This oooo Intel file is part of an ongoing series following upcoming Audi models from the rumor phase to spy photos and ultimately to production. These reports will be regularly updated as new information is reported. Find our other oooo Intel reports HERE.
Model Name(s): Q9, SQ9 and RS Q9
Status: Q9 and SQ9 Confirmed and Close to Production with Full Production Test Mules Spied. RS Q9 Unconfirmed.
Expected Platform: PPC (Premium Platform Consumption)
Possible Platform Mates:
- Bentley Large SUV
- Porsche SUV Larger than Cayenne
CURRENT THEORY SUBJECT TO UPDATE BASED ON INTEL
Audi first registered the moniker “Q9” back in 2013, though the idea of such a model wasn’t mentioned by executives until years later. Even still, the idea of an SUV above the Q7 was a long brew likely due to the uncertainty of EV adoption and later pivots to extend focus on internal combustion offerings that the Q9 most definitely will be… and based on the Premium Platform Consumption (PPC) architecture.
Early test mules ran the gamut of wearing Volkswagen Atlas-like bodywork to Q9 bodywork with extensions between the side doors – not surprising, as early test mules tend to be a hodgepodge of whatever stampings are currently being produced. More recent models are definitely finalized designs, including what’s believed to be both Q9 and SQ9 configurations.
Also worth noting, we’re now seeing internal references to the models including confirmation of Q9 and SQ9 for arrival in America during Q2 of 2026. So a Q9 and an SQ9 are basically confirmed. Whether or not an RS Q9 will be built remains to be seen. Thus far, we haven’t seen any spy photos of an RS Q9 mule, but the components are all there in other models so the idea is probably a foregone conclusion.
Why a Q9? There’s no doubt that key competitors such as the BMW X7, Mercedes-Benz GLS and Range Rover are successful products for their respective brands, so why wouldn’t Audi get in on the action?
Whether or not the budget for Q9 is what ultimately did in the Q8 remains to be seen, though it’s commonly understood that a next-generation replacement to the internal combustion Q8 is not in the cards. And while Audi definitely needed a larger offering in this lineup, the loss of the Q8 is a bit of a shame because it really filled the position of a Sportback for the Q7 model, though with a decidedly more purposeful stubby Avant shape more akin to the RS 3 Sportback than other more coupe-like Sportback’s.
Back to the Q9, don’t be surprised to see other brands in the group also build their own. Versions of the outgoing MLB Evo architecture in that sizing underpinned the Audi Q7, and Q8, Bentley Bentayga, Porsche Cayenne and Lamborghini Urus. There’s likely a strong case for any of those brands to build their own, and most certainly Bentley. It should be noted that the Rolls-Royce Cullinan shares architecture with the BMW X7, making it noticeably larger than the Bentley Bentayga.
RUMOR TIMELINE REVERSE CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER
Autocar Magazine, Mar 20, 2025 – Link
- Q9 aimed at U.S.A., China and UAE, but also bound for UK.
- Above Q7, to rival BMW X7, Mercedes-Benz GLS and Range Rover
- Underpinned by extended version of PPC, meaning longitudinally mounted engines could range from 2.0 TFSI to 4.0 TFSI V8
- Test mule seen in spy photos a likely SQ9 and expected to feature 4.0 TFSI V8
ooooIYKYK.com, Mar 11, 2025 – Link
- Q9 and SQ9 listed in leaked Audi of America new model roadmap
- Likely Q2 2026 arrival in USA
Auto Motor und Sport, Mar 26, 2024 – Link
- Expected to launch in 2025 or 2026, both Q9 and SQ9
- spy photos included
Audi Club North America, Mar 18, 2024 – Link
- Spy photos of Q9 test mules wearing then current-generation Q7 bodywork. Noticeable lengthening between front and rear side doors revealing a longer wheelbase that will be used in the future Q9 and SQ9.
CarSales.com.au, Jan 9, 2024 – Link
- SUV flagship Q9 due in 2025
- bigger, longer and more lavish than Q7
- Expected to compete with BMW X7, Lexus LX and Mercedes-Benz GLS with similar 5.7 meter length
Auto Motor und Sport, Jul 26, 2022 – Link
- Includes artist renderings of Q9
- Audi trademarked the name Q9 in 2013
CarSales.com.au, Jul 25, 2022 – Link
- Includes spy photos of mule wearing what looks like Volkswagen Atlas bodywork
- Expect in 2022 or 2023
- Theorize SQ9 or RS Q9 using a derivative of the 4.0 TFSI used in SQ7, SQ8 and RS Q8
CarSpyMedia on YouTube, Nov 2, 2021
- Test mule video
Autocar, Mar 9, 2021
- Includes spy photos of mule wearing what looks like Volkswagen Atlas bodywork
- Reminds reader that then Audi CEO Rupert Stadler hinted at Q9 as far back as 2018
CAR Magazine, August 7, 2018
- Due in 2021 at the earliest
- Plug-in hybrid planned
- The launch of Q9 is expected to tie with the Q7 facelift
RENDERINGS AUDI Q9 BY @KELSONIK
SPY PHOTOS AUDI SQ9
