Audi unveils 2027 Q9 largest flagship SUV and SQ9 model

Audi has officially launched its new flagship model, the 2027 Q9, a full-size three-row SUV that marks the brand's first entry into the large luxury SUV segment long dominated by rivals like the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS. The high-performance SQ9 variant was also unveiled. The vehicles were previewed on July 28, 2026, and are scheduled to begin arriving at U.S. dealerships in the fourth quarter of this year.

The Q9 becomes the largest production Audi ever, measuring 209 inches long with a 123.5-inch wheelbase. The company stated that U.S. market requirements were central to the vehicle's development, with North America expected to account for about two-thirds of its production. Audi CEO Gernot Döllner noted that a full-size SUV was the "loudest request" from the brand's dealers in the region.

Powering the standard Q9 is a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine producing 429 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive. Audi claims a 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds. The sportier SQ9 features a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with 591 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, cutting the 0-60 mph sprint to 3.8...