Audi unveils its new flagship Q9 SUV for North America

Audi unveils its new flagship S.U.V., the three-row Q9, a full-size family hauler aimed squarely at North America. Revealed Tuesday night near the Brooklyn Bridge, the 2027 model arrives in standard Q9 and sportier SQ9 forms, blending business-class comforts with Quattro all-wheel-drive performance and U.S. pricing from $89,095.

Key Takeaways

• The Q9 is Audi’s first “9” model and its largest S.U.V. yet, sharing a platform with the redesigned Q7.
• Three rows come standard with seven seats; a six-seat captain’s-chair layout is optional.
• The Q9 starts at $89,095 and the SQ9 at $119,395, with U.S. deliveries planned for the fourth quarter of 2026.
• Power spans a 429 hp twin-turbo V-6 or the SQ9’s 591 hp twin-turbo V-8, both with Quattro all-wheel drive.

What makes the Q9 Audi’s new flagship S.U.V.?

According to Robb Report, the Q9 is the first Audi to carry a 9 in its name and sits at the top of the brand’s refreshed S.U.V. lineup. Audi America president Vito Paladino called it “the best version of Audi” and “Audi true and true.”

Built for North America—where about 80 percent of luxury vehicles sold are S.U.V.s—the Q9 measures 209 inches long, 86.8 inches wide, and 71.4 inches tall. A prominent grille with an illuminated badge (a North America exclusive) signals its flagship status. The sportier SQ9 adds a hexagonal grille pattern, wider wheel arches, colored accents, and split tailpipes.

Both versions can be ordered with adaptive digital matrix LED lighting, technology making its U.S. debut on the Q9. For readers who follow high-end living and garage-ready estates, the launch also sits neatly alongside coverage in our Luxury Real Estate & Dream Homes hub.

How big and roomy is Audi’s three-row Q9?

A 123.5-inch wheelbase makes the Q9 the most spacious Audi yet. Like the Q7, it offers three rows and seven seats as standard, with an optional six-seat setup featuring captain’s chairs. Adults can sit comfortably in both rear rows, and cargo capacity reaches up to 87.7 cubic feet behind the first row.

Inside, premium wood, decorative inlays, and leather wrap a cabin centered on Audi’s Digital Stage: an 11.9-inch virtual cockpit, a 14.5-inch touchscreen, and a 12.3-inch passenger display. The system handles six driving modes and a ChatGPT-powered Audi Assistant. A 22-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio package is available as a premium option.

When does the Q9 go on sale, and what does it cost?

The Q9 uses a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V-6 with 429 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque, sending power through Quattro all-wheel drive. Audi quotes 0–60 mph in 4.9 seconds and a 130 mph top speed. The SQ9’s revised 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 delivers 591 hp and 590 lb-ft, hitting 60 mph in 3.9 seconds with a 155 mph top speed. Both engines are exclusive to North America.

Adaptive air suspension is standard, aimed at giving the big hauler a more nimble feel. U.S. pricing starts at $89,095 for the Q9 and $119,395 for the SQ9, with launch set for the fourth quarter of 2026.