At 5.31 meters long and 2.21 meters wide, the new Audi Q9 is the largest SUV the brand has produced. It pushes Audi’s range into new luxury territory, pairing its sheer size with a focus on comfort, technology and high-end materials.
The exterior takes cues from the latest Audi Q7 and gives them more presence. An upright Singleframe grille dominates the front, flanked by integrated headlights and a sculpted bonnet. The Q9’s proportions are unmistakable from the side, with a high beltline and a rear profile that favors maximum space over the coupe trend. Wheel options reach 23 inches, adding to the car’s imposing stance.
At the rear, Audi introduces a production first: third-generation digital OLED taillights set into a three-dimensionally curved panel. The system uses six panels and 512 individually controllable segments. Audi says the curved design extends the illuminated area toward the vehicle’s sides, improving visibility from oblique angles and enabling different dynamic light signatures. The company calls the technology a world first in automotive production. “The new Audi Q9 marks a production debut of a technological world first,” Audi said in its official press material.
Independent automotive coverage reports that the curved OLED substrate is approximately 0.1 millimeters thick and that the lighting system offers up to eight selectable signatures. Those reports say the thin material lets the panels follow the bodywork around the rear corners. Audi’s confirmed headline specification is the six-panel, 512-segment arrangement, part of its third-generation digital OLED technology.
Interior Space and Technology
The Q9 is designed for families and executives. Its standard configuration offers seven seats, while an optional six-seat layout adds individual business-class chairs in the second row. All three seats in that row have Isofix mounts, making the Q9 especially practical for larger families.
Electrically operated doors open up to nearly 90 degrees to ease access to the rear. They have obstacle detection and can be controlled from several points, including the myAudi app, though the system adds technical complexity.
The panoramic roof, the largest ever fitted to an Audi, covers over 1.5 square meters. Its transparency adjusts across nine segments, while 84 LEDs create a customizable ambient experience. Cabin materials include wool, alpaca fiber, Dinamica microfiber, synthetic leather, Nappa leather and natural wood. Audi has also reduced glossy surfaces for a more refined look.
Digital technology takes center stage in the Q9’s interior. The curved MMI panoramic display combines an 11.9-inch instrument cluster with a 14.5-inch central touchscreen, while the front passenger gets a dedicated 12.3-inch display. The infotainment system runs on Android Automotive OS and includes an app store and the Audi assistant. The assistant now supports natural language and ChatGPT integration for vehicle functions, navigation and weather updates.
Convenience features include dual wireless charging pads compatible with Qi 2.2, plus USB-C ports delivering up to 60 watts in the second row and 100 watts in the third. The luggage area has aluminum rails, sliding hooks and adjustable anchors to secure cargo.
Performance and Safety
At launch, the Q9 gets a 3.0-liter V6 TDI engine producing 299 hp and 630 Nm of torque. In specific situations, the mild-hybrid MHEV plus system can add up to 24 hp and 370 Nm. An electric compressor delivers 7.5 kW and up to 3.6 bar of boost in just 1.2 seconds. Power passes through an eight-speed tiptronic transmission to Audi’s quattro all-wheel lead system.
Adaptive air suspension comes standard, with 90 mm of total adjustment and the ability to lower the body by up to 62 mm from balanced mode. Four-wheel steering turns the rear wheels by up to five degrees, improving maneuverability despite the Q9’s large size.
Safety features include automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Q9 also gets 360-degree cameras, parking assistance, trailer functions and emergency assist.
Positioning and Market Context
The Audi Q9 will be built in Bratislava. Orders are open now, with first deliveries expected in November. Pricing starts at approximately €126,000, but options and higher trims can push the total above €140,000. The Q9 is positioned against the most exclusive premium SUVs, combining space, technology and luxury in a package few rivals can match.
A recent review of the Porsche 911 GT3 Touring looks at how other brands are redefining the high-performance SUV segment and the evolution of luxury and driving dynamics in today’s market. Read more in this analysis of the GT3 Touring’s appeal.
As the flagship of Audi’s SUV lineup, the Q9 signals the brand’s ambition to compete at the top of the luxury market. Its advanced features, spacious cabin and refined engineering reflect growing demand for vehicles that deliver comfort alongside advanced technology. The Q9’s arrival could also prompt other premium manufacturers to reconsider their offerings in this competitive segment.
