RESTON, VA – The all-star lineup of Audi’s crossover vehicles, boasting an impressive range of gas- and electric-powered models, has always been known for variety in size and price points. It has served up multiple offerings to its customers who have a wide range of preferences. Yet, when compared to its rivals, a clear gap becomes obvious: it lacks a large, three-row flagship that can square off against veritable giants like the BMW X7 and the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. The Q7, while competent in its own right, falls short in terms of cargo space when compared to the likes of VW Tiguan.
However, a change appears to be on the horizon. Insider reports have recently suggested that Audi is preparing to roll out a new game-changer: the Q9 flagship crossover. And while the details surrounding this new beast are understandably scarce, Auto Buyers Market has gathered the available information to give you a glimpse into this anticipated puddle-jumper.
Many may wonder about the Q9 name. Logically, it fits right into Audi’s current naming scheme. According to CarSales, Jeff Mannering, Audi Australia director, agreed that this new SUV’s name was quite catchy. Meanwhile, esteemed Automotive News announced that the Q9 would not only be larger than the Q7 but would also break the norm by introducing three-row seating.
Projected timelines for the Q9’s release have been cited by both Automotive News and Mannering with expectations within the next 12-24 months till Q9 graces American dealerships. Both projections align generating an escalating buzz around this new Audi SUV.
What’s even more intriguing is the potential crossover of the Q9’s launch with Audi’s ambitious push towards all-electric vehicles. Competition like Mercedes and Lexus are set to fully embrace electric power by 2030. Audi, though a little more cautious, is not far behind. It plans to halt the launch of combustion vehicles after 2026 and phase them out entirely by 2033. This suggests that the Q9, assuming a 2026 launch, will enjoy an entire generation as an internal combustion SUV, an interesting notion to mull over.
Unfortunately, no official announcement has been made regarding the Q9’s engine. However, given Audi’s track record, we could wager that a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 might be part of the powerhouse slate, especially considering its prevalent use across the VW group’s lineup.
Spy shots of a camouflaged large SUV have surface over recent years, alleging that this spy car was none other than the Q9 undergoing a series of rigorous tests. Though unconfirmed, the emergence of these images has done nothing but kindle the excitement that’s building up in anticipation of this game-changing crossover.
Joe Mcdermott is a journalist, reporter and writer for Auto Buyers Market as well as other independent news and media organizations in the United States. Joe works on a wide variety of topics and fields, has been featured in print and online in a variety of publications, from local to national, and helps keep a keen-eye on what’s happening in the automotive world for Auto Buyers Market.