2027 Audi Q9

Overview

A full-size three-row SUV called Q9 is coming to the Audi lineup. It rides on the same platform as the new mid-size Q7 SUV, but it's longer, taller, and built to go toe-to-toe with rivals such as the BMW X7 and the Mercedes-Benz GLS-class. Under the hood is a turbocharged V-6 engine that makes a stout 429 horsepower.

The plush interior features room for up to seven riders across three rows of seats, with a pair of optional captain's chairs in the second row dropping occupancy down to six. There's also a plethora of display screens, a panoramic sunroof, ambient interior lighting, and a decent-sized cargo bay.

Expert Tip: If you want more performance with your full-size SUV, consider the SQ9 (reviewed separately), which comes with a 591-hp twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8.

What's New for 2027?

The Q9 is a new model for the Audi brand and serves as its largest SUV model.

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Pricing and Which One to BuyEngine, Transmission, and Performance Engine: 429-hp turbocharged 2.9-liter V-6 Transmission: 8-speed automatic Drivetrain: all-wheel drive

All Q9s come with a 429-hp turbocharged 2.9-liter V-6, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive. An air-spring suspension is also standard and is both height-adjustable and has adaptive damping. Prestige trims get a rear-wheel-steering system which can turn the rear wheels up to five degrees to improve maneuverability.

0–60-MPH Times Claimed 60-mph Time: 4.9 seconds

In Comparison: We haven't tested the Q9 yet, but if Audi's claim of 4.9 seconds to 60 mph is correct, that will put the SUV behind its chief rival, the BMW X7 xDrive40i, which managed a 4.6-second 60-mph run in our testing.

Audi

Towing and Payload Capacity

In Comparison: The Audi's 7700-pound towing maximum beats the BMW's 7500-pound capacity, and falls just 16 pounds short of the Cadillac Escalade's 8100-pound max.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

First Row: The Q9's interior is accessed via power-opening doors, which open to a front seating area that's spacious and decked out in premium materials including wood trim and alpaca wool textiles. The dashboard is highly digital, with many controls embedded in the touchscreen infotainment system. There are two smartphone charging pads in the center console, as well as a pair of cupholders designed to hold large water bottles. A large panoramic sunroof is overhead and can be dimmed in sections, and it turns opaque when parked to avoid the interior getting too hot in the sun.

Second Row: A pair of captain's chairs is available in the Q9's second row, but the standard setup is a three-passenger bench. There are dedicated climate control vents on the back of the center console and a small storage cubby on the floor. The second-row seats can be had with heating and ventilation.

Third Row: The third row of seats pops up from the floor, and with the second-row chairs pushed all the way back, legroom in the wayback looks limited. But scoot the second-row seats forward, and it looks like the third row could accommodate adults.

Cargo Capacity: Even with the rearmost seats in use, the Q9 appears to offer a deep cargo area. However, if you'll be hauling a large load, you probably need to plan on stowing the third row.

Audi

Infotainment and Connectivity Infotainment: 14.5-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch passenger display Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Audio System: 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo (standard), 22-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo (optional)

The Q9's dashboard is veritably covered by displays. A large 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment screen is in the center with an 11.9-inch digital gauge cluster to the left and a 12.3-inch passenger's display to the right.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and on-board Wi-Fi are all standard. The base Q9 ships with a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo, but a 22-speaker stereo, also tuned by Bang & Olufsen, is optional.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Most of the Q9's driver-assistance tech comes standard, and if you plan to tow you may want to add the optional trailer maneuvering assist feature that helps with reversing when a trailer is hitched to the back.

Standard Safety Features: automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control Optional Safety Features: trailer maneuvering assist

For information about the Q9's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Q9 comes with the same four-year/50,000 mile warranty as other Audi models, and includes the brand's three-year/30,000 mile complimentary maintenance plan.

Limited Warranty: four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain Warranty: four years or 50,000 miles Complimentary Maintenance: three years or 30,000 milesAs more information becomes available, we'll update this story with more details about: Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG C/D Test Results and Specs

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