This new supersize model will sit above the Q7 and Q8 in Audi’s range of luxury SUVs
April 12, 2025 at 16:28
- Audi’s new Q9 SUV will feature a modern design and a more luxurious presence.
- Beyond the standard trims, Audi will offer a sportier SQ9 and possibly an RS Q9.
- These renderings show the SUV with a rear-end similar to the new Audi A6 Avant.
For over a year now, Audi has been quietly working on a new flagship SUV to take on the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7. This upcoming model, likely to be named the Audi Q9, promises to be a tempting option for those in search of a plush, high-priced German SUV. That is, of course, assuming tariffs don’t come along and ruin the party for everyone.
Read: Audi’s Flagship SQ9 Is Coming For The BMW X7 And Mercedes GLS
Recent spy shots of what’s reportedly the SQ9 variant give us the clearest look at the new SUV so far, and have led to these renderings from Nikita Chuyko. While some finer details are still up in the air, most of what’s shown here should be fairly accurate to what we can expect on the road. The Q9 will stand a bit taller and longer than the current Q7, with a design that’s softer, slightly curvier, and notably more elegant.
The Design
Like many other brands, Audi has opted for a split headlight design that’s apparently a must-have these days. Positioned just below the hood are thin LED daytime running lights, while the main headlamps are right under them. The renderings that were made for Kolesa also show the Q9 with a blacked-out grille and additional air intakes towards the base of the front bumper.
The sides of the large SUV depicted here also have a few intriguing tidbits. Gloss black painted fender flares catch the eye, and there are tiny touch-sensitive door handles, just like those on the Ford Mustang Mach-E. The Q9 also has soft and flowing rear hips, help to make it much more visually appealing than the somewhat boxier BMW X7. Meanwhile, the flared wheel arches will house wider wheels and tires -likely in 21- to 23-inch sizes.
Spin around to the rear and you’ll notice the taillights of the Q9 are virtually identical to those of the new A6 Avant, complete with a thin LED light bar. The Q9 has also been shown with a gloss black rear bumper with prominent reflectors.
Inside, the large SUV will feature a fully digital dashboard, complete with Audi’s latest MMI system. This will include a dual-screen setup for the driver, with an optional screen for the passenger. The tech-forward design is expected to extend to the second row as well, and yes, there will also be a third row of seats.
What About Powertrains?
All signs suggest that the Q9 will be built on the VW Group’s Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture, the same one used by several other Audi models. This platform will give the automaker the flexibility to offer a variety of powertrains, including gas, diesel, and plug-in hybrid options. It supports both 2.0-liter four-cylinder and larger V6 engines, though we’ll have to wait and see whether Audi opts for both or sticks with the more powerful V6.
The sportier SQ9 will likely feature the same 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 as the SQ7, producing around 500 horsepower and 568 lb-ft (770 Nm) of torque. However, an even more powerful RS Q9 isn’t out of the question. After all, Mercedes-AMG offers the GLS 63, which delivers a whopping 603 hp from its own twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8. Audi could respond with the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 from the RS Q8, which cranks out 631 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque in its Performance variant.
When Will We See It?
Audi hasn’t confirmed anything about the Q9’s official debut, nor has it even acknowledged the model’s existence. That said, we’re expecting to see the Q9 make its debut either toward the end of this year or in the first half of 2026.
As for pricing, before the tariff wars, we’d expect it to fall in line with competitors like the BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS, which start around $85,000 and $89,000, respectively. But now? Well, no one really knows. Even Audi has raised concerns about the feasibility of offering its best-seller, the Q5, given the possibility of a (reportedly) brutal 52% tariff hike.
