Audi has unveiled the new Q9, its first full-size luxury SUV and the largest production vehicle in the company’s history.
Sitting above the new Q7 and Q8, the Audi Q9 has been created to compete with flagship SUVs such as the BMW X7, Mercedes-Benz GLS and Range Rover. It combines three rows of seating, extensive passenger space and the latest Audi technology with a 3.0-litre V6 diesel mild-hybrid engine.
Audi UK has confirmed that the Q9 will produce 299PS, accelerate from 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds and offer up to 2,308 litres of luggage capacity when the rear seats are folded.
Audi’s biggest vehicle yet
At 5.31 metres long, 2.21 metres wide including the door mirrors and 1.81 metres tall, the new Q9 is larger than any Audi that has come before it.
Its 3.14-metre wheelbase has been designed to provide generous space across all three rows. Audi says there is enough room for adults to use the third row, while the standard seven-seat configuration provides Isofix-compatible mounting points across all three second-row seats.
The Q9’s design is deliberately upright and imposing. A large interpretation of Audi’s Singleframe grille dominates the front, while the extended rear overhang provides the additional space needed for the third-row seats and luggage compartment.
UK cars will feature 22-inch alloy wheels as standard, rising to 23 inches on Vorsprung versions. Curved digital OLED rear lights and Digital Matrix LED headlights will also be available on the highest specification model.
299PS diesel mild-hybrid engine
The UK Audi Q9 will launch with a 3.0-litre V6 TDI diesel engine producing 299PS and 630Nm of torque.
It uses Audi’s MHEV Plus mild-hybrid system, which can provide up to 24PS of additional electrical assistance when accelerating. An electrically powered compressor has also been fitted to improve throttle response at lower engine speeds.
An eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and Audi’s permanent quattro all-wheel-drive system are included as standard.
Although diesel is becoming less common in smaller cars, the technology remains well suited to larger vehicles covering regular motorway journeys. The combination of strong torque, long-distance efficiency and all-wheel drive could make the Q9 particularly relevant to high-mileage drivers and businesses requiring a substantial luxury SUV.
Official UK fuel economy and CO2 figures will be confirmed closer to launch.
Air suspension and all-wheel steering
Adaptive air suspension will be fitted as standard, allowing the Q9 to adjust its ride height and damping according to the road conditions, vehicle load and selected driving mode.
Audi UK has also confirmed standard all-wheel steering. At lower speeds, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels to reduce the turning circle. At higher speeds, they turn in the same direction to improve stability during lane changes and faster corners.
This should help make the 5.31-metre Q9 easier to manoeuvre in car parks and urban areas.
Seven seats and up to 2,308 litres of space
Seven seats will be standard in the UK, with heated seating available across all three rows. The second-row seats can move electrically to improve passenger space or access to the rear.
Audi plans to introduce a six-seat Lounge Pack during 2027. This replaces the second-row bench with two individual executive-style chairs, adding electric blinds and a dedicated centre console.
With the second and third rows folded, the Q9 provides up to 2,308 litres of boot space. An aluminium rail system in the luggage compartment allows smaller items to be secured without obstructing the main floor area.
A technology-packed interior
The dashboard incorporates three main screens. Drivers receive a 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit alongside a 14.5-inch central MMI touchscreen, while a separate 12.3-inch passenger display is included as standard.
The infotainment system uses Android Automotive OS and provides access to compatible apps without requiring a connected smartphone. Audi’s voice assistant can also access ChatGPT when it is unable to answer a general question itself.
Depending on specification, additional features include:
- Heated, ventilated and massaging front seats
- A head-up display
- Five-zone climate control
- Automatic opening and closing doors
- A 22-speaker Bang & Olufsen 4D sound system
- A panoramic glass roof measuring more than 1.5 square metres
- A 360-degree parking camera
- Automated parking assistance
Audi Smart Entrance, which electrically opens and closes the doors while using sensors to avoid nearby obstacles, will be included on UK Vorsprung models.
When will the Audi Q9 arrive in the UK?
Audi UK is inviting customers to register their interest in the new Q9, but final UK pricing and ordering dates have not yet been announced.
The Q9 will be built in Bratislava, Slovakia. European orders open from the end of July 2026, with the first deliveries scheduled to begin in November. German prices start from €108,400 for the 299PS Q9 TDI.
UK pricing, trim specifications, leasing costs and confirmed delivery timings are expected to be announced closer to its arrival.
Rivervale will share further information about Audi Q9 availability and leasing offers as soon as UK ordering details are confirmed.
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