The 2027 Audi Q9 is the Audi SUV that has been missing from the lineup for years.
While the Q7 has served as Audi’s three-row family flagship, the new Q9 moves into a much larger and more prestigious category. It is Audi’s first full-size SUV, positioned above the Q7 and designed to compete with established luxury giants such as the BMW X7, Mercedes-Benz GLS and Cadillac Escalade.
And Audi has clearly decided that simply making the Q9 bigger was not enough.
The new flagship combines a commanding exterior, a spacious three-row cabin, adaptive air suspension, quattro all-wheel drive, advanced lighting technology and a long list of comfort features. In the United States, the standard Q9 uses a 429-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6, while the performance-oriented SQ9 raises the stakes with a 591-hp V8.
More importantly, the Q9 is designed around the idea that a luxury SUV should feel special before it even moves.
Power-operated doors, a huge panoramic roof, sophisticated ambient lighting, multiple digital displays and available six-seat captain’s chairs give the cabin a distinctly executive character.
So, does Audi’s biggest SUV finally have what it takes to challenge the established full-size luxury SUV leaders?
Here’s our detailed 2027 Audi Q9 review.
2027 Audi Q9: What’s New?
Everything, essentially.
The Q9 is an all-new addition to Audi’s lineup and becomes the brand’s largest SUV. Audi describes it as the new flagship of its portfolio, with the model specifically developed to strengthen its position in the full-size luxury SUV market.
The Q9 is designed primarily around spaciousness, comfort and technology rather than trying to turn a huge three-row SUV into a sports car.
It also introduces several features that push the Q9 beyond the traditional luxury-SUV formula, including electrically operated doors, curved digital OLED rear lights, advanced Digital Matrix LED headlights and available hands-free highway driving assistance.
For families, executives and buyers who regularly carry passengers, the ability to choose between six- and seven-seat configurations is particularly important.
2027 Audi Q9 Price
The 2027 Audi Q9 starts at $87,700 in the United States, according to Audi’s current U.S. model listing.
That makes it considerably more expensive than the Q7, but the price difference reflects the Q9’s larger size and flagship positioning.
Independent pricing information currently places the Q9 Premium at around $89,095 including destination, with Premium Plus and Prestige versions reaching roughly $94,695 and $103,795 respectively. Exact transaction prices can vary with destination charges, options and dealer pricing.
2027 Audi Q9 Pricing at a Glance
| Trim | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
| Q9 Premium quattro | $87,700 |
| Q9 Premium Plus quattro | Around $94,695 |
| Q9 Prestige quattro | Around $103,795 |
The SQ9 occupies a substantially higher position, with Audi listing a starting price of $118,000.
For buyers shopping specifically for a luxury family SUV, the regular Q9 is likely to be the more sensible choice. The SQ9 is aimed at customers who want flagship space but aren’t willing to give up serious performance.
2027 Audi Q9 Specs
The standard Q9 isn’t an electric SUV or plug-in hybrid. In the U.S., it uses a 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 producing 429 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive.
Here are the major numbers:
| Specification | 2027 Audi Q9 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 |
| Power | 429 hp |
| Torque | 442 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Quattro AWD |
| 0–60 mph | 4.9 seconds |
| Seating | 6 or 7 |
| Maximum towing | 7,700 lb |
| Suspension | Adaptive air suspension |
| Maximum cargo volume | Up to 87.7 cu. ft. |
Audi lists up to 429 hp, a claimed 4.9-second 0–60-mph time, up to 7,700 pounds of towing capacity, and as much as 87.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the second and third rows folded.
For something this large, those figures are impressive.
Exterior Design: Big, Bold and unmistakably Audi
The Q9 doesn’t try to hide its size.
At roughly 209 inches long, the new SUV has the kind of physical presence normally associated with vehicles such as the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS. Its upright proportions, long wheelbase and broad body give it an imposing stance without abandoning Audi’s relatively clean design language.
The front end is particularly distinctive.
Audi gives the Q9 a large, upright grille, slim lighting elements and an increasingly digital approach to exterior illumination. Available Digital Matrix LED headlights bring sophisticated light functions, while the rear can be fitted with curved digital OLED lights capable of displaying different light signatures and warning information.
That lighting technology isn’t simply decoration.
Audi has made lighting a major part of the Q9’s identity, allowing the SUV to communicate visually in ways that go beyond conventional brake and turn signals.
The result is an SUV that looks expensive without relying entirely on chrome or excessive bodywork.
Size Matters: The Q9 Is Audi’s Largest SUV
The Q9 measures approximately 5.31 meters long, with a wheelbase of about 3.14 meters, making it the largest Audi production vehicle to date.
Those dimensions matter because the Q9 isn’t simply replacing the Q7.
It is designed to provide a more substantial experience.
The longer body creates room for a genuinely flexible three-row interior, while the large footprint gives the SUV the visual authority expected from a flagship.
That said, bigger doesn’t automatically mean better in every situation.
A vehicle this large can be intimidating in tight parking garages and narrow urban streets. Audi addresses that problem with rear-axle steering, which can turn the rear wheels in the opposite direction at low speeds to reduce the effective turning circle. At higher speeds, the rear wheels can steer in the same direction as the fronts to improve stability.
That should make the Q9 easier to live with than its dimensions initially suggest.
2027 Audi Q9 Interior: The Real Reason to Buy One
If the exterior establishes the Q9’s presence, the interior is where Audi makes its strongest argument.
The cabin is designed less like a conventional SUV interior and more like a luxury lounge.
Audi offers the Q9 with either six or seven seats. The seven-seat configuration uses a conventional second-row layout, while the six-seat version replaces the bench with two individual second-row seats designed to provide a more executive experience.
Those second-row seats can be equipped with comfort features such as ventilation and electric adjustment, reinforcing the idea that passengers aren’t simply along for the ride—they are supposed to enjoy the journey.
Audi has also introduced electrically operated doors on the Q9.
They can be controlled in multiple ways, including through the vehicle’s systems and myAudi functionality. It’s a feature that may sound unnecessary until you imagine using it with children, luggage or passengers entering and exiting in tight spaces.
Is the Audi Q9 a Seven-Seater?
Yes.
The Q9 is available with six or seven seats, giving buyers the choice between maximum passenger capacity and a more luxurious second row.
The six-seat configuration is arguably the more interesting option for luxury buyers.
Instead of treating the second row as a transitional space between the front and rear, Audi turns it into a destination of its own.
However, prospective buyers should keep expectations realistic about the third row.
Early independent evaluations found that the rearmost seats don’t offer the same spaciousness as the second row. The seating position is relatively low, and adult passengers may find legroom restricted unless the second row is moved forward.
That’s not unusual in this class.
The Q9 still offers substantially more flexibility than a two-row luxury SUV, but buyers who regularly carry six or seven adults should spend time in the third row before ordering.
Audi Q9 Technology
Technology is one of the Q9’s defining characteristics.
The dashboard incorporates a large digital display arrangement, including Audi’s virtual cockpit and a central MMI touchscreen. A 12.3-inch passenger display is also available as part of the Q9’s digital experience.
Wireless smartphone connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are among the expected connectivity features, while higher trims can add more advanced audio and comfort equipment.
But Audi hasn’t stopped at screens.
The Q9 also uses lighting as part of the cabin experience, with ambient illumination integrated throughout the interior. Available five-zone climate control extends temperature adjustment to passengers in the third row.
That last feature says a lot about the vehicle’s intended purpose.
Audi isn’t simply trying to make the driver comfortable. It wants every passenger to feel like they are traveling in a flagship.
Panoramic Roof
The panoramic roof is another standout feature.
Audi describes it as its largest panoramic sunroof, with segments that can be switched to a non-transparent state to alter the amount of light entering the cabin.
This is more than a nice visual trick.
In a vehicle with such a large cabin, controlling the amount of natural light can make a significant difference to the interior atmosphere.
The Q9’s cabin can therefore feel bright and open during the day while remaining more private when passengers want a quieter environment.
2027 Audi Q9 Performance
Calling the Q9 a performance SUV would be slightly misleading.
It’s a full-size luxury vehicle first.
But the 429-hp twin-turbo V6 gives it more than enough muscle to move its substantial body with confidence. Audi estimates a 0–60-mph time of 4.9 seconds, which is remarkably quick for a vehicle of this size.
The power delivery should feel especially useful when merging onto highways, overtaking slower traffic or towing.
The eight-speed automatic transmission also gives the Q9 a more conventional driving character than an EV, with familiar gear changes and engine response.
If outright acceleration is your priority, however, the SQ9 is the model to watch.
Audi SQ9 vs Q9
The SQ9 takes the same full-size SUV concept and adds a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8.
Output rises to 591 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, while Audi quotes 0–60 mph in just 3.8 seconds.
That’s a huge amount of performance for a three-row luxury SUV.
The SQ9 also uses a more performance-focused quattro system with a rear-biased character, giving it a sportier personality than the standard Q9.
For most families, the regular Q9 should have more than enough power.
The SQ9 exists for buyers who want the full-size luxury SUV experience without sacrificing the thrill of a powerful V8.
Ride and Handling
The Q9 uses adaptive air suspension as standard, which is exactly what you would expect from a flagship full-size SUV.
Air suspension gives Audi greater flexibility in balancing comfort, handling and ride height.
That matters because the Q9 needs to accomplish several conflicting tasks.
It must feel soft enough for long highway trips, controlled enough when cornering and capable enough when towing.
The standard quattro all-wheel-drive system adds another layer of confidence, particularly in poor weather.
This isn’t intended to be a sports SUV in the same sense as an SQ9 or RS model. Instead, the Q9’s appeal is its ability to remain composed regardless of what the road throws at it.
2027 Audi Q9 Towing Capacity
Towing is another area where the Q9 makes a strong case for itself.
Audi rates the Q9 for up to 7,700 pounds of towing capacity when properly equipped. The manufacturer also highlights towing-oriented assistance features, including trailer maneuvering capabilities.
That puts the Q9 in serious family-hauler territory.
A large SUV shouldn’t merely transport people. For many buyers, it also needs to handle boats, trailers, recreational equipment or other heavy loads.
The Q9’s towing capability means it doesn’t have to sacrifice that functionality in exchange for luxury.
Cargo Space
The Q9 offers up to 87.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded, according to Audi.
That is substantial.
The important question, however, is how much space remains with all three rows occupied.
As with virtually every three-row SUV, cargo room becomes more limited when the third row is in use. The Q9 appears to offer useful space behind the third row, but buyers who regularly carry large amounts of luggage may still need to fold one or more seats.
For everyday family use, the flexible seating layout should be more important than the maximum cargo figure.
2027 Audi Q9 Safety and Driver Assistance
Audi is also making advanced driver assistance a major part of the Q9 package.
One of the headline features is hands-free driving assistance on selected highways. Audi says the system can control steering and throttle inputs on specified routes while monitoring the driving environment and the driver’s attention. The U.S. system is offered with a three-year trial on applicable routes.
As with all current hands-free assistance systems, this should not be confused with fully autonomous driving.
The driver remains responsible for the vehicle and must be ready to intervene.
The Q9 also benefits from a broad collection of conventional driver-assistance technologies, depending on equipment level.
For a vehicle designed to carry families, this technology is arguably more valuable than another tenth shaved from the 0–60-mph time.
2027 Audi Q9 vs BMW X7 vs Mercedes-Benz GLS
The Q9 enters one of the most competitive sections of the luxury-SUV market.
The BMW X7 has established itself as a strong combination of luxury, handling and three-row practicality.
The Mercedes-Benz GLS emphasizes a plush, spacious interior and traditional flagship-SUV character.
The Q9 takes a slightly different route.
Audi is emphasizing technology, lighting, interior atmosphere and a clean modern design. The cabin is intended to feel more like a premium lounge than a conventional family SUV.
The Q9 also has a meaningful advantage for Audi loyalists: it provides the brand with a true full-size alternative without requiring buyers to move to another manufacturer.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Audi’s first full-size flagship SUV
- 429-hp twin-turbo V6
- Standard quattro all-wheel drive
- Standard adaptive air suspension
- Available six- or seven-seat configurations
- Up to 87.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity
- 7,700-pound maximum towing capacity
- Sophisticated interior technology
- Available power-operated doors
- Advanced OLED and Matrix LED lighting
- Available hands-free highway driving
- Strong alternative to BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS
Cons
- Third-row space isn’t class-leading
- Very large exterior dimensions can make urban maneuvering challenging
- Regular Q9 isn’t hybrid-assisted in the U.S.
- Options can push the price significantly higher
- Some flagship technology is reserved for higher trims
Which 2027 Audi Q9 Trim Should You Buy?
For most buyers, the Q9 Premium Plus looks like the most balanced option.
The base Premium gives you the fundamental Q9 experience, including the powerful V6, quattro all-wheel drive and flagship-sized cabin. But Premium Plus adds enough comfort and technology to make more sense for buyers spending close to six figures.
The Prestige is the choice for customers who want the Q9 loaded with luxury equipment and aren’t particularly concerned about maximizing value.
If performance is more important than efficiency or price, the SQ9 is the obvious step up.
But there’s a strong argument that the standard Q9 is the better all-around vehicle.
It already has 429 horsepower, a sub-five-second claimed 0–60 time and the ability to tow 7,700 pounds. Most drivers simply won’t need the extra performance of the V8.
Is the 2027 Audi Q9 Worth Buying?
The answer is largely yes.
The Q9 succeeds because Audi hasn’t treated the full-size SUV segment as merely an opportunity to build something bigger.
Instead, it has created a vehicle with a clear identity.
The cabin is the centerpiece. The second-row comfort, available six-seat layout, huge panoramic roof, ambient lighting and digital technology give the Q9 a distinctly premium atmosphere.
At the same time, it remains useful.
Seven seats are available. Cargo capacity is generous. Towing capability is substantial. All-wheel drive and adaptive air suspension are standard.
And despite its size, the 429-hp V6 gives the Q9 enough performance to avoid feeling cumbersome.
There are compromises, particularly around the third row. But those are relatively minor compared with the overall package.
Final Verdict
The 2027 Audi Q9 is an important addition to Audi’s lineup because it finally gives the brand a genuine competitor in the full-size luxury SUV market.
Its biggest selling point isn’t one particular specification.
It’s the combination.
The Q9 offers the presence of a flagship SUV, the practicality of three rows, the refinement of a luxury vehicle and the technology expected from a modern Audi.
The 429-hp V6 is strong enough to make the Q9 feel surprisingly quick, while adaptive air suspension and quattro all-wheel drive should make it an effortless long-distance cruiser.
The interior is where the Q9 makes its strongest impression. Available six-seat configuration, premium materials, power-operated doors, sophisticated lighting and extensive digital technology create the kind of environment buyers expect when spending close to six figures on a luxury SUV.
It isn’t perfect.
The third row could be more accommodating, and its enormous dimensions won’t appeal to drivers who spend most of their time in dense urban environments.
But if the goal is a large, luxurious and technologically advanced three-row SUV with a distinctly modern personality, the Q9 makes a compelling case.
Our verdict: 9/10
The 2027 Audi Q9 isn’t simply a larger Q7. It is Audi’s new flagship SUV—and one that finally gives the brand a serious answer to the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS.
2027 Audi Q9 FAQ
How much does the 2027 Audi Q9 cost?
Audi lists the 2027 Q9 from $87,700 in the United States. Higher trims and options increase the price.
How much horsepower does the 2027 Audi Q9 have?
The U.S.-specification Q9 uses a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 producing 429 horsepower.
How fast is the 2027 Audi Q9?
Audi estimates that the Q9 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.
Does the Audi Q9 have three rows?
Yes. The Q9 offers seating for six or seven passengers, depending on configuration.
How much can the Audi Q9 tow?
The Q9 can tow up to 7,700 pounds when properly equipped with the required towing equipment.
How much cargo space does the Q9 have?
Audi quotes up to 87.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the second and third rows folded.
Is the Audi Q9 better than the BMW X7?
That depends on priorities. The Q9 offers a particularly strong combination of technology, interior atmosphere, towing capability and Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive. The BMW X7 remains a formidable rival, particularly for buyers who prioritize driving dynamics.
What is the difference between the Q9 and SQ9?
The standard Q9 uses a 429-hp twin-turbo V6, while the SQ9 gets a 591-hp twin-turbo V8 and a more performance-oriented drivetrain. Audi quotes 4.9 seconds to 60 mph for the Q9 and 3.8 seconds for the SQ9.
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