Audi is gearing up to introduce its largest SUV yet, the Q9, with testing already underway in near-production form. Spy shots recently revealed by Autocar UK offer a glimpse of its design and proportions, confirming that the Q9 will be positioned as Audi’s new flagship SUV when it arrives in 2026.
Bigger and More Spacious Than the Next-Gen Q7
The Q9 prototype showcases a longer wheelbase and extended rear overhang compared to the upcoming Q7, hinting at a significantly roomier cabin. It will feature a standard three-row, seven-seat layout, though a six-seat configuration—similar to that in the Bentley Bentayga—may also be offered.
Exterior Design: Bold and Sporty
The Q9’s styling borrows heavily from the next-gen Q7, with a dominant hexagonal front grille, split LED headlights, and a wide lower air intake featuring matching hexagonal elements. The rear design is equally striking, with a full-width LED lightbar, a sporty roof spoiler, and quad exhaust tips, indicating that a performance-focused SQ9 variant could be in the works.
Powertrain: Plug-in Hybrids as Standard
Built on an extended version of Volkswagen’s Premium Platform Combustion (PPC), the Q9 is expected to accommodate a range of longitudinally mounted engines, from 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinders to V8 powertrains. Given Audi’s strategic shift towards hybrid power, all Q9 variants will likely feature plug-in hybrid setups, reflecting the brand’s evolving approach to electrification.
Launch and Market Positioning
Slated for a 2026 debut, the Audi Q9 will sit at the top of Audi’s SUV hierarchy, competing with the BMW X7, Mercedes-Benz GLS, and Range Rover. It will primarily target key markets such as the US, UK, China, and the UAE, offering a luxurious, high-tech alternative to its premium rivals.
With its commanding presence, cutting-edge hybrid powertrains, and a focus on space and luxury, the Q9 is poised to be a game-changer in the full-size luxury SUV segment.
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