Audi has officially unveiled the all-new Q9, its largest and most luxurious SUV to date. Positioned above the Q7 and Q8, the Q9 becomes Audi’s new flagship SUV and is set to arrive in India during the second quarter of 2027. The premium three-row SUV will also be locally assembled in India, helping Audi price it more competitively against its German rivals.
Audi Q9 Becomes The Brand’s Largest SUV
The Audi Q9 marks the first time the brand has introduced a ‘9’ SUV. Measuring 5,309 MM in length with a 3,138 MM wheelbase, it is significantly larger than the Q7. The SUV has been designed to compete directly with the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7 in the full-size luxury SUV segment.
Its upright stance, massive grille, muscular wheel arches, and chunky proportions give it a commanding road presence.
Exterior Gets Advanced Lighting Technology
The Q9 features a bold front fascia with a large illuminated grille, slim LED daytime running lamps, and split Matrix LED headlamps. Audi has equipped the SUV with adaptive Digital Matrix LED headlights capable of projecting warning symbols and directional arrows onto the road for improved safety.
At the rear, the Q9 receives digital OLED tail-lamps connected by a full-width light bar with an illuminated Audi logo. Buyers can choose alloy wheels ranging from 20 to 23 inches.
SQ9 Offers A Sportier Appearance
Audi has also introduced the performance-oriented SQ9 globally. It features a unique grille with silver accents, a more aggressive front bumper, exclusive alloy wheels, silver exterior trim, and quad exhaust outlets.
However, Audi currently has no plans to introduce the SQ9 in India.
Cabin Focuses On Luxury & Technology
Inside, the Audi Q9 receives a completely redesigned cabin with a triple-screen layout. The dashboard features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.5-inch central touchscreen, and a 12.3-inch passenger display running Android Automotive.
Premium materials such as Nappa leather, Dinamica microfibre, wood trim, and matte-finish surfaces enhance the cabin’s luxury appeal. Audi has also integrated ChatGPT into the voice assistant for a smarter in-car experience.
Premium Features Enhance Comfort
The Q9 comes equipped with a panoramic electrochromic glass roof, four power-operated doors, a magnetic wireless charger, USB-C ports across all three rows, and a 22-speaker Bang & Olufsen 4D audio system.
The SUV is available as both a seven-seater and a six-seater with captain chairs. The second-row seats offer power adjustment, massage, and heating functions, while the third row provides improved space along with dedicated air vents and USB-C charging ports.
Safety & ADAS
Audi has equipped the Q9 with its latest Level 2 ADAS package. Features include adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, automated parking, a 360-degree camera, and Adaptive Driving Assistant Plus.
However, some advanced highway-assisted driving features available globally may not be offered on the India-spec model.
India-Spec Engine Confirmed
Audi has confirmed that the India-spec Q9 will be powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system. The engine produces 367 HP and 550 NM and comes mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system.
The SUV also features adaptive air suspension as standard, while four-wheel steering is expected to be available depending on the final India specification.
SQ9 Packs A Powerful V8
Globally, the Audi SQ9 is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine producing 591 HP and 800 NM. Audi claims a 0-100 KM/H sprint time of just 4 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250 KM/H.
However, Audi has confirmed there are no immediate plans to launch the SQ9 in India.
Prices In India
Audi has not officially announced the Q9’s India pricing. Since the SUV will be locally assembled, it is expected to be priced competitively in the full-size luxury SUV segment.
| Model | Expected Ex-Showroom Price |
|---|---|
| Audi Q9 | Rs 1.40 crore to Rs 1.60 crore (Expected) |
Rivals
Once launched, the Audi Q9 will compete with the Mercedes-Benz GLS, BMW X7, and the Range Rover in India’s flagship luxury SUV segment.
India Launch Timeline
Audi has confirmed that the Q9 will arrive in India during the second quarter of 2027. The SUV will be assembled locally at the Skoda Auto Volkswagen India facility in Aurangabad, which should help Audi keep pricing competitive.
Conclusion
The all-new Audi Q9 marks a major step for the German luxury brand as it enters the flagship three-row SUV segment. With cutting-edge technology, a premium cabin, advanced lighting, and a powerful mild-hybrid V6 engine, the Q9 is set to become Audi’s most luxurious SUV in India.
Local assembly is expected to play a key role in making the Q9 more competitive against the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7. If Audi prices it aggressively, the Q9 could become a strong contender in India’s growing luxury SUV market.
