MUNICH—It took Audi a little longer than its rivals, but with the debut of the 2027 Q9 tonight, the company has joined them in offering a spacious full-size SUV. No, not the Q7, although it is the third-generation version of that car broke cover in June. The car is designed primarily for Europe, the third row seats are suitable for small children or occasional use. But in America there is a segment one size larger, led by the Cadillac Escalade, and here we find the new Audi. While there are no concrete plans to replace the A8 sedan, the Q9 SUV becomes the brand’s new flagship.
At 209 inches (5,309 mm) long, 79.2 inches (2,012 mm) wide and 71.4 inches (1,814 mm) tall, it’s definitely not shrinking, although standing next to the aforementioned Caddy, you’ll notice that the American SUV has a few more inches here and there. The 123.5-inch wheelbase (3,137 mm) is 5.6 inches (142 mm) longer than the Q7, much of which means more room for the third row.
The silhouette is similar to a station wagon, but enlarged by 1.3 times.
Audi
The silhouette is similar to a station wagon, but enlarged by 1.3 times.
Audi
OLED backlights are an option.
Audi
OLED backlights are an option.
Audi
The silhouette is similar to a station wagon, but enlarged by 1.3 times.
Audi
OLED backlights are an option.
Audi
The Q9 looked big in the studio, but was less impressive than the Mercedes-Benz GLS or BMW X7. The body panels have more curves and subtle creases than Audis of a few years ago. Certain station wagons have a wobble, but that’s mostly because its big wheels make it look bigger and smaller and closer from a distance (aka, the Father Dougal principle).
Like the Q7 (and the new A5 and Q5), the Q9 uses the Volkswagen Group’s new Premium Platform Combustion, or PPC, architecture. Initially, it will come with one of Audi’s 2.9L V6 engines under the hood, but there is also an SQ9 that uses the twin-turbo V8 found in some RS6 and RS7 models. You’ll recognize the SQ9 by its wider wheel arches, larger alloy wheels and distinctive illuminated grille. Audi says that unlike the regular Q9, the SQ9’s all-wheel-drive powertrain is rear-biased for everyday driving.
