Overview
- Audi publicly revealed the Q9 and performance SQ9 on Friday as a new three‑row flagship sized for markets outside Europe and built at Volkswagen Group’s Bratislava plant.
- The Q9 is the largest production Audi to date at about 5.31 metres long with a 3.14‑metre wheelbase and comes standard as a seven‑seater with an optional six‑seat captain’s‑chair layout.
- Audi will offer market‑specific powertrains that include a 429‑hp twin‑turbo V6 for the U.S., a diesel V6 with mild‑hybrid support in other regions, and an SQ9 with a 591‑hp 4.0‑litre twin‑turbo V8.
- The model debuts advanced cabin and safety tech such as third‑generation curved OLED rear lights, a multi‑screen dashboard, automatic doors with obstacle detection, and an adaptive driving assistant that allows hands‑free driving up to about 85 mph.
- Orders have opened in some markets with pricing starting near US$87,700 for the Q9 and about US$118,000 for the SQ9, deliveries are scheduled for late 2026, and analysts say the model intensifies competition with BMW X7, Mercedes‑Benz GLS and Range Rover while its size may limit appeal in Europe.