Bold in concept and brilliant in execution is the only way to describe the first-ever Audi Q9 and Audi SQ9. Audi’s designers and engineers set out to redefine the brand’s flagship SUV, creating a full-size, three-row luxury vehicle that seamlessly combines sophisticated design with exceptional performance. Unveiled against the backdrop of NYC between rain showers, Audi’s largest SUV ever made finally stepped into the spotlight, announcing the arrival of a bold new chapter for the brand.
Arriving this fall, the Q9 and performance-focused SQ9 have been developed with North American buyers firmly in mind while remaining unmistakably Audi in their execution. Standard seven-passenger seating is complemented by an available six-seat configuration featuring second-row captain’s chairs for enhanced comfort and easier access to the third row.
Audi Q9
Audi SQ 9
The cabin places an emphasis on everyday usability and luxury. Available features include automatic power-assisted doors, five-zone climate control, eight USB charging ports, and the largest panoramic sunroof ever fitted to an Audi. In the SQ9, the expansive glass roof spans more than 16 square feet and features switchable transparency with nine individually controlled segments, allowing occupants to tailor the amount of natural light entering the cabin.
Second-row seats are power adjustable and can tilt forward—even with child seats installed—to simplify access to the third row. Cargo capacity is equally impressive, offering 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row and expanding to 87.7 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.
One of the Q9 family’s most significant innovations is its lighting technology. The new Digital Matrix LED headlights introduce adaptive driving beam functionality to the U.S. market, meeting Department of Transportation regulations while providing the precision lighting already familiar on European Audi models. The system intelligently illuminates the road ahead without dazzling oncoming traffic or vehicles in front, creating a safer and more refined nighttime driving experience. Digital Matrix LED headlights are standard on the SQ9 and available on the Q9, complemented by striking digital OLED taillights that create a distinctive rear light signature.
As expected, quattro all-wheel drive comes standard across the lineup. The SQ9 introduces a newly developed drivetrain capable of actively distributing torque between the front and rear axles, paired with an electronically controlled rear differential and standard rear-wheel steering. The result is greater agility, improved stability at highway speeds, and enhanced maneuverability in urban environments while maintaining the confidence expected from Audi’s legendary all-wheel-drive system.
Marco Schubert, AUDI AG Board Member for Sales and Marketing, At The Media World Debut In New York City And Our Own Ken Panton With The 2027 Audi SQ9
Visually, the Q9 establishes a new flagship identity for Audi SUVs. Its raised shoulder line, tall hood, and monolithic front fascia create an unmistakable presence without resorting to excessive styling. At 208.9 inches long with a 123.5-inch wheelbase, the proportions emphasize both luxury and interior spaciousness, while a clean window line and subtly rising roof reinforce the SUV’s elegant silhouette.
Rather than relying on aggressive creases, Audi’s designers have embraced restrained, sculpted surfaces that reflect light beautifully while projecting quiet confidence. The oversized Singleframe grille integrates seamlessly with the headlights within a distinctive black mask, giving the front end an unmistakably premium appearance.
At the rear, Audi continues its minimalist approach. The clean tailgate design, low-mounted license plate, and full-width lighting treatment create a sophisticated visual statement. Curved digital OLED taillights—an industry first for a production vehicle—join illuminated Audi rings through a continuous light strip that delivers one of the most distinctive nighttime signatures in the segment.
For drivers seeking a more dynamic experience, the SQ9 builds upon the Q9’s elegant design with purposeful performance details. Aluminum exterior accents, a unique hexagonal grille, wider rear track, flared fenders, and staggered performance tires distinguish the flagship performance model, while its 591-horsepower powertrain promises effortless acceleration.
The SQ9’s signature quad exhaust outlets, more pronounced rear spoiler, and dramatic digital OLED lighting complete a package that successfully blends luxury, technology, and genuine performance. More than simply Audi’s largest SUV, the Q9 and SQ9 establish a compelling new flagship for the brand—one that finally gives Audi a true contender in the full-size luxury SUV segment.
