Audi debuts Q9 as its new flagship SUV
Audi has unveiled the Q9, its new flagship and largest SUV yet, marking the first use of the '9' designation. Positioned above the Q7 as the brand's second three-row SUV, the Q9 is set to launch in India in the second quarter of 2027 and will be locally assembled in the country. Globally, it is manufactured at Audi’s Bratislava plant in Slovakia. It will compete with the likes of the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS.
- Offered in three trims globally: Advanced, S Line and SQ9
- Gets Digital Matrix LED headlights, automatic doors, curved digital OLED taillights
- Features 7 seats as standard, while a 6-seater option is also offered at extra cost
The Audi Q9 is priced at 108,400 euros (around Rs 1.18 crore before taxes and duties), with international deliveries to commence in November 2026.
Audi Q9 SUV exterior design
Gets a plethora of exterior lighting features for improved safety
Up front, the Audi Q9 features a split-headlight setup with slim LED DRLs and Digital Matrix LED headlights. These incorporate micro-LED modules capable of projecting warning symbols onto the road surface, while the advanced turn signals project directional indicators onto the ground at night to improve visibility for other road users. The front fascia is dominated by a massive grille with illuminated vertical slats, giving it a distinct look compared to other Audi models. It also features an illuminated 2D Audi logo, while the bumper houses large air intakes and a centrally mounted radar sensor for the advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) suite.
In profile, the Audi Q9 adopts a clean and elegant design, with wheel sizes ranging from 20 to 23 inches. The 22- and 23-inch alloys come standard with acoustic foam inserts to reduce tyre noise, while black cladding around the wheel arches adds a rugged touch. The Q9 also features soft-closing automatic doors with collision-detection sensors. Grey brake callipers are standard, while red callipers are available as an option.
Audi is offering the Q9 with curved digital OLED taillights connected by a lighting strip featuring an illuminated Audi logo. The rear bumper's black centre section and gloss-black surrounds create a bold contrast with the bodywork, while sharp creases and twin exhaust tips add to the SUV's sporty character.
Here are the dimensions of the Audi Q9 SUV:
In the international market, Audi is selling the Q9 in standard ‘Advanced’, ‘S-Line’ and ‘SQ9’ avatars.
SQ9 gets a different design for the grille, bumpers and alloy wheels
Compared to the standard Q9, the SQ9 gets a sportier front-end design with a revised grille featuring silver L-shaped inserts that give it a more elegant appearance. The front bumper also features a honeycomb mesh pattern for the air intakes. It rides on a new set of alloy wheels and gets silver trim around the window line and rear quarter glass. At the rear, the overall design remains largely unchanged, but the SQ9 stands out with a silver-accented bumper and quad exhaust tips, with two outlets on either side.
Audi Q9 SUV interior design and features
The SUV offers 7 seats and a triple-screen setup on the dashboard as standard
While the debut offers the first look at the Q9's exterior, Audi had already revealed the interior in May. The Q9 is a three-row SUV offered as a seven-seater as standard, with an optional six-seat layout featuring captain's chairs in the second row. Sport seats come standard in the front, and all three rows feature power-adjustable seats. The front seats also offer ventilation and massage functions, while the third row can be folded electronically via the infotainment system or controls in the boot.
To enhance the cabin’s luxurious appeal, Audi has incorporated extensive wooden trim across the dashboard and centre console. The dashboard features a three-screen layout, comprising a 12.3-inch digital driver's display, a 14.5-inch driver-oriented infotainment touchscreen, and a 12.3-inch passenger display with a dedicated privacy mode. A new four-spoke steering wheel with a 2D Audi logo sits ahead of the driver, while the infotainment system runs on Android Automotive OS, allowing access to built-in apps without requiring a connected smartphone.
Gets a panoramic sunroof, 22-speaker sound system and Level-2 ADAS
The Q9 also comes equipped with Audi's largest panoramic sunroof to date, a 22-speaker Bang & Olufsen 4D sound system with front-seat headrest speakers and actuators, dual wireless phone chargers, and USB Type-C charging ports for all three rows. Optional features include heated door and centre armrests, along with a panoramic sunroof that offers switchable transparency and illuminated elements that sync with the ambient lighting.
On the safety front, the Q9 is equipped with a Level 2 advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), a 360-degree camera, automated parking assist, and front and rear parking sensors. It also features Adaptive Driving Assistant Plus, which enables partial automated driving on approved highways and Autobahn sections at speeds of up to 130kph. Audi says this is a first for any model in its lineup.
The SQ9 is offered with a different cabin theme and carbonfibre trims
Compared to the standard Q9’s beige and black interior theme, the SQ9 gets a sportier black-and-white cabin theme along with a three-spoke steering wheel featuring an ‘S’ badge. The wood trim is replaced with carbon fibre elements, and the seats get an 'S' emboss on the headrests.
Audi Q9 SUV powertrain options
Offered with a 3L V6 diesel engine with standard Quattro system
While manufacturers are shying away from diesel engines, Audi is offering the Q9 in the German market with a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine that produces 299hp and 630Nm. It is offered with an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and ‘Quattro’ all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup. This engine is paired with a mild-hybrid system, offering 24hp of additional power for “powerful starts and highly efficient driving”.
A detuned version producing 245hp and 500Nm, mated to the same Tiptronic transmission, 'Quattro' AWD and mild-hybrid system, will be offered in select European markets. Audi is expected to expand the Q9 lineup with more powertrain options at a later stage.
Audi is offering the Q9 SUV with adaptive air suspension as standard. While this suspension system automatically adjusts based on the speed, load and driving conditions, it can be manually adjusted by up to 90mm via the drive select menu. The Q9 also features all-wheel steering to increase manoeuvrability at low speeds and improve stability as the speeds increase. For optimal stopping power, it gets lightweight composite disc brakes at both ends, with 400mm discs at the front and 350mm units at the rear.
The Audi Q9 will underpin Porsche’s upcoming flagship SUV, codenamed ‘K1’, which is set to debut globally in 2028 with multiple seating configurations on offer.
from Autocar India https://ift.tt/VJ65FpQ
Comments
Post a Comment