2027 Audi SQ9 Photo by Graeme Fletcher

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Audi’s new flagship is the largest vehicle the company has ever produced, and it’s aimed squarely at the North American market. This means a blend of space, utility, ability, and performance. Of course, it’s chock full of the latest technology and creature comforts — everything from a 4D sound system to an illuminated moonroof is available. It is an impressive piece that’s imposing beyond its physical size.

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The Q9 comes with new lighting technology including third-generation digital OLED taillights, a world-first. The free-form style gives them a curved, three-dimensional look that sets a new benchmark. Up front, the Q9’s grille can be illuminated, and it’s flanked by Audi’s latest LED matrix headlights. In the end, the lighting signature is properly cool.

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As for the dimensions, the Q9 is physically imposing. It’s 5,310 mm long, 2,210 mm wide, and 1,810 mm tall. More importantly, it’s substantial without looking slab-sided, which means it has curbside appeal. The most important number, however, is the 3,140-mm wheelbase. It delivers the space needed for six or seven riders with room to spare.

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2027 Audi SQ9 Photo by Graeme Fletcher

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Slip inside, and the cabin is a sophisticated sanctuary that’s technologically advanced! It starts with the 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit instrumentation, a 14.5-inch multimedia touchscreen, and another 12.3-inch display for the front passenger — it includes privacy mode, so it does not distract the driver. Individually, the screens are impressive; however, what set it apart is the cohesiveness of the look and the fact the infotainment side runs the Android Automotive operating system. It is clean, uncluttered, and, more importantly, intuitive.

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An updated Bang & Olufsen sound system adds a fourth dimension. The system builds on the previous 3D sound system with headrest speakers and adds actuators to the front seats. As a result, the front riders not only enjoy the immersive sound quality, they can also feel the beat in the seat. Beyond that, there’s 22 speakers and 1,360 watts of power. The headrest speakers also allow phone calls and navigation prompts to be whispered to the driver.

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Move rearward and there are two configurations, both of which feature power seating. The seven-seater has a three-seat bench, a two-seat perch in the third row, and enough floor space behind for suitcases and groceries. Accessing the third row is easy with the outboard seats powering forward without the need to fold down — this means child seats do not have to be removed when accessing the third row, which is a huge boon for parents.

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The six-seater version brings a pair of fully-articulated captain’s-style buckets and business class-like comfort. Access to the cabin is through automatic doors, which are activated through the key fob, infotainment system, a button on the centre console, or by touching the handle — the doors swing open and close without human input. The smart part is the doors have sensors to prevent them opening in front of a cyclist.

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The cabin is light and airy thanks to the largest moonroof ever fitted to an Audi. Beyond letting in more light, it has a couple of party tricks. An option is the panoramic moonroof has switchable transparency ranging from clear to a darkened opaque. When parked, the roof automatically darkens to keep prying eyes off the interior; when started, it reverts to the previous setting. Second, it has the ability to add to the ambient lighting display. The 84 LEDs incorporated into the panel allow the driver to pick one of 30 colours to match the rest of the ambient lighting.

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When the Q9 and SQ9 arrive in the third quarter of this year, the Q9’s powertrain lineup will mirror that of the new Q7, which is not such a bad thing! This would put in it a 2.9L twin-turbo V6 that pushes a healthy 429 hp and 442 lb-ft in the Q9. It promises a five-second run to 100 km/h. Step up to the SQ9 and a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 finds its way under the hood. With 591 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque on tap, it should drop the run to 100 km/h by a full second! Both engines work with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive. The plus is both models can tow up to 3,493 kg (7,700 lb) when properly equipped.

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In an interview, Gernot Doellner, CEO of Audi AG, confirmed there will be electrified versions of the Q9. Specifically, hybrids and potentially plug-in hybrids are in the cards, although not confirmed for North America at this point. Looking at the numbers, a hybrid is a smart move given the growing acceptance of electrically-assisted powertrains, especially in a full-sized SUV, where fuel economy can be an issue.

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2027 Audi SQ9 Photo by Graeme Fletcher

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The Q9 is equipped with an adaptive air suspension. The variable damping and adjustable ride height promise to deliver superior comfort and sorted handling, which will keep the optional 23-inch wheels glued to the tarmac. The driver can adjust the driving characteristics through the drive select system and its seven different modes. Yes, the SQ9 will get a sport-tuned version of the adaptive air suspension.

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To further improve the driving experience, the all-wheel-steering can turn the rear wheels by up to five degrees. At low speeds, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels, which shortens the turning circle. At higher speeds, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front wheels, which brings better high-speed stability and makes the full-sized Q9 feel smaller than those substantial dimensions suggest. More importantly, it promises more agility and fun when running a twisty road.

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The new Q9 flagship, and the next-gen design it wears, is set to tackle the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS, as well as the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. When stacked up against these competitors, the Q9, especially the SQ9, has the wherewithal to match and exceed each of them. It highlights the shift away from traditional luxury to something designed to be functionally attractive and an oasis of calm in a hectic world. Full specifications and pricing will be announced closer to the Q9’s launch later in the third quarter.

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