Brand's largest all-new SUV Audi Q9 makes global debut

Audi's largest car yet debuts with ultra-luxury elements, an advanced interior and tech, and some world-first features.

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July 29, 2026

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6 mins read

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Ash
Ash

29 July, 2026

Access Time

6 mins read

Audi Q9 debuts in Ingolstadt, Germany, as the brand’s largest vehicle and the first Audi model to use the number 9. The new full-size SUV sits at the top of the brand’s range, above the  Audi Q7 and gives Audi a bigger, more comfort-focused flagship above its existing SUV line-up.

The details below refer to the German-market model range. Audi will open orders in Europe from the end of July 2026, with deliveries due to begin in November 2026. The prices start at €108,400 (A$177,603) for the Audi Q9 TDI 220kW.

Audi Q9 pricing and release date

Only one launch model, the Audi Q9 TDI 220kW, will be available to order now in Europe starting at the end of July 2026. This model starts at €108,400, which translates to $177,603 AUD, with a choice of Advanced or sportier S line trim configurations with various optional packages.

The second, upcoming Audi Q9 TDI 180 kW model is confirmed to be sold in selected European markets, but its lower starting price has not yet been announced. Deliveries for the Audi Q9 begin in November 2026 in Europe.

The Audi Q9 is yet to be confirmed for Australia. Audi’s initial global release documents state that availability in additional right-hand-drive markets is officially under review. If the Q9 arrives Down Under, it is expected here by late 2026 or early 2027, typically 3 to 6 months behind the European rollout.

Audi Q9 powertrain and performance

At launch, the Audi Q9 is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 diesel with 220kW and 630Nm of output, while selected European markets also get an 180kW version with 500Nm of maximum output. 

Both of these variants use mild-hybrid support, which is capable of an 18kW acceleration boost, an electric-powered compressor, an eight-speed tiptronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive.

SpecificationAudi Q9 TDI 220kW
Engine3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel (TDI)
Hybrid system48V MHEV plus (with powertrain generator)
Drive typeQuattro permanent all-wheel drive
Engine power output220kW
Maximum torque630Nm
Transmission8-speed tiptronic automatic
Fuel consumption (combined)7.4–8.0 L/100 km

Standard adaptive air suspension offers 90mm of height adjustment while an optional all-wheel steering turns the rear wheels by up to 5 degrees to improve low-speed manoeuvring and high-speed stability. 

Also read: 2026 Audi Q3 SUV and Sportback confirmed for Australia

Also read: Audi RS 5 goes hybrid, price and specs locked in

Exterior features of the Audi Q9

Audi Q9 establishes its flagship status through an imposing, upright stance, massive size, and a world-first suite of advanced lighting technologies.

The SUV adopts a traditional, brawny, boxy silhouette unlike the swept-back, sportier crossover rooflines of the Q7 or Q8 and features a perfectly flat, level beltline that emphasises its elongated luxury stance.

The front is unique, with a massive single-frame grille with illuminated vertical slats (on the Advanced line), and a flat, 2D illuminated Audi logo at the centre. It features a split lighting architecture for the DRL headlights.

The flagship Q9 SUV launches in two equipment lines: Advanced as standard and S line as an option. Its wheel sizes range from 20 to 23 inches, and the tyres include acoustic foam to reduce tyre noise.

The Q9 also debuts curved digital OLED rear lights, a world first for a production vehicle, which use six OLED panels and 512 segments when on. Audi says the curved OLED panels improve visibility from wider angles, while a communication light can warn following traffic of accidents or breakdowns ahead using dedicated light signatures. Audi says the curved design improves side visibility. Its other lighting features include:

  • Digital Matrix LED headlights
  • Ground-projected turn signals at night
  • Communication light for breakdown and accident warnings
  • Door projection lights
  • Exit warning that can stop the door opening if cyclists, vehicles or pedestrians approach

Dimensions of the largest Audi SUV yet

Length5,310mm
Width2,210mm
Height1,810mm
Wheelbase3,140mm

These figures make the Q9 Audi’s largest production SUV to date. It has three rows as standard and seats seven people, but Audi also offers a six-seat layout, which swaps the second-row bench for two individual electric seats.

The all-new Audi Q9 is nearly 25 centimetres longer and has an extra 15 centimetres of wheelbase compared to the Audi Q7, and the new SUV uses this extra space to offer a larger third row designed to better accommodate adults. 

Audi Q9 interior

The Q9’s cabin uses Audi’s MMI panoramic display. It combines a 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit, 14.5-inch central touchscreen, and a 12.3-inch passenger display. Audi has also upgraded the voice assistant, and it can control vehicle functions using natural language and includes ChatGPT support. A factory-integrated dashcam is also available as an option. The infotainment system runs on Android Automotive OS and includes access to Audi’s integrated Application Store, allowing selected apps to be downloaded directly to the vehicle without requiring a smartphone.

The optional Bang & Olufsen sound system brings 22 speakers, 1360 watts, headrest speakers and 4D sound. Audi says the 4D audio system uses seat-mounted actuators to create vibrations that sync with music, allowing occupants to physically feel low-frequency sounds. The cabin also uses a wide interaction light strip across the dashboard that supports welcome animations, lock-and-unlock signals, turn-signal visuals, and music-linked lighting.

Cabin materials include wool such as alpaca fibre, Dinamica microfibre, leather and leatherette blends, and fine Nappa leather. Interior colour choices include tamarind brown, natural beige and stone beige. A standard panoramic sunroof spans more than 1.5 square metres, making it the largest panoramic roof ever fitted to an Audi. Buyers can also opt for switchable transparency and integrated roof illumination.

Big focus on rear-seat comfort

The Q9 targets families and chauffeur-style buyers who want more space and comfort. Its key cabin features include:

  • 7 seats as standard
  • Three Isofix child-seat mounting points in the second row
  • Optional six-seat layout
  • Electric adjustment for all seats
  • Optional heating for all six seats in the six-seat version
  • Optional individual electric second-row seats
  • Optional front-seat ventilation
  • Optional front-seat heating, ventilation and massage on sports seats plus
  • Heated front and rear armrests available with surface heating plus

Audi also introduces automatic doors for the first time. They open and close through multiple controls or remotely via the myAudi app.

Safety equipment of the Audi Q9

The Audi Q9 includes a broad safety and driver assistance package:

  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Pedestrian and cyclist detection
  • Blind-spot monitoring
  • Rear cross-traffic alert
  • 360-degree camera
  • Automated parking
  • Trailer manoeuvring assist
  • Trailer stability control
  • Integrated trailer brake control
  • Adaptive Driving Assistant Plus with hands-free driving capability on approved highways in selected markets

A new emergency assist function can detect an inactive driver and slow the car down while moving onto an empty shoulder or stopping altogether and trigger SOS.

Audi also offers hands-free assisted driving on approved highways in Germany, the USA and Canada, at up to 130km/h but the driver must stay alert and remain responsible.

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