MUNICH— At the end of this summer, Audi will present its new flagship model. Previously, this role was fulfilled By A8but that was before SUVs found so much favor; even in Europe, most car buyers now swing this way. But forget Europe for a moment. The new Q9 is Audi’s first full-size SUV, underscoring the importance of the North American market. Late in development, the company even redesigned the cups to fit the giant insulated mugs that became a short-lived retail obsession.
We can only show this camouflaged Q9 on the outside for now, but the photos show the production interior. Or at least this is one of the possible trims; If you want the interior to evoke more of an Endor or Tatooine feel than Mustafa, there are beiges and browns, including an interesting light-grained olive wood alternative to the coarse carbon fiber you see here. The mix of different textures really helps elevate the Q9’s interior, which eschews glossy finishes in favor of matte wherever possible.
The look ahead is inspired by the brand’s 2021 Grandsphere concept he wrapped his dash around the people in the front seat. The Grandsphere didn’t really have to rely on existing technology, and it didn’t bother with screens for the future it envisioned. The Q9 doesn’t have that luxury, but it does have acres of digital real estate. The main instrument screen and infotainment screens curve around the driver, but they’re not too tall, so you have a clear view down the hood of the interaction light, which runs along the base of the windshield and provides an extra visual cue when you’re using your turn signals or hazard lights.
“When you close the car… what we wanted to create is something that calms you down in a way and gives you a luxury approach where everything is in control, everything is in motion, everything is quiet and everything is in its place,” explained Audi designer Chris Koelle.
Here’s the Q9 from the driver’s seat.
Audi
Here’s the Q9 from the driver’s seat.
Audi
This door card competes with excellent Lexus LC how interesting to touch.
Audi
There are two wireless chargers as well as a 100W USB-C port. More USB-C ports are available for the second and third rows.
Audi
There are two wireless chargers as well as a 100W USB-C port. More USB-C ports are available for the second and third rows.
Audi
There are two wireless chargers as well as a 100W USB-C port. More USB-C ports are available for the second and third rows.
Audi
Virtual Cockpit finds its mojo again
I’m glad to see that the moving map view is once again an option for the main instrument screen. Audi pioneered this feature with its Virtual Cockpit, but it is curiously missing a few the end models we have is controlled. Still, it’s also available in the new Q3, which lives at the other end of Audi’s SUV lineup. The Q3 and Q9 also share the same levers you use to turn on the turn signals and wipers (left side) and park/drive/reverse (right side). The action of using them to turn the wipers or lights is basically the same as a regular thread.
