The Audi Q9 has received its formal world premiere as it prepares to assume status as the new luxury flagship model in the Ingolstadt manufacturer’s line-up.
While Audi is certainly no stranger to developing luxurious models – such as the Audi A8 saloon and the Audi Q7 SUV - alongside its world-renowned sporting efforts, the Q9 represents a new four-ring badged figurehead for premium motoring.
Set to go head-to-head with the likes of the BMW X7, Mercedes-Benz GLE and the Range Rover, the Q9 priced from £103,900 and is available to order at Vertu right now.
What Does the Audi Q9 Look Like?
Slotting in above the popular Q7 - the erstwhile flagship of Audi’s now eight-strong SUV range line-up - the Audi Q9 distinguishes itself from its siblings on the strength of its leviathan-esque size alone.
Indeed, at 5,310mm long and with layouts of either six (2+2+2) or seven (2+3+2) seats, the Q9 is comfortably larger than its rivals, while the extended dimensions are indicated by the vast amount of interior space on offer, plus up to 850-litres of room in the boot with the rearmost row folded.
From the outset, the Q9’s sheer road presence is accentuated by its enormous grille, though UK-spec versions will receive a demurer honeycomb pattern rather than the vertical slats seen in international-spec imagery.
The prominent grille is flanked by slender matrix-style headlights that pack an incredible 25,000 pixels into each unit, while Vorsprung trims even get the world’s first curved digital OLED lights at the rear.
What is the Audi Q9’s Interior Like?
The launch of the full production Audi Q9 was preceded by the unveiling of its interior a few months ago, which back then revealed a sophisticated design that marries premium quality with contemporary technology.
The layout incorporates a triple screen set-up similar to what has been seen in the new Audi Q5 and Q6 e-tron, which collectively stretches across the breadth of the fascia.
As expected, Audi’s reputation for quality materials is taken to a new level in the Q9 with a mix of upholstered surfaces, muted tones and signature carbon-fibre evident.
Moreover, the options list will also include real wood trim, while Nappa leather and alpaca wool are among the choices for seat fabrics.
The audio system will also be of the finest standard with a new Bang & Olufsen set up featuring premium stereo with 4D sound capabilities.
Is the Audi Q9 Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid or Electric?
The Audi Q9 will eventually be available with the option of mild-hybrid diesel or petrol engines, plus a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant.
For the time being, however, the Q9 will go on sale initially with the sole option of a 3.0-litre V6 diesel, which produces 295bhp and sprints to a 0-62mph time of eight seconds. Power is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
As well as having Audi’s famed ‘quattro’ all-wheel drive, the Q9 will come with adaptive air suspension, which automatically adjusts depending on your speed, driving conditions and the payload.
As a measure of the Q9’s sheer size, the suspension can be dropped by 62mm from the standard ride height to assist with entering or exiting the vehicle.
The Audi Q9 3.0 TDI V6 is available to order now at Vertu, with more engine variants set to join the range in the coming months.
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- New Cars
- Audi