• Brand’s First Full-Size SUV: Audi officially unveils the Q9, the largest vehicle in the German automaker’s history, designed specifically to meet U.S. demand for spacious full-size luxury SUVs.
• Massive Proportions: Measures 5.31 meters (209 inches) in length with a 3.14-meter wheelbase, featuring standard seven-seat capability and an optional six-seat business-class configuration with electric captain’s chairs.
• Hands-Free Driving Assistance: Introduces Adaptive Cruise Assist Plus, allowing drivers to take hands off the wheel at speeds up to 85 mph (130 km/h) on approved highway networks in the U.S., Canada, and Germany.
• Lighting Innovation: Debuts world-first curved digital OLED rear light panels, dynamic ground-projection turn signals, and a 1.5-square-meter panoramic glass roof with adaptive color illumination.
• Performance SQ9 Variant: Highlights a 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo SQ9 model generating 591 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, capable of 0–100 km/h in 4.0 seconds. Initial customer deliveries begin in Q4 2026.

On the hunt for a new vehicle? You’re in luck. Audi has officially expanded its utility portfolio with the debut of the all-new Audi Q9, marking the German brand’s first foray into the full-size three-row luxury SUV segment. Specifically developed with North American drivers in mind, the Q9 acts as the crown jewel of Audi’s SUV lineup, positioned above the refreshed Q3, Q5, and Q7 models. Measuring an imposing 5.31 meters long, 2.21 meters wide and 1.81 meters tall with a 3.14-meter wheelbase, the Q9 establishes a commanding footprint. The exterior features an upright front fascia, clean body lines and standard adaptive air suspension accompanied by rear-axle steering for enhanced maneuverability across its massive frame.

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Business-Class Cabin Tech and Hands-Free Driving

Inside, the Q9 emphasizes interior volume and high-tech cabin comfort. Per the brand, the standard layout offers seven seats, while also boasting an optional six-seat configuration substitutes the second row for individual electrically adjustable captain’s chairs with ventilation and massage functions. Here are additional specs:

• Panoramic Sunroof Innovation: Every Q9 comes standard with Audi’s largest panoramic glass roof to date—exceeding 1.5 square meters—featuring optional switchable glass transparency and ambient-synced internal roof illumination.
• Level 2+ Hands-Free Driving: On approved highways across the U.S., Canada, and Germany, the Adaptive Cruise Assist Plus system enables hands-free steering, acceleration and braking at speeds up to 85 mph (130 km/h).
• Next-Gen Lighting: At the rear, seamless curved digital OLED panels adjust brightness based on surrounding traffic, paired with Digital Matrix LED headlights that project dynamic turn signal indicators directly onto the road surface at night.

Powertrain Specs, SQ9, and Market Arrival

For the North American market, the standard Q9 is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 gasoline engine paired with permanent quattro all-wheel drive. European markets will launch with 3.0-liter V6 TDI mild-hybrid options utilizing an electric-powered compressor and lithium iron phosphate battery architecture.

For buyers seeking maximum power, Audi revealed the performance-focused SQ9. Armed with a revised 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 591 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, the SQ9 sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.0 seconds via a rear-biased quattro system with a controlled rear differential lock.

Both the standard Q9 and SQ9 boast a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs). Per the brand, customer deliveries are scheduled to begin globally in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Featured Photo: Audi

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