2027 Audi Q9 Revealed: Massive New Flagship SUV Takes Aim at the GLS and X7

Audi has officially unveiled the largest, most technologically advanced SUV in the brand's history. Dubbed the 2027 Audi Q9, the all-new flagship model marks the first time the German automaker has utilized the number '9', expanding its portfolio upward to directly challenge established titans like the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7.

Monumental Dimensions and Exterior Presence

The physical footprint of the Audi Q9 is staggering. Measuring 5.31 metres in length, it is longer than a long-wheelbase Range Rover. It stands 1.81 metres tall and spans a massive 2.21 metres in width, meaning urban drivers will need to be mindful of standard Australian parking spaces.

The exterior design introduces a bold new interpretation of Audi's Singleframe grille, surrounded by a gloss-black mask. The SUV rides on alloy wheels ranging from 20 to 23 inches in diameter, depending on whether buyers specify the elegant advanced line or the more aggressive S line trim.

A major technological leap is found in the Q9's lighting. The Matrix-LED headlights utilize 25,600 micro-LEDs (each half the thickness of a human hair). Beyond illumination, these headlights can project directional arrows onto the road surface when changing lanes, highlight lane markings in construction zones, and actively spotlight pedestrians.

At the rear, the Q9 debuts a world-first production technology: curved digital OLED rear lights. Spanning 512 individual segments, they not only wrap around the vehicle's bodywork but act as a communication tool, displaying a digital hazard triangle to warn approaching vehicles of a breakdown or a suddenly opening door.

Powertrains: Electrified V6 Diesel and the Upcoming V8 SQ9

At launch, the core powertrain for the Q9 is a heavily electrified 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6.

Producing 220kW of power and 630Nm of torque, the engine is paired with an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and permanent quattro all-wheel drive. The powertrain features a new 'MHEV plus' mild-hybrid system, utilizing a lithium iron phosphate battery and a powertrain generator to deliver an additional 18kW (24 PS) of electrical boost when moving off or overtaking.

To completely eliminate turbo lag, the V6 is fitted with an electric-powered compressor capable of spooling up 3.6 bar of boost pressure in just 1.2 seconds. Combined fuel consumption on the European cycle is rated between 7.4 and 8.0L/100km.

For performance buyers, Audi Australia officials have confirmed that an SQ9 variant will follow. It will be powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 producing a massive 435kW.

Adaptive Chassis and Rear-Wheel Steering

To manage its immense size, the Q9 comes standard with adaptive air suspension, allowing the driver to raise or lower the vehicle by up to 90mm. When parked, the SUV can drop by 62mm to assist passenger entry.

Manoeuvrability is significantly enhanced by an optional rear-wheel steering system, which can turn the rear wheels up to five degrees in the opposite direction of the front wheels at low speeds to drastically reduce the turning circle.

A First-Class Cabin with Fully Automatic Doors

Inside, the Q9 is offered with either a standard seven-seat layout or a luxurious six-seat configuration featuring twin business-class individual seats in the second row.

Entry to the cabin is managed by fully automatic soft-close doors. Similar to systems found in ultra-luxury brands, the doors can be opened or closed via a button press on the console, a smartphone app, or simply by pulling the handle, utilizing sensors to prevent them from swinging into obstacles.

With all three rows in place, the Q9 offers 280 litres of boot space. Folding the rear rows electronically expands capacity to a cavernous 2,308 litres. The cabin is illuminated by a 1.5-square-metre panoramic sunroof—the largest ever fitted to an Audi—which features an optional switchable transparency layer.

The digital cockpit utilizes Audi's new MMI panoramic display, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrument screen with a 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen. A third 12.3-inch display is mounted ahead of the front passenger. Audi has integrated an AI-driven voice assistant backed by ChatGPT, and audio is provided by a 22-speaker, 1,360-watt Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system that incorporates 'seat actuators' to let occupants physically feel the bass.

(Note: While Audi has announced hands-free SAE Level 2 automated highway driving for the Q9, this feature is initially restricted to approved roads in Germany, the USA, and Canada, and will not be available in Australia at launch.)

2027 Audi Q9 Australian Pricing & Availability

Audi Australia has confirmed the Q9 will touch down locally in 2027, with the high-performance SQ9 to follow shortly after.

Official Australian pricing, standard equipment breakdowns, and localized powertrain availability will be confirmed closer to the local launch date.

(For context, European pricing for the Q9 TDI 220kW opens at €108,400 [approx. $179,000 AUD before local taxes and on-road costs]. Expect Australian showroom pricing to reflect its position as a direct rival to the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7.)