2027 Audi Q9 and SQ9 revealed as Audi’s biggest SUVs, with up to 591 hp, three-row seating, Quattro AWD and prices from $89,095.
2027 Audi Q9 and SQ9 have been revealed as the biggest and new flagship SUVs in Audi’s lineup, bringing three-row luxury, powerful petrol engines and a long list of premium features to the full-size SUV segment. The new models sit above the Q7 and SQ7 and are positioned to compete with the BMW X7, Mercedes-Benz GLS and Range Rover.
The 2027 Audi Q9 and SQ9 are also being introduced with a strong focus on the U.S. market. Audi says North American requirements were central to the product-development process, while the company expects the continent to account for around two-thirds of Q9 production from its Bratislava plant.
2027 Audi Q9 and SQ9 Become Audi’s New Flagship SUVs
The 2027 Audi Q9 and SQ9 take over the flagship position previously occupied by the A8 and S8 sedans. Audi has developed the new full-size SUVs as its answer to the growing demand for large, three-row luxury vehicles, particularly in North America.
Audi CEO Gernot Döllner said U.S. requirements were at the centre of the development process. He also said a full-size SUV had been the loudest request from Audi dealers in North America, highlighting the importance of the new models to the brand’s product strategy.
2027 Audi Q9 and SQ9 Size and Design
The 2027 Audi Q9 and SQ9 are substantially larger than the Q7. The Q9 measures 209.1 inches in length, making it nearly 10 inches longer than the current Q7, while its 123.6-inch wheelbase is almost six inches longer.
The new SUV is also 2.8 inches taller. Audi has chosen smoother exterior surfaces instead of the sharper creases used on many of its other products, with senior exterior designer Gary Telaak saying the design was intended to express sovereignty.
2027 Audi Q9 Gets Advanced Lighting Technology
The 2027 Audi Q9 uses advanced lighting technology as one of its major exterior highlights. Matrix LED headlights are available for the U.S. market and can automatically reduce glare for other road users by switching off individual LEDs directed toward approaching vehicles.
The rear uses OLED taillights with a curved surface, a first for Audi. The lights can display different patterns, including a triangle when the hazard lights are activated. The front and rear turn signals can also project onto the ground, while the grille and Audi four-ring logos at the front and rear can be illuminated.
2027 Audi Q9 Engine, Power and Performance
The 2027 Audi Q9 will use a turbocharged 2.9-liter V-6 for the U.S. market. The engine produces 429 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive.
Audi estimates that the Q9 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. Every Q9 model also has a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, giving the large luxury SUV substantial utility alongside its premium positioning.
2027 Audi SQ9 Brings 591 Horsepower
The 2027 Audi SQ9 takes performance considerably further with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8. The engine produces 591 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, matching the powertrain offered in the latest SQ7.
The SQ9 also uses an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive, but its system has a greater rear bias. An electronically controlled locking rear differential and brake torque vectoring are also included, while Audi estimates a 0-to-60-mph time of just 3.8 seconds.
The performance-focused SUV comes with staggered-width tyres on 22- or 23-inch wheels. The front wheels are 10 inches wide and the rear wheels are 11.5 inches wide. Other SQ9-specific features include a sport exhaust, matte aluminum mirror caps, more prominent wheel surrounds and a honeycomb grille.
2027 Audi Q9 and SQ9 Suspension and Driving Technology
The 2027 Audi Q9 and SQ9 feature adaptive air springs capable of changing the vehicle’s ride height by up to 3.5 inches. Maximum ground clearance reaches 10 inches, giving the large SUV flexibility across different driving conditions.
The SQ9 can also be equipped with an S Sport package that brings a firmer suspension setup. Four-wheel steering is standard on the Q9 Prestige and SQ9, while different drive modes can adjust suspension damping, ride height, steering effort, throttle response, transmission mapping and torque distribution.
The vehicle can also automatically select an appropriate driving mode. This gives drivers the option of changing the character of the SUV while allowing the system to make adjustments when required.
2027 Audi Q9 Interior Gets Three-Row Luxury
The 2027 Audi Q9 interior offers three-row seating in two configurations. The standard layout is 2-3-2, while buyers can choose an optional 2-2-2 configuration with captain’s chairs. All seats are power-adjustable.
LATCH child-seat anchors are provided in both the second and third rows. Depending on the second-row configuration, there are either two anchors with captain’s chairs or three with a bench seat, while the rearmost row also receives LATCH anchors.
Heated front sport seats are standard, while ventilation is optional. Sport Seats Plus add a massage function, and buyers can also choose power-opening and power-closing doors along with heated door and centre armrests.
2027 Audi Q9 Technology and Sound System
The 2027 Audi Q9 features a technology-heavy cabin with a 14.5-inch central touchscreen, an 11.9-inch driver instrumentation display and a standard 12.3-inch screen for the front passenger.
The infotainment system is Android-based and supports third-party applications. Amazon Alexa is also integrated into the voice-recognition system, adding another option for interacting with the vehicle’s technology.
Audi offers a Bang & Olufsen 4D sound system with vibrating elements in the front seats and speakers integrated into the headrests. The 1,360-watt system has 22 speakers in total.
A built-in dash camera is standard on the SQ9 and available on the Q9. A panoramic sunroof is standard across the range and can be opened, while the top trim adds ambient lighting to the glass roof. Optional dimmable glass panels can also be specified.
2027 Audi Q9 Interior Design Moves Away From Gloss Black
The 2027 Audi Q9 interior also represents a change in material choices for Audi. Instead of relying heavily on gloss-black plastic, the new flagship SUV uses more matte finishes and offers several wood trim options.
The approach is intended to push the cabin further toward a premium luxury experience. Alongside the spacious three-row layout, the available seating, lighting and sound-system options give the Q9 and SQ9 a broad range of high-end equipment.
2027 Audi Q9 and SQ9 Price and U.S. Launch
The 2027 Audi Q9 and SQ9 will launch in North America before other markets, with U.S. showroom arrival planned for late this year. The Q9 starts at $89,095, while the performance-focused SQ9 starts at $119,395.
| Model | Engine | Power | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Audi Q9 | Turbocharged 2.9-liter V-6 | 429 hp | $89,095 |
| 2027 Audi Q9 Premium Plus | Turbocharged 2.9-liter V-6 | 429 hp | $94,695 |
| 2027 Audi Q9 Prestige | Turbocharged 2.9-liter V-6 | 429 hp | $103,795 |
| 2027 Audi SQ9 | Twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 | 591 hp | $119,395 |
2027 Audi Q9 vs SQ9: Key Differences
- 2027 Audi Q9: Powered by a 429-hp turbocharged 2.9-liter V-6.
- 2027 Audi SQ9: Uses a 591-hp twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8.
- Acceleration: Q9 is estimated at 4.9 seconds from 0 to 60 mph, while SQ9 is estimated at 3.8 seconds.
- Drivetrain: Both models use an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive.
- Towing: The Q9 has a 7,700-pound towing capability.
- Wheels: SQ9 offers staggered-width rubber on 22- or 23-inch wheels.
- Performance equipment: SQ9 gets a sport exhaust, rear-biased Quattro system, locking rear differential and brake torque vectoring.
- Price: Q9 starts at $89,095, while SQ9 starts at $119,395.
2027 Audi Q9 and SQ9: What Makes Them Important for Audi?
The 2027 Audi Q9 and SQ9 represent a significant expansion of Audi’s luxury SUV lineup. By placing the models above the Q7 and SQ7 and positioning them as replacements for the A8 and S8 as flagship products, Audi is making its largest SUVs central to the brand’s premium strategy.
The emphasis on the U.S. market is equally important. Audi says North America is expected to account for around two-thirds of Q9 production at the Bratislava plant, while the decision to begin sales in North America first underlines how strongly the new full-size SUV is aimed at the region.
2027 Audi Q9 and SQ9: Key Facts at a Glance
- Q9 and SQ9 are Audi’s biggest SUVs ever.
- Both models offer three-row seating.
- The Q9 measures 209.1 inches long.
- The Q9 has a 123.6-inch wheelbase.
- Q9 produces 429 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque.
- SQ9 produces 591 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque.
- Q9 has an estimated 4.9-second 0-to-60-mph time.
- SQ9 has an estimated 3.8-second 0-to-60-mph time.
- Both use Quattro all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
- Q9 towing capability is rated at 7,700 pounds.
- Maximum ground clearance is 10 inches.
- North American sales are scheduled to begin late this year.
- Q9 pricing starts at $89,095.
- SQ9 pricing starts at $119,395.
Conclusion: 2027 Audi Q9 and SQ9 Set a New Flagship Direction
The 2027 Audi Q9 and SQ9 mark Audi’s move into the full-size three-row luxury SUV space with two models that combine large dimensions, powerful petrol engines, premium cabin technology and Quattro all-wheel drive. The Q9 focuses on luxury and practicality, while the SQ9 adds a 591-hp V-8 and performance-focused hardware.
With North America playing a central role in the launch strategy and U.S. sales scheduled to begin late this year, the Q9 and SQ9 are set to become important additions to Audi’s flagship lineup. Starting prices of $89,095 for the Q9 and $119,395 for the SQ9 place both models firmly in the premium full-size SUV market.
