Audi Q9: everything you need to know about the German full-size SUV

Farewell Audi A8, welcome Audi Q9. The new flagship from the brand with the four rings is becoming a large SUV, marking the debut of the Q9 designation. The model has been developed primarily for the American market, where it competes in the same segment as the BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS, but it will also be sold in Europe. Production is based at the Bratislava plant.

The Q9 is 5.31 metres long, 2.21 metres wide and 1.81 metres high, with a wheelbase of 3.14 metres. It is the largest Audi ever produced and surpasses the Q7 in terms of overall dimensions and interior space. The design focuses on vertical lines and clean surfaces. The front end is characterised by the large Singleframe grille, which extends down towards the lower part of the bumper and is also available with LED lighting. The Advanced version features vertical slats, whilst the S line uses a more open grille design. Wheel sizes range from 20 to 23 inches. The Q9 debuts third-generation digital OLED rear light clusters with three-dimensional curved panels. The six elements utilise a total of 512 segments and follow the contour of the bodywork, enhancing side visibility. The light signatures include hazard warning functions. The indicators can project an arrow onto the road surface, synchronised with the front and rear lights. At the front, Digital Matrix LED headlamps with a micro-LED module are available, capable of displaying warnings for lane changes, icy roads and the presence of pedestrians.

The dashboard features the 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit, a 14.5-inch central OLED display and a 12.3-inch screen for the front passenger. The system runs on Android Automotive OS and allows apps to be installed directly from the Audi Application Store. The voice assistant incorporates ChatGPT for queries not handled directly by the car’s software. The Adaptive Driving Assistant Plus enables Level 2 semi-autonomous driving up to 130 km/h on authorised routes, initially in Germany, the United States and Canada. The driver may take their hands off the steering wheel but must keep their attention on the road. If the driver fails to respond to warnings, the system reduces speed, may move the car onto the hard shoulder and activate an automatic emergency call.

The interior comes as standard with seven seats across three rows. Alternatively, a six-seat configuration is available, featuring two electrically adjustable individual seats in the middle row. In the seven-seat version, the three seats in the second row are fitted with Isofix anchor points, allowing three child seats to be fitted simultaneously. The outer seat slides and reclines electrically to facilitate access to the third row without removing the child seat. The boot has a maximum capacity of 2,308 litres when the second and third-row seats are folded down. The luggage compartment features a modular system with aluminium rails integrated into the side walls, sliding hooks and adjustable fixing points, which are useful for securing luggage at different heights. When all seven seats are in use, the luggage compartment cover can be stowed under the load floor. The automatic doors, used for the first time on an Audi, open and close electrically and are locked by sensors if an obstacle is detected. The standard panoramic roof measures over 1.5 square metres and is the largest ever fitted by the brand. It can be opened or tilted and, as an option, features nine sections with variable transparency.

The range starts with the electrified 3.0 TDI V6 featuring the MHEV Plus mild hybrid system. The 299 cavalli version delivers 630 Nm, whilst the 245 cavalli version produces 500 Nm. The electric generator can supply up to 18 kW – equivalent to 24 cavalli – during start-offs and acceleration, and allows for short periods of driving with the internal combustion engine switched off. The V6 also utilises an electric compressor combined with two-stage turbocharging. An eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox and quattro permanent all-wheel drive are fitted as standard. The Q9 features adaptive air suspension with 90 millimetres of travel. The optional all-wheel steering system steers the rear wheels by up to five degrees.