/Eras/Audi Modern Era /Audi Q9 / Audi Q9 SUV (PPC)
What: Audi Q9 SUV
Era: Audi Modern Era
Model Years: 2027 – current
Market: United States
Internal designation:
Chassis / Matrix: PPC
Body style: Full-size SUV
Doors: Five
Seating capacity: Seven standard; six optional
Production location: Bratislava, Slovakia
U.S. market launch: Fourth quarter of 2026
Starting MSRP: $87,700, excluding destination charge
Scheduled maintenance: Three years or 30,000 miles of Audi Signature Care, whichever occurs first
The 2027 Audi Q9 is Audi’s first full-size SUV and the new flagship of the brand’s model portfolio. Positioned above the Q7 and Q8, it introduces three-row seating for up to seven occupants, an available six-seat configuration with second-row captain’s chairs and the largest passenger and cargo dimensions offered in a production Audi at launch.
The U.S.-market Q9 is powered by a 429-hp twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 paired with an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission and standard quattro all-wheel drive. Standard adaptive air suspension, available all-wheel steering, Audi’s latest Digital Stage interior and an extensive selection of lighting and driver assistance technologies distinguish the Q9 within the Audi range.
MODEL POSITIONING
The Q9 establishes a new category above Audi’s existing midsize and upper-midsize SUVs. Although the Q7 also offers three-row seating, the Q9 was developed as a full-size model with a longer wheelbase, larger rear doors, greater third-row accommodation and increased cargo capacity.
Audi describes the Q9 as the flagship of its entire portfolio rather than solely its SUV lineup. Its feature set emphasizes passenger space, long-distance comfort, digital interaction, advanced lighting and driver assistance technology.
EXTERIOR DESIGN
The Q9 uses upright proportions intended to communicate its position as Audi’s full-size flagship. The Singleframe grille and headlights are integrated into a broad black front mask, while the grille extends farther downward than on smaller Audi SUVs to create a more vertical appearance.
A straight beltline, pronounced shoulder, long rear doors and extended rear overhang visually reflect the vehicle’s passenger and cargo capacity. The roofline remains relatively upright toward the rear to preserve third-row headroom.
At the rear, the license plate is positioned within the bumper, leaving the tailgate largely uninterrupted. A continuous LED light strip visually connects the rear lamps and incorporates illuminated Audi rings.
Two exterior presentations are offered:
Advanced line: Standard exterior treatment with vertical Singleframe grille slats and restrained detailing.
S line: Available on launch edition models, with a more open Singleframe grille, a more pronounced lower front fascia and an emphasized rear spoiler.
DIMENSIONS
The following U.S.-market figures are stated in the Audi of America press release:
Overall length: 209.0 in
Overall width: 86.8 in
Overall height: 71.4 in
Wheelbase: 123.5 in
Audi’s June 2026 European dimensional drawing provides additional nominal measurements for the base Q9. These measurements are shown with the vehicle unloaded and may vary according to equipment specification.
Dimensional Drawing Measurements
Overall length: 5,309 mm / 209.0 in
Body width without exterior mirrors: 2,010 mm / 79.1 in
Overall width including exterior mirrors: 2,205 mm / 86.8 in
Overall height: 1,794 mm / 70.6 in
Wheelbase: 3,138 mm / 123.5 in
Front overhang: 1,020 mm / 40.2 in
Rear overhang: 1,151 mm / 45.3 in
Front track: 1,686 mm / 66.4 in
Rear track: 1,713 mm / 67.4 in
Interior Dimensional Drawing Measurements
Front shoulder room: 1,577 mm / 62.1 in
Front elbow room: 1,511 mm / 59.5 in
Second-row shoulder room: 1,550 mm / 61.0 in
Second-row elbow room: 1,478 mm / 58.2 in
Third-row shoulder room: 1,246 mm / 49.1 in
Third-row elbow room: 1,243 mm / 48.9 in
Maximum front headroom: 994 mm / 39.1 in
Maximum second-row headroom: 1,017 mm / 40.0 in
Maximum third-row headroom: 1,011 mm / 39.8 in
Cargo-Area Dimensional Drawing Measurements
Maximum cargo-area length: 2,260 mm / 89.0 in
Cargo-area length behind second row: 1,304–1,474 mm / 51.3–58.0 in
Cargo-area length behind third row: 622 mm / 24.5 in
Maximum cargo-area width: 1,570 mm / 61.8 in
Cargo-area width between wheel housings: 1,050 mm / 41.3 in
Dimensional Source Note
The Audi of America release lists the Q9 at 71.4 inches tall, while the European dimensional drawing shows a nominal unloaded height of 1,794 mm, equivalent to approximately 70.6 inches. The difference may reflect market specification, suspension setting, roof equipment or the defined equipment configuration used for the drawing. For the U.S. archive entry, the published Audi of America measurement of 71.4 inches should be treated as the primary U.S.-market figure.
PASSENGER COMPARTMENT
The Q9 comes standard with three rows of seating for seven occupants. All seats are power adjustable, including the second and third rows.
The standard second row uses a 35/30/35 seating arrangement. The seats can be adjusted fore and aft electrically, while the backrests fold in a 65/35 split. A separate center section within the wider seatback can also be folded manually.
All seating positions in the second and third rows provide LATCH-compatible child-seat mounting points.
For third-row access, an outboard second-row seat can move forward electrically and tilt without requiring the seatback to fold flat. An unoccupied forward-facing child seat may remain installed while the seat is moved. The function can be activated through the MMI or with a button near the rear-door opening.
An optional six-passenger configuration replaces the second-row bench with two individual power-adjustable captain’s chairs. Second-row seat heating is available with this configuration.
FRONT SEATING
Standard seats: Sport seats
Available seat ventilation: Yes
Available Sport seats plus: Yes
Sport seats plus functions: Heating, ventilation and massage
Available heated armrests: Front and second-row door and center armrests
AUTOMATIC DOORS
Power-operated automatic doors are available on the Q9 for the first time in an Audi production model.
The doors can open to an angle of up to 90 degrees and incorporate obstacle detection. Surrounding sensors can stop a door when a vehicle, cyclist, pedestrian or fixed object is detected in its path.
The doors may be operated from multiple interior controls or remotely through the myAudi app. An electric soft-close mechanism pulls each door securely into its latch.
PANORAMIC SUNROOF
The Q9 comes standard with the largest panoramic sunroof fitted to an Audi at the time of introduction.
Glass area: More than 16 sq ft
Opening functions: Power tilt and variable power opening
Available switchable transparency: Nine individually controlled sections
Glass construction: Coated laminated safety glass
UV protection: More than 99.5 percent
Automatic parked setting: Opaque
Available illuminated roof: Planned following initial launch
The optional switchable roof uses Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal technology in place of a conventional fabric sunshade. The selected transparency setting is restored when the vehicle is restarted.
CARGO CAPACITY
Cargo volume behind third row: 19.3 cu ft
Cargo volume behind second row: Up to 50.0 cu ft
Maximum cargo volume behind front seats: 87.7 cu ft
The cargo compartment includes an aluminum rail system with sliding hooks and adjustable anchors. The luggage cover can be stored beneath the cargo floor when the third row is in use.
Second- and third-row seats can be folded using controls within the cargo area. A roof rack compatible with the standard raised roof rails is included.
INTERIOR STORAGE & CHARGING
Wireless charging: Dual magnetic Qi2.2-compatible charger
Available USB-C output: 45 to 100 watts
USB-C availability: All three seating rows
Front cupholders: Sized for large insulated tumblers
Second-row cupholders: Sized for large drink containers and bottles
The higher-output USB-C Power Delivery connections are capable of charging larger devices such as laptops and tablets.
INTERIOR MATERIALS AND TRIM
Available upholstery and interior materials include leather and leatherette combinations, Fine Nappa leather, matte decorative finishes and natural wood inlays.
Interior Colors
Tamarind Brown
Stone Beige
Additional interior colors are expected, but the source release does not provide a complete U.S.-market upholstery chart.
Decorative Inlays
Olive Ash Amber Brown Natural Wood
Lime Structure Gray Brown Natural Wood
Fine Grain Ash Silk Beige Natural Wood
The steering wheel uses a leather-covered airbag panel with color-coordinated contrast stitching.
Audi exclusive
Almond Beige Audi exclusive design package
The package provides a curated combination of upholstery, trim and coordinated interior colors.
INTERIOR LIGHTING
All Q9 models include an ambient lighting package with colored contour lighting across the dashboard and doors.
Dynamic interaction light: Standard
Ambient lighting plus: Standard on Prestige
Backlit door surfaces: Included with ambient lighting plus
Illuminated headrest signature: Available with Sport seats plus
The dynamic interaction light spans the width of the interior and communicates selected vehicle functions, including welcome sequences, locking status and turn-signal operation.
INFOTAINMENT
The Q9 uses Audi’s Digital Stage display architecture.
Audi virtual cockpit: 11.9 in
MMI touch display: 14.5 in
Front passenger display: 12.3 in
Display technology: Curved OLED
Operating system: Android Automotive OS
Integrated app store: Audi Application Store
Passenger-display privacy mode: Standard
Applications can be downloaded directly to the vehicle without requiring a connected smartphone. Audi states that launch categories include music, video, gaming, navigation, parking, charging, productivity, weather and news.
AUDI ASSISTANT
With an Audi connect NAV subscription, the AI-based Audi assistant can control vehicle functions, search for destinations and respond to general information requests.
ChatGPT integration is used when a request falls beyond the Audi assistant’s native vehicle, navigation and information functions. The transfer occurs within the Audi voice interface without requiring occupants to select a separate service.
AUDIO SYSTEMS
An available Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System with 4D sound includes:
System output: 1,360 watts
Speakers: 22
Headrest speakers: Four
Front-seat actuators: Two
Audio processing: Fraunhofer Symphoria
The front-seat actuators convert low-frequency audio into adjustable physical vibration. The headrest speakers can provide localized navigation instructions, telephone audio and entertainment for the driver and front passenger.
POWERTRAIN
Engine: 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6
Fuel type: Gasoline
Maximum output: 429 hp
Maximum torque: 442 lb-ft
Transmission: Eight-speed Tiptronic automatic
Drivetrain: Permanent quattro all-wheel drive
Audi has not provided cylinder bore, stroke, compression ratio, engine code, fuel-tank capacity or EPA fuel-economy figures in the introductory U.S. press material.
PERFORMANCE
0–60 mph: 4.9 seconds
Top speed: Not stated
Towing capacity: Not stated in the Q9-specific press kit
Audi describes the 4.9-second acceleration time as best in class for the standard Q9.
SUSPENSION
Front suspension: Not specified in the introductory release
Rear suspension: Not specified in the introductory release
Spring system: Adaptive air suspension
Damping: Continuously variable
Ride-height adjustment range: 3.5 in / 90 mm
Comfort-entry lowering from balanced mode: 2.4 in / 62 mm
Progressive steering: Standard
Rear-wheel steering: Standard on Prestige
Maximum rear-wheel steering angle: Five degrees
At low speeds, the rear wheels turn opposite the front wheels to reduce the turning circle. At higher speeds, they turn in the same direction as the front wheels to improve stability and lane-change response.
AUDI DRIVE SELECT
Six operating modes are available:
Balanced
Comfort
Dynamic
Offroad
Individual
Assistant
The drive select assistant can alter the selected vehicle characteristics based on the road situation and detected driving style.
BRAKES
Front brake-disc diameter: 15.7 in / 400 mm
Rear brake-disc diameter: 13.8 in / 350 mm
Brake-disc type: Ventilated
Brake control: Integrated brake control system
WHEELS & TIRES
Available wheel diameters: 21, 22 and 23 in
21-inch tires: All-season run-flat
22-inch tires: All-season run-flat with acoustic foam
23-inch tires: Summer tires with acoustic foam
Valve stems and wheel weights are color coordinated with the corresponding wheel finish.
Detailed wheel widths, offsets and tire dimensions were not included in the introductory Q9 press release.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Digital Matrix LED Headlights
The Q9 introduces adaptive Digital Matrix LED functionality to U.S.-market Audi models.
The system uses a forward-facing camera and micro-LED light sources to identify vehicles ahead and oncoming traffic. It then creates controlled areas of reduced illumination around those vehicles while maintaining stronger illumination elsewhere on the road.
Unlike a conventional high beam that operates as a single unit, the Digital Matrix system continuously reshapes the projected beam to provide additional usable light while limiting glare.
Digital OLED Taillights
Third-generation digital OLED taillights are standard on Q9 Prestige models.
The Q9 introduces the first curved digital OLED panels fitted to a production vehicle. Ultra-thin glass measuring 0.1 mm allows the outer OLED surfaces to follow the curvature of the body and remain visible from a wider range of angles.
Total OLED panels: Six
Total individually controlled segments: 512
Outer panel segments per side: 99
Center panel segments per side: 84
Inner panel segments per side: 73
Selectable rear-light signatures: Eight
Communication Light
The digital OLED taillights can display warning graphics during emergency calls, breakdowns or hazard-light operation. A dedicated exit-warning signature can alert approaching road users when an occupant is preparing to open a door.
Advanced Turn Signals
When equipped with Digital Matrix LED headlights and digital OLED taillights, the Q9 can project a stylized turn-signal graphic onto the ground. The projection operates in synchronization with the exterior dynamic turn signals.
Door Projection Lighting
Q9 Prestige models project rhombus-shaped graphics beneath the doors. Solid graphics are used beneath the front doors and dashed graphics beneath the rear doors.
The projections also support the exit-warning system by indicating when a passenger may be preparing to step into the path of an approaching cyclist or vehicle.
DRIVER ASSISTANCE
Standard or available driver assistance features include:
Automatic emergency braking: Forward collision mitigation with pedestrian and cyclist detection; rearward mitigation available
Blind-spot monitoring: Standard
Rear cross-traffic assist: Standard
Surround-view camera: Standard
Park assist plus: Standard
Trailer maneuvering assist: Available
Trailer stability control: Standard with optional trailer hitch
Exit warning: Available in conjunction with applicable door and lighting equipment
Park assist plus can control steering, acceleration and braking during parallel and perpendicular parking.
Trailer maneuvering assist controls steering while reversing with a trailer, with the intended direction selected through the MMI display.
ADAPTIVE CRUISE ASSIST
Hands-free adaptive cruise assist plus is standard on Q9 Premium Plus and Prestige.
Maximum operating speed: 85 mph
Classification: SAE Level 2 partial automated driving
Operating environment: Approved divided highways
Assisted lane changing: Yes
Driver monitoring: Camera monitoring eye position and head movement
The system controls acceleration, braking and steering within approved operating areas. The driver remains responsible for supervising the vehicle and must be prepared to resume control.
EMERGENCY ASSIST
If the driver does not respond to visual, audible and haptic warnings, emergency assist can maintain lane guidance, progressively reduce speed, activate the hazard lights and bring the vehicle to a controlled stop within its operating limits.
Additional attempts to regain the driver’s attention can include seatbelt tensioning and brief brake applications.
U.S. EQUIPMENT STRUCTURE
The introductory material identifies the following U.S. trim levels:
Q9 Premium
Q9 Premium Plus
Q9 Prestige
The release does not provide a complete trim-by-trim standard-equipment chart.
Confirmed distinctions include:
Adaptive cruise assist plus: Standard on Premium Plus and Prestige
Rear-wheel steering: Standard on Prestige
Digital OLED taillights: Standard on Prestige
Ambient lighting plus: Standard on Prestige
Door projection lighting: Standard on Prestige
PRODUCTION & AVAILABILITY
Assembly plant: Bratislava, Slovakia
Order timing: Not specified in the Q9-specific release
U.S. dealership arrival: Fourth quarter of 2026
Model year: 2027
Base MSRP: $87,700
Destination charge: Not stated
Audi Signature Care: Three years or 30,000 miles
PHOTO GALLERY
ARCHIVE NOTES
The attached dimensional drawing is identified as a European base-model drawing dated June 2026. Its nominal measurements supplement the Audi of America press material but should not automatically be interpreted as definitive for every U.S. trim, wheel, suspension or equipment configuration.
The introductory Audi of America release does not provide a complete U.S. color chart, option-code list, wheel and tire matrix, curb weight, gross vehicle weight ratings, fuel economy, engine code, detailed suspension architecture or complete trim pricing. These sections should be expanded when the U.S. order guide, technical data sheet or model-year pricing documentation becomes available.
This archive entry is maintained as a living historical reference. It is periodically reviewed and updated as additional primary source documentation becomes available. This archive is not produced by or affiliated with Audi AG.