Audi has officially pulled the covers off its biggest and most luxurious SUV yet, the all-new Q9. Slotting above the Q7 as the brand’s new flagship, the Q9 marks the first time Audi has used the “9” nameplate on a production vehicle, and it signals a major shift in the company’s SUV strategy. Built to rival the likes of the BMW X7, Mercedes-Benz GLS, and Range Rover, the Q9 is designed to offer size, comfort, and technology in equal measure.
Design and Dimensions
Measuring well over 5.3 metres in length, the Q9 is unmistakably Audi’s largest SUV to date. Up front, it gets a bold split-headlight design with slim LED daytime running lights and Digital Matrix LED headlamps, while the rear is finished with a new generation of curved OLED tail lamps that give the SUV a distinctive night-time signature. Other highlights include powered doors, all-wheel steering for better manoeuvrability, adaptive air suspension for a smoother ride, and the option of massive 23-inch alloy wheels that emphasise its flagship status.
A Cabin Built for Comfort
Inside, the Q9 is all about space and luxury. It comes as a seven-seater by default, with an optional six-seat layout that swaps the second row for individual, electrically adjustable captain’s chairs. Every row gets power-adjustable seating, while the front seats add ventilation and massage functions for long-distance comfort. Audi has also fitted an expansive panoramic sunroof, the largest it has ever offered, along with generous wood trim across the dashboard for a warm, premium feel.
Technology is front and centre too. The dashboard uses a wide, three-screen layout combining a digital driver’s display, a large central touchscreen, and a dedicated passenger display, all running on an Android Automotive-based infotainment system. Ambient lighting and ample driver-assistance features round out the tech package, making the Q9 feel every bit the modern luxury flagship.
Engine Options
Globally, the Q9 will be offered with a choice of a twin-turbo V6 petrol and a V6 diesel engine, both paired with mild-hybrid assistance and Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system through an eight-speed automatic gearbox. For enthusiasts wanting more punch, the performance-focused SQ9 variant gets a twin-turbo V8 petrol engine, capable of sprinting from 0-100kmph in around four seconds. Internationally, prices start at roughly 108,400 euros, translating to about ₹1.18 crore before taxes and duties, with deliveries expected to begin later this year.
When Is It Coming to India?
For Indian buyers, the wait will be a little longer. The Audi Q9 is expected to arrive in India sometime between the second quarter and the second half of 2027, with the SUV likely to be locally assembled to keep pricing competitive. Reports suggest the India-spec model may skip the diesel option in favour of a petrol-only line-up, though final confirmation is awaited. Expected pricing in India is estimated to start around ₹1.25-1.50 crore (ex-showroom), placing it firmly in competition with the BMW X7, Mercedes-Benz GLS, and even the Range Rover.
Wrapping Up
With its imposing size, cutting-edge technology, and a genuinely spacious three-row cabin, the Audi Q9 looks set to give Audi a serious contender in the full-size luxury SUV space. Indian buyers will need to be patient until 2027, but if the global reveal is any indication, the Q9 could well be worth the wait for those chasing the ultimate flagship SUV experience.
Rajababu Kushwaha is the Founder and Editor of AutoCrest. He covers the latest car news, reviews, comparisons, EV updates, and buying guides for Indian car buyers.