CARVERSAL

​Audi is launching its largest and most refined SUV so far—the Audi Q9—on the market in 2026. The Q9 will emerge as the company's new luxury SUV and pose premium rivalry in the shape of the BMW X7, Mercedes-Benz GLS, and Range Rover. New spy pictures and insider information contain huge facts concerning the brand new seven-seater, right from styling to engine options and its place within the market.

Audi Q9 Design: Larger Than Next-Gen Q7

New spy shots appearing on Autocar UK feature a production-spec test mule of the Audi Q9, which hints at its towering proportions. The Q9 is larger than the next-gen Q7, with an extended wheelbase and more extended rear overhang, which indicates a larger interior—especially in the second and third rows.

Exterior Styling

The Q9’s design follows Audi’s latest design language, with a large hexagonal grille flanked by split headlights and a wide air dam featuring similar hexagonal elements. The rear sports a full-width LED light bar, a roof spoiler, and quad exhaust tips—hinting at a performance-oriented SQ9 variant in the pipeline.

Interior Layout

Inside, the Q9 will offer a three-row, seven-seat configuration, though a six-seat layout (similar to the Bentley Bentayga) could also be available. Expect premium materials, advanced infotainment, and Audi’s latest driver-assistance tech to elevate the cabin’s luxury quotient.

Powertrain Options: Plug-In Hybrids Likely Standard

The Q9 is to be constructed upon an extended version of Volkswagen's Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) with room for a family with a longitudinally placed powertrain. These should include plug-in hybrid models on the lineup, with Audi's emphasis on hybrid technology due to changing emissions regulations on the planet.

The engine lineup will begin with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo-petrol, stepping up to stronger V8 motors in pricier trim levels. The SQ9 version should be equipped with a V8 motor and plug-in hybrid set-up for greater power.

Hybrid Focus

Since the growth of EVS is decreasing, the Audi Q9 is focusing on the plug-in hybrid variants. It is a reflection of the brand's recent focus on hybrid investments, in which combustion engine is reserved for top-line models.

Performance Variant: The SQ9

The presence of four exhaust tips on the test mule means that there will be an SQ9 with a twin-turbo V8 and PHEV configuration for maximum performance without any compromise in efficiency.

Market Launch and Competitors

The Audi Q9 will be launched in 2026, with key markets being:

• USA

• China

• UAE

• UK (most likely in 2027)

Competitive Landscape

The Q9 will compete with:

• BMW X7

• Mercedes-Benz GLS

• Range Rover

• Lexus LX

Audi’s strategy focuses on offering a more spacious and tech-laden alternative to these established luxury SUVs.

READ MORE: New Skoda Kylaq To Get Powerful Engine From Audi!

Final Thoughts: Audi’s New Flagship SUV

The Audi Q9 is the aspiration of the company to reign over the full-size luxury SUV segment. It features a cheeky design, hybrid powerplant, and sumptuous interior to attract purchasers in search of a high-end seven-seater with Audi's characteristic sophistication.

As development nears completion, more details will emerge ahead of its 2026 launch. For now, the Q9 stands as Audi’s most ambitious SUV yet—poised to redefine luxury in the segment.