A More Advanced and Immersive Cabin
Audi has given the Q9 a highly digital cockpit based around its MMI panoramic display. The curved OLED interface combines a 12.3-inch digital driver display with a larger 14.5-inch central touchscreen.
A separate 12.3-inch display is also provided for the front passenger. Its privacy technology prevents distracting content from being visible to the driver while the vehicle is moving.
The infotainment system is built around Android Automotive and offers access to a range of integrated applications without depending entirely on a connected smartphone.
Audi has also upgraded its voice assistant to understand more natural conversations. The system can control vehicle functions, help with navigation and answer general questions. For broader information requests, it can access ChatGPT through Audi’s integrated assistant.
Digital Cockpit Highlights
The Q9 brings together a 12.3-inch digital driver display, a 14.5-inch central touchscreen and a 12.3-inch passenger display, creating one of Audi’s most advanced infotainment environments.
A New Benchmark for Audi Lighting Technology
The rear lighting system is among the Q9’s most important technological highlights. The SUV is the first production vehicle to use Audi’s new curved digital OLED rear light technology.
The ultra-thin OLED panels follow the shape of the vehicle’s body more closely than previous designs. Apart from creating a distinctive appearance, the technology is intended to improve visibility from different angles.
The lighting system includes hundreds of individually controlled segments, allowing the Q9 to display more sophisticated and dynamic light signatures.
Audi has also introduced an advanced turn signal projection system. In certain conditions, the vehicle can project a visual indication onto the road surface to make its intended direction more noticeable to surrounding road users.
At the front, digital Matrix LED headlights use advanced micro-LED technology to provide precise illumination. The headlights can also support certain driver-assistance functions by highlighting potential hazards and providing additional visual guidance.
Premium Sound With a New 4D Experience
The flagship SUV can be equipped with an upgraded Bang & Olufsen audio system featuring 22 speakers and a maximum output of 1,360 watts.
The system goes beyond traditional surround sound by adding seat-based actuators that create physical vibrations matched with certain audio frequencies. Audi calls this a 4D sound experience, designed to make music feel more immersive for occupants.
Headrest speakers also allow the system to deliver navigation instructions and phone audio more directly to individual front occupants without unnecessarily affecting the rest of the cabin.
Powerful Diesel Engines With Mild-Hybrid Technology
At launch, the Audi Q9 is available with a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine. The flagship version produces 220 kW, equivalent to 299 PS, along with 630 Nm of torque.
A second version producing 180 kW, or 245 PS, and 500 Nm will be offered in selected European markets.
Both powertrains use Audi’s MHEV plus mild-hybrid technology. The electrified system can provide additional assistance during acceleration and other driving situations, improving both responsiveness and efficiency.
The 220 kW version also features an electric-powered compressor designed to deliver faster boost response. Power is sent through an eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmission and Audi’s quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system.
Q9 TDI 220 kW
- 3.0L V6 Diesel
- 299 PS
- 630 Nm
- MHEV Plus
Q9 TDI 180 kW
- 3.0L V6 Diesel
- 245 PS
- 500 Nm
- Selected Markets
Comfort and Agility From Advanced Suspension
Despite its large dimensions, the Q9 has been engineered to provide a controlled and confident driving experience.
Adaptive air suspension is fitted as standard and continuously adjusts damping and ride height based on the driving situation. The total ride-height adjustment range is up to 90 mm.
Customers looking for a more dynamic setup can opt for adaptive air suspension sport. All-wheel steering is also available and can improve manoeuvrability at lower speeds while providing greater stability during higher-speed driving.
At lower speeds, the rear wheels can turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels to reduce the turning circle. At higher speeds, they can turn in the same direction to improve stability during lane changes and cornering.
Comprehensive Driver Assistance
The Audi Q9 introduces one of the most comprehensive driver-assistance packages offered by the brand.
Collision Assistance
Forward and rear collision assistance with pedestrian and cyclist detection.
360° Visibility
Surround-view cameras and automated parking functions help with everyday manoeuvring.
Hands-Free Support
Adaptive driving assistant plus can support steering, acceleration and braking on approved roads.
Emergency Assist
The vehicle can provide escalating warnings and bring the SUV to a controlled stop if necessary.
Available systems include forward and rear collision assistance, pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, a 360-degree camera system and automated parking functions.
A trailer manoeuvring assistant is also available to help when reversing with a trailer attached.
One of the most advanced features is Audi’s adaptive driving assistant plus, which supports hands-free driving on approved roads in selected markets. Initially available in Germany, the United States and Canada, the system can assist with steering, acceleration and braking at speeds of up to 130 km/h.
However, the system remains a Level 2 driver-assistance technology, meaning the driver is still responsible for monitoring the road and remaining ready to take control.
The Q9 also includes an advanced emergency assist system. If the driver becomes unresponsive, the vehicle can provide escalating warnings before taking steps to slow down and bring the SUV to a controlled stop.
A Bold New Flagship Design
The Q9 has a strong and upright exterior design intended to reflect its position at the top of the Audi SUV range.
The front end combines the Singleframe grille and lighting elements into a bold visual structure, while the large dimensions and long wheelbase create a commanding side profile.
Audi offers the Q9 in advanced and S line versions. The advanced model focuses more on elegance, while the S line receives a sportier interpretation with more aggressive styling elements.
Wheel sizes range from 20 to 23 inches, further emphasising the Q9’s flagship positioning.
At the rear, a full-width lighting arrangement and illuminated Audi rings create a distinctive night-time appearance. The curved digital OLED lights further differentiate the Q9 from other models in the brand’s lineup.
Key Audi Q9 Highlights
- First full-size SUV in Audi’s history.
- Largest Audi ever created at 5.31 metres long.
- Available with six or seven seats.
- Automatic door technology makes its Audi debut.
- Curved digital OLED rear lights introduce new lighting technology.
- Adaptive air suspension is fitted as standard.
- 220 kW V6 diesel produces 299 PS and 630 Nm of torque.
Audi Q9 Availability and Price
The Audi Q9 is manufactured in Bratislava and is scheduled to reach customers from November 2026.
Orders opened in Germany from the end of July 2026, with the Q9 TDI 220 kW priced from €108,400.
The CarsPlate Verdict
With the Q9, Audi is entering a new segment for the brand. The SUV is not simply a larger alternative to the Q7. Instead, it represents a dedicated flagship focused on maximum space, advanced technology and a significantly more premium ownership experience.
From its six- or seven-seat layouts and automatic doors to its curved OLED lighting and advanced digital cabin, the Audi Q9 represents one of the biggest steps forward in the brand’s modern SUV strategy.