Audi has confirmed that it will finally build a larger SUV sibling to the familiar Q7, with CEO Gernot Döllner saying the brand saw a demand from customers for a “mobile living space” that demanded bigger and more luxurious accommodation.
The news came as Audi unleashed the media — including Chasing Cars — on what appeared to be a virtually-finished, production-specification interior of the Q9.
While the exterior of the US-specification Q9 we interrogated in Germany was covered in a heavily swirled camouflage wrap, the ‘Pastel Grey’ interior was entirely on show with the focus on its spacious and open six-seat, three-row layout beneath an opening glass roof.
“Premium materials, variable seating with individual electric seats in the second row, and automatic doors underscore the commitment to quality in our new, large full-size SUV,” Döllner said.
Bound for Oz?
Whether the Q9 will come to Australia is still being determined, though strong local interest in key rivals like the BMW X7, Mercedes-Benz GLS and incoming Zeekr 9X are increasing the likelihood we’ll see the biggest Audi here.
“The Audi Q9 is currently under close evaluation for the Australian market […] given Australia’s ongoing appetite for SUVs, we would consider any future model that is the right fit,” a spokesperson told Chasing Cars.
While we’re not permitted to reveal precise dimensions at this point, a walkaround — and within — of the Q9 made clear that the X7 and GLS rival is considerably bigger than the current second-generation model that sells strongly in Australia.
The new Q9 is a bigger, broader and taller vehicle intended to serve as transport for big families, particularly in the United States and China, but also as an effective replacement for the A8 large sedan that was discontinued by the Ingolstadt brand last year.
Interior details
On show was a sumptuous smattering of cabin materials designed to elevate the Q9 well beyond the finishes of the midsize A5 and Q5 models we’ve tested recently.
Interior
Audi has attempted to arrest criticisms about receding perceived quality by trimming the new Q9 with considerably more visible, and tactile, leather surfaces—including on the door tops, dashboard, steering wheel boss and centre console sides.
While the appearance of the dashboard’s ‘tech stack’, which combines a similar lineup of three displays (driver panel, OLED central touchscreen and passenger screen) is akin to the new Q5, the materials have clearly been treated to an upgrade.
As well as the leather and leather-like surfaces on show, expansive trim inlays cover the centre console and parts of the doors. Our tester was lined in real carbon, but wood, fabric and metal alternatives will be available.
Interior
Access to the cabin is via power-operated doors all round, though the Q9 eschews avantgarde door styling by instead retaining traditional door handles that only need to be lightly touched to activate the electronic mechanism.
It’s a noticeable step up into the interior where occupants in the first two rows are treated to “lounge-like” highly bolstered individual seats with heating, cooling and massage.
We walked through the second-row captain’s chairs and into the third row to find space that was suitable for adults if the middle seats are (electrically) slid forward a little.
When the power-deploying and folding third row is in place, boot space is impressive and clearly beyond the pokier current Q7, though we didn’t notice any room for a spare wheel and tyre.
A glass roof is expected to be standard fitment for the Q9, though higher-tier versions will be able to be specified with ambient lighting integrated into the panels and with adaptive dimming.
Also available will be a ‘4D’ Bang & Olufsen premium stereo that sees hardware sync with the rhythm of the music being played, while headrest speakers direct phone call audio directly to the listener.
The production debut of the Q9 will take place later this year.
