The Audi Q9: A Full-Size SUV That's Finally Here
The Audi Q9 is a full-size SUV that's been a long time coming. While Mercedes-Benz has been offering the GLS for 20 years and BMW has had the X7 since 2019, Audi has been a bit slower to the game. But now, the Q9 is finally here, and it's a full-size stunner.
The Q9 is the largest Audi ever, with a 123.5-inch wheelbase and three rows of seating. It's a six-seater, with the second row offering seriously comfortable captain's chairs. The third row is accessible to adults, making it a practical choice for families.
The exterior styling is a scaled-up version of the updated Q7, with a range of wheel options available, starting at 21 inches and going up to 23 inches. The brakes are up to the task, with 15.7-inch rotors up front and 13.8 inches at the rear.
Under the hood, the Q9 is powered by a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine, producing 429 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. This engine is also used in the prior-gen RS5, and it's paired with an 8-speed gearbox and quattro all-wheel drive. The Q9 accelerates from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds, which is impressive for a full-size non-sporting SUV.
One of the standout features of the Q9 is its advanced lighting technology. Audi has developed a Digital Matrix LED lighting system that's smarter than its previous iteration. It reduces glare by lowering the light sent toward other motorists and detects metal signs on the side of the road to avoid blinding drivers.
The Q9 also features fascinating OLED taillights with thousands of micro LEDs, allowing Audi to adapt the shape of the lights to better fit the vehicle. Turn signals project an arrow on the ground, providing greater notice to other cars, pedestrians, and cyclists. These turn signals are an optional extra, but they're a neat party trick.
The 2027 Q9 starts at $89,095, with plenty of options to push the price higher. These include a panoramic roof, Bang & Olufsen sound system, and upgraded materials. The SQ9, a sportier version of the Q9, is also available, with a more powerful engine and quicker acceleration.
The SQ9 is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, producing 591 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. It accelerates from 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds and has a top speed of 155 miles per hour. The SQ9 also features a rear-biased quattro system, a locking rear differential, and an air suspension system.
The 2027 Audi SQ9 starts at $119,395 and is expected to arrive in dealer lots in the fourth quarter of 2026. While Audi may have waited a while to enter the full-size market, the Q9 and SQ9 are enticing options for those shopping in this segment.
In my opinion, the Q9 and SQ9 are impressive SUVs that showcase Audi's expertise in engineering and design. The lighting technology and powertrain choices are particularly appealing, and the Q9's practicality makes it a strong contender in the full-size SUV market.
