Supersized Audi Q9 SUV lumbers closer to production

For a while now, the battle for supremacy at the very top of the premium car market hasn’t been fought by traditional four-door luxury saloons, the jumbo-sized seven-seat SUVs have taken over. Mercedes has long been king of this ring with its GLS, and BMW has found success with the X7, but now it’s Audi’s turn to aim big with the supersized Audi Q9. It’ll be revealed next year, after the new Q7, which will share the majority of the same components. 

Thanks to a new round of testing being undertaken at the Nurburgring, we can now clearly see what Audi’s new top-spec SUV will look like. Adopting Audi’s current design language as seen on the Q3, it’ll apply this controversial look to a larger body with an extended wheelbase that will ape the BMW and Mercedes in both proportions and road presence.

The specific model we can see here also plays a sporty tune with its four exhaust pipes and large wheels. These elements confirm that a high-performance SQ9 variant will be offered alongside lesser Q9 models, powered by a twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine. More European-friendly power options will be available, though, including plug-in hybrid and possibly even a diesel option. 

Audi has not officially confirmed the Q9’s release date, but we expect it will be launched early 2026. It’ll be priced in line with rivals such as the BMW X7 and GLS, suggesting it’ll start from around £85,000. The current Audi Q7 is currently available with discounts of around £8,000 on list prices starting from £70,000 while the Mercedes GLS starts from over £110,000.  

Why does the Audi Q9 have to be so big?

The supersized EV segment has proven to be popular for Audi’s key rivals, especially in markets like the USA and China, where a car’s sheer size is less of an issue than it would be on UK roads. As a result, expect this new Audi to focus on space inside, offering both a truly luxurious second row and an adult-sized third. The cabin is also likely to feature elements that appeal to those markets, such as plush captain’s chairs in the second row and extensive use of high-end materials and finishes. 

The exterior will be very much based on Audi’s current design language, the Q9 being too close to production to adopt the new-age look of the Concept C showcar that debuted at this year’s Munich Motor Show. As such, this model won’t take on the minimalist look of future Audi models, and instead it’ll have similar split headlights and a large single-frame grille as models like the Q3. These details will sit on an upright body with flared box wheelarches and a tall rear screen, and contrast with the more streamlined Q7.

Other details have also come to light, including the fact that the production car will probably do without any traditional door handles, instead using little nubs on the window line that open the door via an electronic latch – as on the rear doors of a Ferrari Purosangue. The rear lights follow the same design template set by the new A6 Avant in having a split set of OLED main lights above a thin lightbar and a separate brake light. 

What engines will the Audi Q9 feature?

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Look closely at the test car in these shots and you can tell that it’s probably the high-performance SQ9 model from tell-tale design elements including the quad exhausts and flared arch surrounds. These will house wider wheels and tyres, in this case likely to be 22 and 23-inch sizes. We can only speculate which engine the new SQ9 will use, but given its focus on markets like the US and China, it’s very likely to feature a V8 powertrain with mild-hybrid assistance. Standard Q9s will also use a range of petrol and plug-in hybrid V6 options.

Inside, the dashboard will feature Audi’s latest MMI system with a main dual-screen display for the driver, as well as an optional screen for the passenger. Expect a further emphasis on tech in the second row, too, including a possible electrochromic glass roof and the latest active safety tech. 

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