Audi has officially entered the full-size luxury SUV segment with the debut of the 2027 Audi Q9 and the performance-focused SQ9. The new flagship models introduce three-row seating, new lighting technologies, V6 and V8 powertrains, and a spacious interior as Audi positions the Q9 against established rivals in the premium SUV market.
Audi’s Largest SUV to Date
The 2027 Audi Q9 is the largest production model the company has built, measuring 209 inches in length with a 123.5-inch wheelbase. While it shares design similarities with the latest Audi Q7, the Q9 features a taller roofline, a more upright front end, and rear styling tailored to its larger proportions.
The standard Q9 is offered with two distinct front-end designs. The Advanced Line trim features a large illuminated Singleframe grille with vertical LED lighting, while the S Line adopts a more open grille design with illuminated elements resembling the SQ9.
The SQ9 adds larger wheels, wider fenders, brushed aluminum-look exterior accents, quad exhaust outlets, and staggered 23-inch wheels. The standard Q9 is available with wheel sizes ranging from 21 to 23 inches.
New Lighting Technology Takes Center Stage
The Q9 introduces the latest generation of Audi’s Digital Matrix LED headlights. According to Audi, the system provides adaptive driving beams that illuminate the road while continuously adjusting individual light pixels to reduce glare for other motorists.
The SUV also debuts what Audi describes as the world’s first curved OLED taillights. The ultra-thin glass construction allows the taillights to wrap around the rear corners of the vehicle.
Each taillight consists of three OLED sections containing 99, 84, and 73 segments, for a combined total of 512 OLED segments. Drivers can choose from eight customizable lighting signatures.
The split taillight design also enables a new “communication light” function that can display a warning triangle when a road hazard is detected or alert passing cyclists when a door is about to be opened.
Another new feature projects the turn signals onto the road surface at each corner of the vehicle, making intended turning movements more visible even when the SUV itself is partially obstructed.
V6 and V8 Engines for the U.S. Market
Rather than introducing hybrid or electrified powertrains, Audi equips the Q9 lineup with gasoline engines.
The standard Q9 is powered by a 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 producing 429 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque.
The SQ9 receives a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 generating 591 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. Audi says the V8 is exclusive to the U.S. version of the SUV and shares the same engine and output previously offered in the RS Q8.
Both models use a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive. The SQ9 also features a rear-biased quattro system and a new electronically controlled locking rear differential.
Performance and Towing
The Q9 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, while the SQ9 completes the sprint in 3.8 seconds.
The Q9 weighs 5,302 pounds, while the SQ9 weighs 5,556 pounds. Both SUVs are rated to tow up to 7,700 pounds.
Cabin Focuses on Comfort and Technology
The Q9’s interior shares its overall design with the latest Audi Q7 while featuring matte-finished dashboard materials in place of gloss trim.
The cabin includes multiple digital displays, native app support for the infotainment system, a passenger display, and numerous charging options, including dual wireless charging pads with cooling and magnetic alignment functionality.
A 22-speaker audio system uses speakers integrated into the headrests and seat vibration technology to create a 3D listening experience. The system also allows occupants to take calls while minimizing disruption to other passengers.
Every trim level includes a panoramic glass roof with electronically controlled dimming, eliminating the need for a traditional sunshade.
Three Rows and Flexible Cargo Space
The Q9 is available with either six or seven seats, depending on whether buyers choose second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat.
Power-operated seating and doors are standard, while front-seat heating is included. Optional features include seat ventilation, massage functions, and heated armrests.
With the third row folded, cargo capacity ranges from 43.8 to 50 cubic feet, depending on configuration. Behind the third row, the SUV provides 19.3 cubic feet of cargo space. The cargo area also features an adjustable side-rail system with movable hangers for organizing luggage and other items.
Pricing
The 2027 Audi Q9 starts at $87,700 before the $1,295 destination charge. The performance-oriented SQ9 carries a starting MSRP of $118,000.
According to the article, the Q9 enters the market below the starting price of the Mercedes-Benz GLS, while the SQ9 is priced below the AMG GLS 63 and offers comparable performance. The article also notes that the SQ9 delivers quicker acceleration than the BMW X7 M60i while remaining similarly priced.
With its first full-size three-row luxury SUV, Audi expands its lineup with a flagship model that combines new lighting technology, spacious seating, high-output gasoline engines, and competitive pricing for the U.S. market.
