This full-size, three-row SUV is slated to become Audi’s new flagship.
2027 Audi Q9 Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2027 Audi Q9
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2027 Audi Q9
The Q9 is a new addition to the Audi lineup. As the name suggests, it’s bigger than the Q7 (which itself gets redesigned for 2027), finally giving Audi a full-size luxury SUV rival to the BMW X7, Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, and Land Rover Range Rover while offering more space and a more luxurious cabin than any previous Audi SUV.
Design
The exterior design was yet to be revealed at the time of publication, but we expect it to hew closely to Audi’s other SUVs. That means a large grille and high-set daytime running lights (DRLs) to give it a truck-like appearance, and fairly flat sides to drive the rugged aesthetic home.
The Q9 will also be the first U.S.-market Audi model with fully-adaptive matrix headlights. The matrix system precisely aims individual LED elements to provide maximum illumination at night without blinding oncoming drivers. This tech has been available in Europe for about a decade, but it hasn’t been enabled in the U.S. because of more-restrictive regulations.
Powertrain
Audi hadn’t provided any information about powertrains at the time of publication, but it’s a safe bet that the Q9 will come standard with the automaker’s trademark Quattro all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. We also wouldn’t be surprised if this bigger SUV used the same eight-speed automatic transmission as the midsize Q7, as well as that model’s turbocharged V6 and V8 engines. That would be in line with the norms of this market segment.
Interior
A seven-seat configuration with a second-row bench seat is standard, but a six-seat version that replaces the bench with captain’s chairs will be optional. Second-row seats have a power-operated slide-and-tilt function for third-row access that works with child car seats in place, according to Audi. A power-folding third row is standard, and optional Sport Seat Plus front seats add ventilation and massage.
Power-operated doors—a first for an Audi—are standard, along with a massive (16-square-foot) panoramic sunroof. A conventional sunshade is standard, or you can opt for Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) tech that can electronically switch from transparent to opaque. Nine segments allow the roof to be partially transparent or opaque, and LED ambient lighting around the roof is also available.
Leatherette, real leather, and Nappa leather seating options will be available. Audi also claims to have reduced the amount of hard plastics compared to its previous models, and will offer premium trim materials like wood and carbon fiber. Designers also eschewed glossy surfaces in favor of matte and textured finishes to create a more premium feel.
Technology
The Q9 will have the same screen layout as other recent Audi models, with a digital instrument cluster and central touchscreen mounted side by side in a curved housing, and a front-passenger touchscreen off to the side. The current version of Audi’s MMI (Multimedia Interface) infotainment system will likely carry over as well, meaning wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity will be standard, and an AI-augmented voice assistant will be available with a subscription. Dual wireless phone charging pads and 100-watt USB-C device charging ports will also be available.
