A new portfolio flagship – the full-size Audi Q9 redefines space and comfort as the first of its kind

With its largest SUV to date, Audi is assigning the number 9 for the first time and strategically expanding the top end of its model portfolio with an all-new flagship. The Audi Q9 combines spaciousness, precise dynamics, and technological innovation in a single vehicle. Highlights include the availability of third-generation curved digital OLED taillights, individual power adjustable seats in the second row, automatic doors and the largest panoramic sunroof ever fitted to an Audi. Sophisticated suspension and standard quattro all-wheel drive, paired with powerful powertrains delivering best-in-class 0-60 mph acceleration, provide remarkable performance and composure on and off the road. The SUV will be available in dealerships later this year.

“In the future, ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ will increasingly be defined by the in-car experience – because cars are much more than just a means of transportation. For many of our customers, they are becoming mobile living spaces,” says Audi CEO Gernot Döllner. “That is exactly what the Audi Q9 represents as the new flagship of our portfolio. Premium materials, individual power-adjustable seats in the second row, and automatic doors underscore our commitment to quality in the interior. When combined with the latest driver assist systems and a holistic user experience, it becomes clear where we are taking the Audi brand.”

The interior of the new Q9 integrates premium materials and standout features, underscoring a commitment to quality from the Audi brand. Two interior variants with distinct equipment packages offer customers numerous options for personalization. The new Q9 seats seven passengers as standard. Families will appreciate that all seats in the second and third rows feature LATCH mounting points for child safety seats. The Q9 is optionally available with six seats, delivering extra space and a business-class atmosphere thanks to power-adjustable second-row captain’s chairs, with seat heating available as an additional option.

The two power-adjustable individual seats in the second row are a particular highlight. In the third row, each seatback folds down individually at the push of a button. In the first row, the optional sports seat plus also adds ventilation and massage functions. For the first time, powered automatic doors offer increased comfort when entering and exiting the vehicle. Extensive surround sensors help to protect from inadvertently opening the door into traffic: an obstacle detection system can stop the door if it detects traffic, pedestrians, or cyclists in the way. An electric soft-close mechanism ensures the doors shut gently. The power doors can be conveniently opened and closed from multiple control points, even remotely via the myAudi app.

Another highlight of the Q9 interior is the largest-ever panoramic sunroof in an Audi, fitted as standard. It features a glass surface of more than 16 square feet (1.5 square meters) that can be opened wide or tilted. Optional features include switchable transparency control and personalized ambient lighting, as well as optional roof illumination planned to be available at a later date.

The Audi Q9 makes a statement upon arrival. Measuring 209.0 inches (5.31 meters) long, 86.8 inches (2.21 meters) wide, and 71.4 inches (1.81) meters tall, with a wheelbase of 123.5 inches (3.14 meters), it is the most spacious Audi to date. Its upright front gives the full-size SUV an assertive stance and unmistakable character. The two equipment lines – advanced line as standard and S line as an option on launch edition models – are clearly distinct. The advanced line presents a prestigious exterior with vertical bars in the Singleframe grille, while the S line exterior delivers a sportier edge. Alloy wheels of up to 23 inches amplify the presence of the new Q9, while design elements such as the raised roof rails, bold rear overhang, and upright cabin emphasize the utility and generous proportions of the SUV.

Advanced lighting technology adds to the Q9’s powerful presence – including a world premiere. Available third-generation curved digital OLED taillights set new standards within the automotive industry for their form, function, and safety enhancing capabilities. The available outer digital OLED panels – the first of their kind on a production model – are curved in three dimensions thanks to ultra-thin glass. This not only opens up new design possibilities – allowing the panels to flow with the vehicle’s silhouette, but also increases visibility, as the light can be seen from a wider angle. A second innovation in lighting technology similarly helps to improve road safety: the available advanced turn signals. At night, the advanced turn signals project a stylized indicator onto the ground in sync with the dynamic signals at the front and rear of the vehicle, ensuring high visibility for other road users. Digital Matrix LED headlights with a micro-LED module – which bring adaptive beam functionality to Audi models in the U.S. for the first time – provide excellent range, precise illumination, and high contrast; adapting to traffic and other road users to reduce glare while also bringing more light to all.

With its assistance systems, the Audi Q9 purposefully meets the high expectations of premium customers. At launch, the Q9 will be available with a twin turbo 2.9-liter V6 making 429 hp and 442 lb.-ft. of torque, capable of accelerating the new flagship to 60 mph in only 4.9 seconds and delivering best-in-class 0-60 mph acceleration. The Q9 is equipped with an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive as standard.

The new Audi Q9 will be available at U.S. dealers later this year. You can find detailed information about the Audi Q9 below.

Interior with thoughtful seating, automatic doors, and premium space
The interior design continues the geometric integration of the dashboard and doors, underscoring a commitment to precision. Clean lines and clearly defined surfaces create order and focus. Details like the air vents deliberately recede into the background. The vents are electrically adjustable and dynamically controlled via the user interface making them a practical highlight.

The generous interior of the Audi Q9 inspires a sense of elegance and freedom. As standard, the model series has three rows of seats for a total of seven occupants. All seats are power-adjustable in the Audi Q9, regardless of whether a seven- or optional six-passenger configuration is selected. The optional six-passenger layout with power-adjustable second-row captain’s chair seats prioritizes business-class-like comfort.

Audi is also offering available automatic doors for the first time – providing increased comfort when entering and exiting the vehicle. The wide opening angle of up to 90 degrees allows easy access. Obstacle detection can automatically stop the door if a person or object is detected in its path.

The Q9 comes equipped with sports seats as standard. As a result, the interior combines sportiness with a high level of comfort, creating a balanced, striking look. The standard sports seats in the front are available with an optional ventilation function. Sport seats plus are also an option in the front; offering heating, ventilation, and massage functions which can be adjusted via seat-mounted controls.

The door armrests and the center armrests in the front and rear can optionally be heated as well. This feature is activated using the seat heating controls, with corresponding intensity levels.

In the seven-seat layout, the second row is designed with a 35/30/35 split. Thanks to the long wheelbase of 123.5 inches (3.14 meters), even the third row provides ample space for adults. The second-row seats are also power-adjustable fore and aft, while the seatbacks fold in a 65/35 split. In the 65-percent section, a 30-percent center portion can also be folded down manually, creating a 35/30/35 split. Both the second and third-row seats are equipped with LATCH-compliant mounting points for child seats.

For easier access to the third row of seats, the outer seat in the second-row slides forward electrically and can tilt forward without folding down. Thanks to this function, unoccupied front-facing child seats fitted there do not need to be removed. Comfort entry can be activated via the MMI or a button in the entry area of the rear door. In the seven-seat configuration of the Q9, all second- and third-row seats can be folded sequentially. The front-row seatbacks are additionally equipped with a dedicated map pocket. The various seat functions – such as folding down the third and second rows – can also be controlled from the trunk.

Panoramic sunroof offers more light and space
Beyond the seating layout, the standard panoramic sunroof plays a key role in the exceptional sense of space inside the Audi Q9. It is the largest panoramic sunroof ever installed in an Audi and can be opened or tilted to ventilate the cabin. Thanks to its stepless mechanism, the large opening of the sunroof can be individually adjusted for the desired level of ventilation.

Switchable transparency via Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) laminated safety glass is also available as an option. With a total of nine individually controllable segments, switching between a light-flooded interior and effective glare protection is easy. When the Q9 is parked, the roof automatically turns opaque to prevent people looking in from outside and to keep the cabin cooler. When the car is restarted, the most recent setting is restored. The standard coated laminated glass reflects infrared light and blocks more than 99.5 percent of UV radiation. A conventional sunshade is no longer necessary. An integrated wind deflector reduces wind noise when the roof is open. The panoramic sunroof is operated via a button in the roof module or the MMI.

Impressive interior lighting concept
All Q9 models come standard with an ambient lighting package which includes standard colored contour lighting in the dashboard and doors accentuating the width of the interior. Owners can take this a step further with backlit surfaces in the door card that come as part of the ambient lighting plus package standard on Q9 Prestige and SQ9 models. Indirect lighting beneath the Audi MMI panoramic display and in the center console creates a subtle floating effect. A central element is the standard dynamic interaction light (IAL) that comes as part of the ambient light package: a continuous LED light strip spans the full width of the interior and supports interaction between occupants and the vehicle. In addition to a welcome function and a lock/unlock indicator, the IAL also visualizes the dynamic turn signal, for example. A distinctive highlight is the light signature in the headrest of the available sports seat plus, which serves as a unique identifying feature visible even from the outside. In addition, integrated sound design with noise-canceling technology in the headrest provides a quiet, comfortable atmosphere.

Sound system transcends interior boundaries
Audi optimally combines the interaction light with the updated optional Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System with 4D sound. The IAL uses its “experiences” feature to sync with the rhythm of the music, creating an immersive experience by matching the color scheme to the track’s cover art. The system builds on the previous 3D sound system with headrest speakers and adds innovative seat actuators in the front seats. The goal is an immersive, personalized sound experience that makes music not only something you hear, but something you can physically feel. The Q9 cabin is filled with sound from a total of 22 speakers and two seat actuators; including tweeters and mid-range speakers, a subwoofer, an optimized center speaker, and four headrest speakers – two each for the driver and front passenger. The total system output is 1,360 watts. The headrest speakers enable personal phone calls, navigation prompts, and surround sound without acoustic distractions for other passengers.

Compared with conventional surround sound, the 4D system delivers an authentic concert-hall atmosphere. The integration of Fraunhofer Symphoria® enables adaptive sound distribution. The seat actuators generate finely tuned vibrations that sync with the music and intensify the bass sensation – the experience is like being at a live concert. Users can flexibly adjust the degree of immersion via individually configurable sliders or preset sound profiles or turn it off entirely.

Comprehensive equipment
In the new Q9, Audi is expanding the range of interior options. The expansive surfaces are ideal for showcasing materials to their full effect. High-quality wood trim, new decorative accents, and coordinated colors eschew high-gloss plastics to create an atmosphere of premium comfort. The interior combines exclusive quality, evident down to the finest stitch, with pioneering materials. Particular attention has been paid to material selection. Leather and leatherette blends, as well as Fine Nappa leather contribute to the refined character of the Q9. In addition to familiar hues, new colors such as tamarind brown, and stone beige round out the selection. The cabin is further enhanced by decorative inlays in Olive ash amber brown natural wood, Lime structure gray brown natural wood, or Fine grain ash silk beige natural wood depending on the leather color selected. Color-coordinated trim elements throughout the cabin, along with the reduced use of glossy surfaces in favor of matte and textured materials, ensure an elegant aesthetic and minimize fingerprints. The steering wheel also adds a fresh touch with a standard upgrade of the airbag cover in leather and with color-matched contrast stitching. A fully-curated optional Almond Beige Audi exclusive design package is also available to complete the offering.

Room for just about everything with generous storage in the Q9
The largest Audi SUV to date offers a wealth of storage solutions. Above all, the redesigned and versatile center console in the Q9 offers flexibility: it features innovative magnetic wireless charging solutions for cell phones, such as a dual charger for two smartphones compliant with the Qi2.2 standard. This enables fast and efficient charging. Alternatively, wired USB-C Power Delivery charging is optionally available across all three rows with outputs ranging from 45 to 100 watts; enough to quickly charge larger devices like laptops and tablets. Just like the car itself, the front cup holders are also generously sized – for example, to accommodate the oversized stainless-steel tumblers that are popular in the USA. The cup holders in the second row can hold a large drink container and, for example, a bottle. The new Audi Q9 also offers plenty of space and thoughtful organizational options in the luggage compartment: a new standard aluminum rail system integrated into the sides of the trunk allows users to secure cargo in three dimensions with sliding hooks and adjustable anchors. This setup makes it easy to stow smaller items and frees up space on the trunk floor for larger items. A roof rack for the roof rails is also included. When the third row of seats is in use, the luggage compartment cover can be stowed under the cargo floor to save space. The seven-seater has 19.3 cu. ft. of storage room behind the third row. Behind the second row, up to 50.0 cu. ft.; while folding down the second-row seats expands the storage space to as much as 87.7 cu. ft. behind the front seats.

The exterior: sophisticated spaciousness
The new Audi Q9 makes a bold statement with its commanding exterior design. The front end integrates the brand’s signature Singleframe and the headlights into a seamless black mask – giving the vehicle its confident, authoritative look. The grille extends deep into the lower fascia, lending the design a stronger vertical presence and reinforcing the Q9’s position at the top of the lineup. The bumpers, by contrast, are deliberately understated, forming clean, cohesive surfaces. The vertically oriented front end gives Audi’s largest SUV a sense of stature and prestige. An optional illuminated Singleframe grille with LED technology is available for an even more striking appearance at night. The Q9 has a straight and level beltline, accentuating the car’s elongated silhouette. This is complemented by Audi’s signature pronounced shoulder line, which reinforces the Q9’s commanding presence. The long wheelbase, larger rear doors, and extended rear overhang are especially noticeable toward the back of the cabin, contributing to the spacious feel inside the Q9.

At the rear, the license plate is positioned in the bumper. This placement emphasizes a sense of calm and refinement, creating a clean rear surface. In a world-first application of the technology in a production vehicle, curved digital OLED taillights are available and create a distinctive signature after dark, enhancing visibility on the road while reinforcing the car’s clean aesthetic. A continuous LED light strip featuring illuminated Audi rings connects the two taillights.

The generous interior space – with third-row seating and a large trunk – is most evident in the upright rear end and its extended overhang. A standout feature at the side of the vehicle is a ground projection that welcomes passengers as they approach with an unrolling carpet of light: the graphic projected beside the doors echoes the rhombus motif established by Audi Sport.

A wide range of exterior options
The Q9 is available in advanced line and – for launch edition models – in S line trims, each distinguished by a range of distinct design elements. The standard advanced line version of the Q9 emphasizes clean surfaces with restrained detailing that highlight elegance and spaciousness. In the advanced line, vertical slats adorn the Singleframe grille. The S line trim, by contrast, takes on a sportier look – with a bolder Singleframe featuring an open design without slats, a more pronounced lower front end, and an accentuated rear spoiler.

The Q9 is available with alloy wheels ranging from 21- to 23-inches in a variety of designs and finishes. Each 21- and 22-inch design is equipped with all-season run-flat tires as standard. Optional 23-inch wheels come with summer tires. All 22- and 23-inch tires come standard with acoustic foam inserts that reduce tire noise. Valve stems and wheel weights are color-matched to the respective rim design.

World-first production digital OLED taillights 3.0 with curved digital OLED panels
Q9 Prestige models come equipped with taillights constructed from third-generation digital OLED panels, setting new standards in lighting technology. The world’s first curved digital OLED panels in a production model integrate even more seamlessly into the contours of the body and include eight customizable digital signatures – combining visibility, and design like never before.

The curvature of the digital OLED panel is key to improving visibility, especially from the sides of the vehicle. The glass substrate is just 0.1 millimeters thick, about the thickness of a typical human hair. Thanks to ultra-thin glass technology, the panel follows the contours of the body precisely. The curved digital OLED rear light delivers strong contrast and uniform light distribution. The outer curved OLED panel is the largest panel ever fitted in an Audi, comprising 99 segments. The center panel has 84 segments, the inner panel 73. A total of 512 segments are distributed across six large digital OLED panels – making the vehicle appear significantly wider at night.

New Digital Matrix Light functionality for the U.S. – more light and less glare for other drivers
With the introduction of the all-new, full-size, 2027 Q9 family of flagship SUVs, Audi engineers have developed an adaptive beam Digital Matrix LED headlight system, delivering the high performance of the adaptive systems already widely used in Europe for more than a decade.

Unlike conventional high beams that switch on or off as a single unit, Digital Matrix LED technology continuously shapes the light pattern in real time, keeping the outstanding illumination of high-resolution light on the road while reducing glare for other road users. Using front-facing cameras, the system detects oncoming vehicles as well as vehicles ahead to create a precise “shadow” around each of them, so the driver can maintain maximum illumination elsewhere without blinding other road users.

Advanced turn signals for better visibility when turning
A second lighting highlight in the Q9 is the advanced turn signals, which come in combination with the available digital OLED taillights and the digital Matrix LED headlights. When turning or changing lanes at night, they project a stylized turn signal indicator onto the ground – in sync with the dynamic turn signals at the front and rear of the vehicle – improving visibility to other road users.

Communication light helps enhance safety
Thanks to the split taillight design of the all-new Q9 a communication light can now alert other road users to accidents and breakdowns ahead. The communication light can display a distinctive rear light signature within the optional digital OLED taillights, with an integrated warning symbol in the form of a hazard triangle when the hazard lights are on, or the eCall/bCall buttons have been pressed. The model also features a connected exit warning: using a dedicated light signature, it can alert cyclists or other vehicles approaching the stationary vehicle from behind to potential collisions when occupants are opening their doors.

Projection light in the doors welcomes passengers
Q9 Prestige models benefit from an LED module in the door sills that facilitates a new projection light that can project a solid white rhombus onto the ground beneath the driver’s and front passenger’s doors and a dashed rhombus beneath the rear doors. The rhombus unfurls when the doors are opened, welcoming the passengers and lighting the path to the vehicle. In conjunction with the exit warning, the car can project the rhombus onto the ground next to the door when cyclists or cars approach to signal a passenger is getting out of the Q9.

Driver assistance helps in critical driving situations
The Audi Q9 features a comprehensive suite of active and passive driver assist technologies. These include:

• Automatic emergency brake system: standard forward and available rearward collision avoidance with pedestrian and cyclist detection
• Standard blind spot monitoring: visual alerts when vehicles are in adjacent lanes
• Standard rear cross-traffic assist: warns of approaching vehicles when backing out of parking spaces
• Standard 360-degree camera system: surround-view cameras with multiple viewing angles for parking and maneuvering
• Standard park assist plus: automated parallel and perpendicular parking with control of steering, acceleration, and braking
• Available trailer maneuvering assist: takes over steering when reversing with a trailer attached; the driver controls the direction via the Audi MMI display
• Standard trailer stability control: detects trailer sway and stabilizes it by applying targeted braking to individual wheels (requires optional trailer hitch)

Exit warning minimizes the risk of collisions
Exit warning is a feature of the Audi Q9 that can help to enhance safety in city traffic involving various road users. Radar sensors in the rear bumper monitor the area around the stationary Q9 and can detect approaching vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians under certain circumstances. If the system detects a potential collision, it can prevent the doors from opening or can stop a door that is already opening, displaying warnings via the communication and projection lights. This feature is also designed to protect passengers in the back seats – especially children – who are unable to use the rearview mirror.

Level 2+ partial automated driving in U.S.
With adaptive cruise assist plus with hands-free highway driving, Audi offers hands-free, partial automated driving on approved highway segments for the first time in the Q9. Standard on Audi SQ9 and Q9 Premium Plus and Prestige models, adaptive cruise assist plus drivers can take their hands off the wheel while the system handles steering, acceleration, and braking operates at speeds of up to 85 mph (130 km/h). Activating the turn signal prompts the Q9 to assist with a lane change in the desired direction.

This feature significantly enhances driving comfort on long trips and is initially available on select roads and highways in both Germany and the U.S. It will gradually be rolled out to other markets and Audi models.

A long-range radar mounted in the front bumper, side radar sensors, and a front camera in the windshield can detect and monitor road conditions. Using navigation geodata, the system identifies approved road segments and offers to activate hands-free driving, with a notification appearing in the Audi virtual cockpit. Another notification and escalating prompts – through audible and visual warnings – are issued when the driver needs to resume full control of all driving functions.

The system is classified as “partial automated driving” under SAE Level 2: the driver remains responsible and must stay alert at all times. A driver monitoring camera on the steering column tracks eye position and head movement to monitor the driver’s attention. If their attention wanes, the system issues progressive warnings – visual, audible, and haptic. If the driver fails to take over, the emergency assist brings the vehicle to a controlled stop.

Emergency assist brings the car to a controlled stop
Emergency assist detects when the driver is inactive within the system limits. The driver is prompted to take control of the vehicle through visual, audible, and haptic cues. If they still do not respond, the system can take control of the vehicle. This can be achieved by lane guidance and a gradual reduction in vehicle speed. The system can also initiate additional measures, such as activating the hazard warning lights and delivering seatbelt tugs and brake jolts to regain the driver’s attention.

Another new feature is the lane departure warning with two different modes – reduced and normal. If the road is clear, the system will, in reduced mode, simply alert the driver to a deviation from the lane with a slight vibration in the steering wheel and a red line on the display. In this mode, corrective steering inputs are applied depending on traffic conditions. In normal mode, leaving the lane triggers automatic steering corrections, visual warnings, and steering wheel vibrations, regardless of the traffic situation.

Infotainment consistently designed around user needs
The enhanced infotainment in the new Q9 is clearer and more user-centric than ever. The MMI panoramic display – with a curved design and OLED technology – comprises the 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit and the 14.5-inch MMI touch display. The 12.3-inch passenger display with distraction-free dynamic privacy mode is also included as standard. Distracting content such as videos cannot be viewed in the passenger display from the driver’s seat while driving. If the passenger display is not in use or if no passenger is detected, a background image can be displayed.

The infotainment system uses Android Automotive OS as its operating system. Apps are available via the Audi Application Store for third-party apps, which is directly integrated into the MMI and does not require a smartphone. At the launch of the Q9, apps are available in categories such as music, video, gaming, navigation, parking and charging, productivity, weather, and news. The store is constantly being expanded, and the app portfolio is tailored to each market. In addition to improved and more intuitive touch controls, the display operating concept also reflects global trends in user interaction.

Voice control has been significantly enhanced. With an Audi connect NAV subscription, the Audi assistant – an AI-powered voice assistant – can control numerous in-vehicle functions and is integrated with ChatGPT’s AI model to handle general knowledge and information requests beyond the Audi assistant’s native capabilities.

With ChatGPT integration, customers can look up information and interact with the car while driving. The Audi assistant automatically recognizes whether to execute a vehicle function, search for a destination, or provide a weather forecast, for example. Only if the Audi system cannot answer a general question will it be forwarded to ChatGPT. From the driver’s perspective, this happens seamlessly, as all functions are integrated into the Audi assistant.

An optional factory-integrated dashcam system can record videos when a microSD card is installed, providing documentation in the event of an incident.

Balanced and powerful engines
At launch, a 429 hp and 442 lb.-ft. of torque 2.9-liter twin turbo V6 delivers best-in-class 0-60 mph acceleration, in as little as 4.9 seconds. Permanent quattro all-wheel drive delivers surefootedness in many weather conditions and on challenging road surfaces, while the standard eight-speed Tiptronic transmission makes sure the all-new Q9 is always in the right gear; balancing performance demands with efficiency.

Comfortable and versatile suspension and brakes
The Q9 comes standard with adaptive air suspension. It combines continuously variable damping with adjustable ride height, handling everyday driving situations and a variety of terrain with equal confidence. The adaptive system automatically adjusts to speed, load, and driving conditions. Drivers can also manually adjust the ride height as needed via drive select. The total adjustment range between the lowest and highest lift mode is 3.5 inches (90 millimeters). From balanced mode, the car can be lowered by 2.4 inches (62 millimeters) to comfort exit height.

Adaptive air suspension not only ensures comfort but, in combination with progressive and all-wheel steering, also delivers a composed and confident driving experience. Q9 Prestige trim models benefit from standard all-wheel steering; increasing the vehicle’s maneuverability at lower speeds, while at higher speeds it enhances steering precision and stability. The system can steer the rear wheels up to 5 degrees. The all-wheel steering operates fully automatically. At lower speeds – such as in parking lots or narrow city streets – the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels, reducing the turning circle. At highway speeds, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front wheels, improving stability when changing lanes. The system also ensures the vehicle tracks more smoothly through sweeping curves and responds more dynamically in tight corners.

The Q9 decelerates using an integrated brake control system and ventilated brake discs. The brake discs at the front measure 15.7 inches (400 mm) and the rear brake discs measure 13.8 inches (350 mm).

From long-distance comfort to a sportier driving style, the Audi drive select system offers a wide range of driving characteristics across six different modes – balanced, comfort, dynamic, offroad, individual, and assistant. The drive select assistant automatically selects the appropriate mode while driving – based on the road situation or driving style.

Availability of the Q9
The Q9 is manufactured in Bratislava, Slovakia. The SUV will be available at dealerships in the fourth quarter of 2026, with a starting MSRP of $87,700 and includes the peace of mind that comes with standard three-years (or 30,000 miles, whichever occurs first) Audi Signature Care scheduled maintenance.