BMW boasts the X7 and the GLS has been a mainstay in Mercedes-Benz’s line-up for a while. Only Audi from the German trinity missed out on a large full-sized luxury SUV offering. However, the second half of 2026 will see Audi plug that hole as it unveils its first-ever large full-sized SUV called the Audi Q9.
What is the Audi Q9?
The upcoming Audi Q9 will be the brand’s new flagship SUV. The new Q9 is Audi’s first-ever large full-sized SUV and now sits above the previous flagship – the Q8. Audi claims the new Q9 was conceived as “conceived as a sanctuary for family, business, and long journeys.” The Q9 is specifically targeted towards those who prioritise inner qualities more than impressive performance data.
When will Audi launch the Q9?
Audi has declared it will host the global premiere of the Q9 SUV in around two months, i.e. Summer 2026. Final specifications and confirmed exterior design has been kept under wraps until official launch. Though, May 2026 sees Audi unveil a first look of the Q9’s brand-new cabin.
How many seats will the Audi Q9 have?
Audi pits the Q9 as a seven-seater with an optional six-seat layout for maximum business-class comfort. The latter further incorporates two electrically adjustable individual seats with active ventilation in the center panels of both the cushion and the backrest.
The seven-seater layout will be best suited for customers with a large family to ferry. All seats in the new Q9 will be partially powered with the third-row seatbacks electronically equipped to fold down individually. This configuration also sees the second row seats get equipped with child seats.
Does Audi launch a new feature with the Q9?
For the first time in an Audi, all doors can be operated electrically. Customers will have a plethora of options to operate the same comprising a key, the myAudi app, the MMI, the brake pedal, or the seatbelt buckle. These powered doors also feature an extensive set of surround sensors with obstacle detection. This stops the door if there is not enough room for it to open along with the improvement of road safety by detecting approaching cyclists or other road users.
Additionally, the new Audi Q9 misses out ona traditional blind for its panoramic sunroof. It instead comprises nine individually controllable segments which can turn opaque for glare protection. While the car remains parked, the roof automatically turns opaque to prevent people looking in from outside. When the car is started again, the most recent setting is automatically restored. It also boasts up to 84 LEDs with up to 30 colours to mimic the selected ambient lighting.
The new Q9 carries the updated and screen-dominated dashboard design that debuted on the Audi Q6 e-tron recently. Though on the Q9, Audi equips a continuous LED light strip across the width of the cabin which will support any interaction between occupants and the vehicle including adapting with the beats of the updated Bang & Olufsen premium sound system with 4D sound. This new 4D sound system capitalises on the previous 3D sound system with headrest speakers that enable personal phone calls, navigation prompts, and surround sound. It further installs actuators on the front seats to ensure music is heard as well as physically felt.
What are the customisation options on the Audi Q9?
For the new Q9, Audi is expanding the range of interior options with new fabric and wood trims. Premium upholstery from wool such as alpaca fiber, Dinamica microfiber, leather and leatherette blends, and fine Nappa leather is aimed to please the luxury-centric target market. The cabin will additionally benefit with the presence of decorative elements in fine grain ash natural, silk beige; lime structure natural, or carbon fiber weave with basalt gray accents. Customers will enjoy new colour options such as tamarind brown and stone beige for the interior upholstery.
When will the Audi Q9 be launched?
Audi declared to showcase the full potential of the new Q9 at its world premiere in Summer 2026. May 2026 saw Audi tease a first look of the soon-to-be-launched Q9’s interiors.
