The Ingolstadt company is finally entering the segment of the full-size SUV segment, after years of waiting. Finally, it will offer a model that competes with crossovers like BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS. At this point, the test mule is already on the road and while it wears camouflage, it may be ready to hit the market already in the next year, as the 2022 Audi Q9.
Those are the latest reports we are getting about this full-size crossover. Unfortunately, not many details are known about it, as the company keeps details a secret. Still, that doesn’t mean we can’t speculate about things, especially in terms of base design characteristics, such as the platform, engines and similar things.
One thing is certain about the 2022 Audi Q9. It will come with three rows of seats and it will offer plenty of space. We believe it could arrive already in the first half of 2022, as the 2022 Audi Q9.
2022 Audi Q9 Design
Of course, one of the first things that come to mind is the platform. Here, there is no room for surprises. The new 2022 Audi Q9 will also ride on the company’s well-known MLB architecture, which is already used for models like Q7, Porsche Cayenne, Bentley Bentayga etc. However, all these models belong to the mid-size segment, which means that the Q9 would come with some mechanical upgrades, not just in terms of size.
This particularly refers to the suspension setup, which should be even more impressive compared to the Q7. The Q7 features standard air-adjustable suspension, which provides a smooth and comfortable ride, so we presume that the full-size Q9 would take this to an even higher level. Along with suspension upgrades, we count on bigger brakes, further chassis reinforcement and similar things.
Exterior
As you may presume, the most notable thing about the 2022 Audi Q9 will be its size. It will compete in the full-size segment, so we may presume it will feature similar proportions as models like GLS and X7. In other words, we expect way over 120 inches in wheelbase, which would ensure plenty of space for the passengers in all three rows.
When it comes to styling, we don’t expect surprises. The test mule still wears camouflage but we are pretty sure that the new flagship model will follow the brand’s latest design language, with the front end that looks a lot like the new Q8 model. This particularly refers to the grille and headlights, though we are pretty sure that the 2022 Audi Q9 will come with several exclusive details as well. The rest of the body will come in a typical SUV layout, in a similar fashion as the Q7, only bigger.
Interior
Once again, there is no room for surprises, though there is plenty of room for several exclusive details and features. We presume that the dashboard will look similar to the one in the Q8 model. This would mean a rather conservative approach, with conventional design solutions and massive use of high-quality materials. Typically for Audi, the build quality should be excellent. Also, we have no doubt that the new SUV will come with tons of tech features. Count on a massive infotainment screen, as well as on a standard digital instrument cluster. Furthermore, count on all kinds of wireless connectivity features, as well as on a full load of safety features.
Huge dimensions mean plenty of interior space and that’s we are about to see in the 2022 Audi Q9. Count on three spacious rows of seats, where even the third row accommodates adults pretty easily. The cargo area should offer some impressive numbers as well.
2022 Audi Q9 Engines
When it comes to the powertrain, we expect that the new 2022 Q9 will come with several options on offer. Base models will probably use a familiar 3.0-liter V6, which puts out around 335 horsepower. Also, we have no doubt that the 4.0-liter twin-turbo will be in the offer too. The SQ9 should feature a max output of 500 horsepower, while the RS Q9 should offer a max power of around 600 horses.
We also count on a plug-in hybrid version. That model would use a combination of the V6 engine and electric motor, for a total output of around 450 horsepower. Furthermore, this system comes in pair with a 17.1-kWh battery pack, which would ensure between 15 and 20 miles of the all-electric range.
In Europe, we also count on a couple of diesel units in the offer.
2022 Audi Q9 Release Date and Price
The all-new Q9 is certainly coming but we still don’t know when. We believe it could arrive already in the first half of 2022, though the officials are still quiet. When it comes to the price, we presume that base models will go somewhere between 75.000 and 80.000 dollars.
