Years were passing by, and Audi was hesitating to launch a full-size SUV. Meanwhile, the two key rival companies enjoy solid popularity in the segment with their models and it looks like the time for the Ingolstadt-based company has finally come. It looks like the Audi Q9 is about to happen and unlike some of the recent posts suggesting, it won’t turn to the full electrification. Instead, we will see a more conventional design approach, with an internal-combustion engine and more conventional design.
What exactly that means, it’s still unclear, because the officials are still quiet. On the other hand, our insiders claim that this model is pretty much a certain thing and that Audi will finally get an SUV with three usable rows of seats. As for the powertrain, we expect both gas-only and hybrid options on offer, including high-performance versions.
Audi Q9 Design
As for the overall design, things are pretty clear. Just like most of its smaller siblings, such as the Q8 and the Q7, the all-new Audi Q9 will ride on the MLB platform. It will share the overall design approach and one of the key differences will be the size, as this will be Audi’s first full-size SUV. The exact numbers are still unknown, but we expect similar numbers to the key rivals, such as the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7, which would mean way over 120 inches in wheelbase and 205 inches in total length. For example, the Bentley Bentayga, which is also based on the MLB platform, features a 125-inch wheelbase.
In terms of aesthetics, Audi has never been a company that surprises in this aspect. So, we expect to see a cautious design approach, with a lot of design solutions borrowed from the smaller siblings. Models like the Q8 still follow the brand’s latest design language, so we presume things wouldn’t be significantly different.
Where the differences could also occur in – the chassis and suspension setup. The Q7, for example, already impresses in this aspect with its standard air suspension, which ensures a fantastic balance between comfort and handling. As an even more upscale vehicle, this model would come with an even more sophisticated setup and even better ride quality, which will be pretty hard to achieve.
Interior
As for the interior design, one of the main design characteristics of the Audi Q9 will be superior passenger space compared to the smaller siblings. This will be the first Audi with a decently spacious third row because, as you probably know, the Q7 isn’t particularly generous in this aspect either. Moreover, it also features below-average volume for the class.
Of course, the first two rows will increase the level of comfort even more, while we also count on exceptional cabin quality. Audi has always been known for making quality cabins, with quality materials and top-notch tech features, so this should exceed to the next level in the case of the new flagship. Super-fine materials, a super-long list of standard equipment and super-high attention to detail seem pretty much certain.
Audi Q9 Engines
So, one of the best things about the Audi Q9 will be the powertrain lineup, because it will be full of good old internal combustion units. Base models could come with the 3.0-liter turbo V6 with 335 horsepower, but most buyers would rather go for the V8. We count on at least two versions with this engine, including a high-performance model with 600+ horsepower.
Besides gas-only setups, we also count on a couple of hybrid versions. One of them could be Audi’s familiar setup based on a 3.0-liter V6 engine with 450 horsepower but we would also expect to see some high-performance variant, based on a V8 engine. A mitigating circumstance is that such powertrains are already available in close siblings, such as the Porsche Cayenne. It’s still early for the exact numbers, but more than 700 horsepower seems like a certain thing.
Audi Q9 Release Date and Price
According to unofficial reports, the brand-new Audi Q9 could arrive already in the next year. As for the price, we presume it would be similarly priced as rivals, which means that base versions would cost around 75-80.000 dollars.
