Audi has officially previewed the interior of its upcoming Audi Q9 ahead of its global debut in Europe in July 2026. The 2027 Audi Q9 will become the largest SUV Audi has ever built and is expected to sit at the very top of the brand’s SUV lineup.
It is also shaping up to be Audi’s most family-focused model yet, with three rows of seating and a strong emphasis on comfort and practicality. The Q9 is built on the Platform Premium Combustion (PPC) architecture, sharing it with the Audi A5 and Q5.
Audi Australia has not confirmed local launch timing yet, but the brand says the Audi Q9 is under evaluation for Australia and is highly likely to arrive by 2027.
Audi Australia Head of Product Matthew Dale said, “Given the consumer trends with SUVs, having an upper large segment SUV would obviously speak to the Australian consumer.”
The 2027 Audi Q9 is expected to rival the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS in terms of size, luxury and pricing.
Audi Q9 cabin prioritises space and comfort
The Audi Q9 will offer both six and seven-seat layouts, depending on buyer needs.
The optional six-seat layout is designed like a business-class lounge, with two individual second-row captain’s chairs featuring electric adjustment, active seat ventilation, and premium cushioning and long-distance comfort.
Up front, buyers get sports seats with ventilation, massage functions, and enhanced long-distance support..
Families needing maximum practicality can choose the seven-seat layout instead. All three second-row seats can support child-seat installation. Audi has also added electrically folding third-row seats, allowing owners to quickly switch between passenger space and luggage room.
Audi Q9 infotainment and controls
A triple-screen layout dominates the dashboard, including a digital instrument cluster, a central display, and a separate screen for the front passenger.
The Q9’s 3-spoke steering wheel with a flat bottom and centre console retains physical shortcut controls. However, the climate control settings are managed through a series of fixed touchscreen controls located at the bottom of the main display.
Electrically operated doors debut on an Audi
One of the Audi Q9’s biggest and new features is fully electric doors, which is a first for Audi. The doors can be opened or closed using:
- The key
- The myAudi app
- The infotainment system
- The brake pedal
- The seatbelt buckle
The system also uses surround sensors and obstacle detection to stop the doors from opening into nearby objects, cyclists or other vehicles. Audi says the wide door openings will also make life easier for families loading children, shopping bags or strollers.
Also read: Audi RS 5 goes hybrid, price and specs locked in for Australia
Massive panoramic roof with smart glass technology
The Audi Q9 will come standard with a huge panoramic sunroof measuring around 1.5 square metres. The glass roof can:
- Open widely for an open-air feel
- Switch sections opaque at the touch of a button
- Automatically darken when the vehicle is parked
- Restore the previous setting once restarted
- Blocks >99.5% UV radiation and infrared heat from sunlight
Top-spec Audi Q9 models add 84 LEDs integrated into the roof, offering ambient lighting in 30 different colours.
Advanced lighting and immersive sound system
Audi is placing a strong emphasis on cabin ambience through lighting and sound technology. The interior features:
- Dashboard and door contour lighting
- Ambient lighting throughout the cabin
- A full-width LED interaction light strip
- “Interaction Light” system responds to music playback
The Audi Q9 also gets an upgraded Bang & Olufsen premium sound system with 4D sound technology, headrest speakers, and seat-mounted actuators that let occupants physically feel the music.
Audi says the system can also isolate navigation prompts and phone calls for individual passengers without disturbing others.
Also read: 2026 Audi Q3 SUV and Sportback confirmed for Australia
Premium materials and new cabin finishes in the Audi Q9
Audi has expanded the Q9’s interior trim options. The available materials include Alpaca wool fabrics, Dinamica microfiber, leather and leatherette combinations, and Fine Nappa leather.
New trim finishes include natural ash wood, lime structure wood, and carbon-fibre weave accents.
Audi has also reduced glossy surfaces to minimise fingerprints and create a calmer, more premium appearance. New interior colour themes include Tamarind brown and Stone beige.
The Audi Q9 focuses on practicality
Audi says practicality remains central to the Q9. Its storage highlights include:
- Redesigned centre console
- Dual wireless phone chargers
- USB-C ports with up to 100W charging
- Flexible luggage storage solutions
- Aluminium rail system in the boot with sliding hooks, adjustable anchors, and 3-D cargo securing
- Roof rack (for roof rail variants)
What happens next?
Audi says the interior reveal is only part of the story, with full specifications, powertrains and technical details to be revealed at the Audi Q9’s world premiere in Europe during July 2026.
The Audi Q9 could become the brand’s new local flagship SUV, if approved for Australia, especially after the Audi A8 exited the local market in late 2025. The Q9 will also sit above the Q8 in Audi’s SUV hierarchy.
There is no word on the pricing of the 2027 Audi Q9 yet, and it will be revealed closer to its release date, in late 2026, globally. Powertrain details are still under wraps, though the Q9 is expected to use combustion engines paired with extensive hybrid technology.
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