Audi has revealed that one of the most significant late-stage design decisions for its upcoming Q9 was keeping conventional door handles instead of adopting electronic ones. According to Audi CEO Gernot Döllner, the change was made just 45 weeks before production after he concluded that traditional handles would provide a better experience for customers.
Audi Reversed Course on Electronic Door Handles
Door handle designs have become a growing point of differentiation across the automotive industry, with many manufacturers—particularly Chinese brands—introducing electronic systems that replace traditional mechanical handles with button-operated mechanisms.
The trend has also faced increased scrutiny following incidents in which occupants became trapped after vehicle crashes. While discussing the topic during a media session in Munich, Germany, Döllner acknowledged that Audi had developed an innovative electronic door handle but ultimately chose not to use it on the all-new Q9.
Döllner described the conventional door handles on the Q9 as one of his “proudest” features, noting that the decision to abandon the electronic alternative came only 45 weeks before production.
Consumer Experience Drove the Final Decision
According to Döllner, automakers typically spend significant time refining prototype vehicles before the CEO conducts a final evaluation. During his test drive of the Q9, he focused on the door-handle design and determined that, despite its innovation, the electronic system would deliver a worse experience for customers than conventional handles.
He said Audi had successfully engineered a highly innovative solution, but concluded that it was not the right fit from a consumer perspective.
Engineering Team Adapted Without Delaying Production
Döllner also praised Audi’s engineering and production teams for implementing the late design change without disrupting the vehicle’s production schedule.
He said changing door handles would normally require about two years, but Audi’s body engineers were able to modify tooling that had already been put in place, allowing the company to return to conventional handles while maintaining the existing timeline.
The Technology Audi Chose Not to Use
According to Döllner, the discarded design featured a wing-style door handle mounted on the upper portion of the door. It relied on piezoelectric technology, requiring only light physical pressure to unlatch the door.
Although the technology will not appear on the Q9, Döllner said it could still be used in another vehicle segment, adding that he does not believe it belongs on a full-size SUV.
Audi’s decision highlights a late but significant design change for the Q9, with the automaker opting for conventional door handles after concluding they offered a better overall customer experience while successfully keeping the vehicle’s production schedule on track.
