Audi’s Huge 2027 SUV Takes a Full-Sized Swing at Established Rivals
Room for passengers and cargo
The Q9’s interior offers three rows and space for as many as seven people. Optional second-row captain’s chairs reduce capacity to six, while the third row folds up from the floor.
The third row may feel tight when the second-row seats are pushed back, though moving them forward appears to create room for adults. The cabin also includes a cargo bay described as decent-sized, plus a panoramic sunroof and ambient lighting.
Screens and cabin features
A 14.5-inch central touchscreen is joined by an 11.9-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch display for the front passenger. Many controls are integrated into the infotainment touchscreen, contributing to a heavily digital dashboard.
Power-opening doors lead to a front cabin with wood trim and alpaca wool textiles. Two smartphone charging pads and large-bottle cupholders sit in the center console, while the sunroof can be dimmed in sections and turns opaque when parked.
Power, handling and towing
Every Q9 has a turbocharged 2.9-liter V-6 rated at 429 horsepower, an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. A height-adjustable air-spring suspension with adaptive damping is standard; Prestige trims add rear-wheel steering, with the rear wheels able to turn up to five degrees.
Car and Driver estimates a 4.8-second run to 60 mph, but has not tested the Q9. That estimate would trail the BMW X7 xDrive40i’s tested 4.6-second time; the Q9’s 7,700-pound towing maximum exceeds the BMW’s 7,500 pounds and is 16 pounds below the Cadillac Escalade’s 8,100-pound limit.
Efficiency, safety and coverage
The EPA has not released fuel-economy estimates for the Q9. Car and Driver projects about 18 mpg combined and says it will update the figure when more information is available and the SUV has been driven on its highway fuel-economy loop.
Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. The warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles, and complimentary maintenance lasts three years or 30,000 miles.
Key points
- The 2027 Q9 is Audi’s first full-size luxury SUV and seats up to seven.
- All models pair a 429-hp turbocharged V-6 with an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive.
- Its 7,700-pound towing maximum is higher than the BMW X7’s stated 7,500-pound capacity.
- EPA fuel-economy estimates are not available; Car and Driver estimates about 18 mpg combined.