Audi Unveils All-New Three-Row Flagship SUV Q9 and High-Performance SQ9, Starting at $89,000

Audi has officially unveiled the all-new Q9 and its high-performance variant, the SQ9, filling a gap in the brand’s lineup for a three-row, full-size luxury SUV. The Q9 carries forward Audi’s current design language, with proportions reminiscent of an enlarged 2027 Q7. Its front fascia features split headlights and a large grille—vertical slats on the standard Q9 (available with optional illuminated elements), while the SQ9 sports a honeycomb-pattern grille. At the rear, a full-width light bar spans the tailgate, with the central Audi logo illuminated. All models feature genuine exhaust outlets, with the SQ9 adopting a quad-tip, dual-outlet-per-side layout. Measuring 5.31 meters long, 2.21 meters wide, and 1.81 meters tall, with a 3.14-meter wheelbase, the Q9 offers wheel options ranging from 20 to 23 inches. Inside, buyers can choose between six- or seven-seat configurations. A panoramic sunroof exceeding 1.5 square meters comes standard, offering functions such as opening, tilting, ambient lighting, and adjustable transparency. The cabin is equipped with a 14.5-inch central touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a matching 12.3-inch passenger entertainment display. Physical buttons are retained for key functions, and interior trim options include wood or carbon fiber accents. In the six-seat variant, all three rows offer power-adjustable and heated seats; the front seats add ventilation and massage functions, complemented by automatic and soft-close doors. Powertrain offerings vary by market. Initially in Europe, only a 3.0-liter V6 turbo-diesel engine paired with a mild-hybrid system will be available, offered in two outputs: 177 kW (240 hp) with 500 N·m of torque, and 217 kW (295 hp) with 630 N·m. In the U.S., the standard Q9 uses a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 gasoline engine producing 316 kW (429 hp) and 600 N·m, while the SQ9 is powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 delivering 435 kW (591 hp) and 800 N·m. All variants come standard with Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system and an automatic transmission. Order books for the Q9 are now open in Germany, with the high-output diesel version starting at €108,400. First deliveries are scheduled for Q4 2024. In the U.S., the V6-powered Q9 starts at $89,095, and the SQ9 at $119,395, with both models expected to arrive at dealerships before year-end.