Audi has officially unveiled the all-new Q9, the largest and most luxurious SUV in its current lineup. Positioned above the Q7, the Q9 introduces Audi’s first model to carry the “9” badge and enters the full-size luxury SUV segment with a strong focus on space, comfort, technology and long-distance capability.
The new Audi Q9 measures more than 5.3 metres in length and comes with a three-row, seven-seat configuration as standard. Buyers can also choose an optional six-seat layout with electrically adjustable individual captain seats in the second row.
For international markets, the Q9 will initially be offered with a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine producing up to 299 PS and 630 Nm, supported by mild-hybrid technology, an eight-speed automatic transmission and Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system.
Audi Q9: What Makes It Special?
The Q9 is more than simply a larger version of the Q7. Audi has developed it as a flagship SUV designed to compete in the premium full-size SUV segment against models such as the BMW X7, Mercedes-Benz GLS and Range Rover.
Its long wheelbase, three-row seating and extensive comfort equipment are intended to make the Q9 suitable for both family journeys and chauffeur-driven luxury travel.
Audi describes the Q9 as its first large full-size SUV, with the model combining a spacious cabin, premium materials, advanced assistance systems and sophisticated chassis technology.
Audi Q9 Exterior Design
The Audi Q9 has a commanding road presence thanks to its large dimensions and upright SUV proportions.
The SUV measures:
- Length: 5.31 metres
- Width: 2.21 metres including mirrors
- Height: 1.81 metres
- Wheelbase: 3.14 metres
These dimensions make the Q9 the largest Audi production SUV to date.
At the front, the SUV gets a large Audi grille with a distinctive lighting signature and a muscular bumper design. The overall styling remains recognisably Audi while giving the Q9 a more imposing character expected from a flagship SUV.
At the rear, one of the biggest highlights is Audi’s third-generation curved digital OLED rear-light technology. Audi says the curved digital OLED rear lights represent a world first in lighting technology.
Seven-Seat Cabin With a Six-Seat Option
The biggest attraction of the Audi Q9 is its spacious three-row cabin.
The standard configuration accommodates seven passengers. The second row uses a 35/30/35 split arrangement, while the third-row seats can be folded individually at the push of a button. Audi has also designed the cabin to provide usable space for adults in the third row.
For buyers who prioritise rear-seat comfort, Audi offers an optional six-seat configuration. This replaces the second-row bench with two individual electrically adjustable captain seats, creating a more business-class-style environment.
The second-row seats can also be electrically adjusted, while access to the third row has been designed to be easier through electrically assisted movement of the outer second-row seat.
Automatic Doors: A First for Audi SUVs
One of the Q9’s standout luxury features is its automatically operated doors.
Audi says the Q9 is its first production model to offer automatic doors of this type. The doors can be operated from multiple control points and include obstacle detection designed to stop the door if an obstruction is detected.
This feature gives the Q9 a more premium, chauffeur-friendly character and sets it apart from conventional luxury SUVs.
Audi Q9 Interior and Technology
The Q9’s interior has been designed around the idea of a premium mobile lounge.
The cabin features high-quality materials, extensive ambient lighting and a technology-focused dashboard. Audi has also introduced a large panoramic sunroof, described by the company as the largest panoramic sunroof ever fitted to an Audi.
Depending on the configuration, buyers can also get:
- Electrically adjustable seats
- Heated and ventilated seats
- Front massage function
- Five-zone automatic climate control
- Premium 4D sound system
- Large digital displays
- Wireless smartphone charging
- Extensive ambient lighting
- Electrically folding third-row seats
- Individual second-row captain seats
The cabin is therefore aimed at buyers who want both family practicality and flagship-level luxury.
Audi Q9 V6 Diesel Engine
At launch in Germany, the Audi Q9 is offered with a 3.0-litre V6 TDI diesel engine producing 220 kW, or around 299 PS, and 630 Nm of torque.
The engine is paired with:
- 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission
- Permanent quattro all-wheel drive
- MHEV Plus mild-hybrid system
- Electric-powered compressor
- Two-stage turbocharging
Audi says the mild-hybrid system can provide up to 18 kW of additional power during certain driving situations, helping improve efficiency and response.
A lower-output 180 kW diesel version with 500 Nm is also available in selected European markets.
Audi Q9 Suspension and Driving Technology
Despite its large size, Audi has equipped the Q9 with advanced chassis technology designed to improve both comfort and handling.
The SUV features sophisticated suspension technology and all-wheel steering. At lower speeds, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels to reduce the turning circle. At higher speeds, they turn in the same direction as the front wheels to improve stability.
This should make the large Q9 easier to manoeuvre in tight urban areas while maintaining confidence at highway speeds.
Audi also offers multiple drive-select modes, allowing the character of the SUV to be adjusted according to driving conditions and driver preferences.
Advanced Safety and Driver Assistance Features
As expected from a flagship Audi, the Q9 comes with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance and safety technologies.
Depending on the market and equipment, features include:
- Adaptive Driving Assistant Plus
- Hands-free driving capability on approved highways in selected markets
- Automatic emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Exit warning
- 360-degree camera
- Park Assist
- Trailer Assist
- Emergency Assist
The exact availability of some assistance functions will vary by market and local regulations.
Audi Q9 India Launch
The Audi Q9 has been officially unveiled globally, with international deliveries scheduled to begin from November 2026. Audi says the model is being manufactured in Bratislava, Slovakia.
For India, reports indicate that the Q9 is expected to arrive in 2027, with the second quarter of 2027 reported as the likely launch window. However, Audi has not yet published a complete India-specific Q9 specification and pricing announcement.
There is also an important difference between the global and expected India specifications. The global launch model includes the V6 diesel, while Indian-market reports suggest the Q9 could be offered with a petrol powertrain. Therefore, the final India-spec engine should be treated as unconfirmed until Audi officially announces it.
Audi Q9 Price
In Germany, the Audi Q9 TDI 220 kW starts at €108,400, according to Audi’s official announcement.
The India price has not yet been officially announced. Considering the Q9’s positioning above the Q7 and its competition with the BMW X7, Mercedes-Benz GLS and Range Rover, it is expected to occupy the premium end of India’s full-size luxury SUV market.
The final India price will depend on the powertrain, equipment, taxes, import/local-assembly strategy and Audi’s positioning at launch.
Audi Q9 vs BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS
The Audi Q9 enters a segment where buyers already have several established luxury SUVs to choose from.
Its major competitors are expected to include the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS, while the Range Rover will also be a key rival in terms of luxury, size and prestige.
The Q9’s biggest advantages are its huge dimensions, flexible six- and seven-seat configurations, advanced cabin technology, quattro all-wheel drive and Audi’s latest driver-assistance systems.
Audi Q9: Expected India Specification
| Specification | Audi Q9 |
|---|---|
| SUV Type | Full-size luxury SUV |
| Seating | 7 seats standard |
| Optional Seating | 6 seats |
| Length | 5.31 metres |
| Wheelbase | 3.14 metres |
| Global Launch Engine | 3.0L V6 diesel |
| Maximum Power | 299 PS |
| Maximum Torque | 630 Nm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drive System | quattro AWD |
| Hybrid Technology | MHEV Plus |
| India Launch | Expected 2027 |
| Expected Rivals | BMW X7, Mercedes-Benz GLS, Range Rover |
| India Price | Yet to be announced |
Final Verdict
The Audi Q9 represents a major expansion of Audi’s luxury SUV portfolio. With its enormous dimensions, three-row seven-seat cabin, optional captain seats, automatic doors, premium interior, advanced lighting and sophisticated driver-assistance technology, it is clearly designed to sit at the top of Audi’s SUV range.
The V6 diesel version is particularly interesting for international markets, combining strong 630 Nm torque with mild-hybrid assistance and quattro all-wheel drive.
For India, the Q9 could become one of Audi’s most important premium SUV launches in 2027. However, Indian buyers will have to wait for official confirmation regarding the India-spec engine, final features, pricing and exact launch date.
If Audi manages to combine its flagship-level luxury with competitive pricing, the Q9 could become a serious challenger to the BMW X7, Mercedes-Benz GLS and other full-size luxury SUVs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Audi Q9 a 7-seater?
Yes. The Q9 comes with a seven-seat configuration as standard, while a six-seat layout with individual second-row seats is available as an option.
What engine does the Audi Q9 use?
The launch version in Germany uses a 3.0-litre V6 TDI diesel producing 299 PS and 630 Nm, combined with mild-hybrid technology.
Is the Audi Q9 coming to India?
Reports indicate that the Q9 is expected to launch in India in 2027, although Audi has yet to announce the complete India-specific specification and pricing.
What will be the Audi Q9’s rivals in India?
The Q9 is expected to compete with premium full-size SUVs such as the BMW X7, Mercedes-Benz GLS and Range Rover.
What is the global starting price of the Audi Q9?
The Q9 TDI 220 kW starts at €108,400 in Germany. The Indian price has not yet been announced.
When will Audi Q9 deliveries begin?
Audi says deliveries are scheduled to begin in November 2026 in the initial markets.
Important: The Audi Q9 has now been officially unveiled, but India-specific details such as the final engine, equipment list and price should be considered tentative until Audi India makes an official announcement.
