2027 Audi Q9: All-new flagship SUV revealed as Audi's largest model yet

Audi is taking aim at the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7 with its new flagship SUV, the Q9 . It is the first time the German marque has used the number nine for one of its models, representing a further expansion of its SUV range. The Q9 follows the new-generation Audi Q7 , which was launched earlier this year, and makes quite an impression with its sizeable presence. Measuring 5.31 metres long, the Q9 is longer than a long-wheelbase Range Rover and stands 1.81m tall, while its 2.21m width may make some parking spaces a squeeze. Some familiar styling details link the Q9 to the smaller Q7, with slender pixel-LED daytime running lights positioned high on either side of the ‘Singleframe’ grille for a start. Finished in gloss-black, the grille forms part of a mask that surrounds the main Matrix-LED headlight units. The headlights incorporate a new micro-LED module, each containing 25,600 micro-LEDs measuring just 40 micrometres - around half the thickness of a human hair. As well as illuminating the road, the units provide additional driver assistance. Divided into 12 segments, the headlights can dynamically mask areas of the road to prevent the high-beam dazzling other road users, but that’s not their only function. In construction zones, for example, the lights can prioritise lane markings to provide clearer guidance and make temporary lanes easier to follow. The system can also identify pedestrians and illuminate them directly as the vehicle approaches. The vertical elements of the standard model's grille can be illuminated to emphasise its height, while a more pronounced lower front spoiler adds to the Q9's visual muscle. A different grille design distinguishes the S line. It uses downlighting to create a more three-dimensional effect. Numerous wheel designs will be available, ranging from 20 to 23 inches in diameter, helping to keep the car's proportions in balance. At 3.14m, the Q9 has the longest wheelbase of any production Audi to date. A clearly defined beltline runs above the blistered rear wheel-arches – a signature Audi design feature – and into a more upright D-pillar than that of the smaller Q7. Automatic doors are a feature of the Q9 and will also be available for the Q7. Pulling an exterior handle triggers powered opening, while a button on the inner panel closes the door. The owner can also control any door through a smartphone app or from the centre console, making passenger pick-ups and drop-offs easier. Each door has an array of sensors designed to detect obstructions and prevent contact. The Q9's rear lights feature what Audi says is a world-first: its third-generation OLED panels are the first curved OLED units fitted to a production car. Designed to follow the curvature of the Q9's body, they provide uniform light distribution across six panels containing a total of 512 segments. As well as displaying different lighting signatures, they can communicate warnings to other road users, such as alerting approaching vehicles when a door is opened. Audi has also introduced what it calls advanced turn signals. Available with the digital OLED rear lights and Matrix LED headlights, the system can project arrows onto the ground at the vehicle's front and rear corners, providing an additional indication that the Q9 is about to turn or change lanes. Inside, buyers will have a choice of seating layouts, with seven seats as standard or a six-seat configuration featuring two business-class-style seats in the second row. All seats in the Q9 are electrically adjustable and can be folded from the boot to increase cargo space. With all seats in use, there's 280 litres of storage space, increasing to between 700 and 850 litres, depending on specification, when the third row is folded. Folding all the rear seats creates 2308L of cargo capacity. The rearmost seats are spacious enough for adults, though getting in and out requires some effort. In the seven-seat version, the second-row bench has a 35/30/35 split, while the seatbacks fold in a 65/35 configuration and the centre section can be folded manually. Parents may appreciate that every seat except the driver's has ISOFIX anchor points for child seats. When accessing the third row, the second row slides forward electrically without its seatback folding. This means a child seat fitted in the second row does not have to be removed. The six-seat layout feels more luxurious, with second-row seats similar to those in the front and an armrest on each seat's inner side. There is enough space between them for passengers to walk through to the third row. Passengers also get the largest panoramic sunroof yet fitted to an Audi. Measuring 1.5 square metres, it can tilt or slide open and is optionally available with a switchable transparency layer divided into nine segments. A laminated layer reflects 99.5 per cent of UV radiation to help manage the cabin temperature. In the highest Q9 specification, the roof incorporates 84 LEDs that illuminate the interior and can display one of 30 colours to match the ambient lighting. Up front, Audi uses its MMI panoramic display, comprising a 12.3-inch digital instrument screen and a 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen angled towards the driver. A separate 12.3-inch display allows the front-seat passenger to control the multimedia system independently. Other than the window switches, a haptic panel on the centre console and the start button, the remaining functions are controlled through the touchscreens or by voice command. The Audi Q9 will be offered with a range of engines, starting with a 220kW turbo-diesel V6 producing 630Nm of torque. Its mild-hybrid system uses a belt alternator starter and a compact lithium iron phosphate battery to smooth power delivery and help reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The generator can provide an additional 18kW when moving off and overtaking. Power is sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and permanent quattro all-wheel drive. The V6 uses an electrically powered compressor and two-stage turbocharging. When required, the compressor builds up to 3.6 bar of boost pressure in 1.2 seconds to improve response. Some markets will receive a 315kW 2.9-litre petrol V6, while China will get a 269kW 3.0-litre petrol V6. A plug-in-hybrid version is also in development. All Q9s have adaptive air suspension as standard, combining continuously variable damping with adjustable ride height to suit different driving conditions. The driver can manually vary the Q9's height through a total range of 90mm using the Drive Select system. The car can also lower by 62mm to make getting in and out easier. An optional adaptive air suspension sport setup is intended to provide more agile handling. Rear-wheel steering can further improve the Q9's agility by turning the rear wheels through up to five degrees. At low speeds, they turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels, while at higher speeds they turn in the same direction for greater stability. For buyers seeking more performance, an SQ9 will follow (pictured here in grey). Powered by a turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 producing 435kW, it will feature subtle exterior changes, including Audi's customary aluminium-finished door mirrors, a sportier body kit and revised interior trim and upholstery. Audi Australia has yet to confirm the complete powertrain range for the Q9 when it goes on sale in 2027, though company officials confirmed that the SQ9 is due to follow later. MORE: 2027 Audi Q9 – New flagship SUV's interior revealed