2023 Audi Q9 Spied With Production Body As A Large SUV For China

Rumors about a possible Q9 SUV have been circulating online since 2013 when Audi first trademarked that name. Those were followed by reports in 2018 and 2020 about a BMW X7 rival, but the latest information refers to a large SUV exclusively designed for China. After the first prototype sightings earlier this year, our spy photographers sent us new pictures of what appears to be the Q9 wearing a production body.

The model will likely be called Audi Q9 although the Q7 L or Q8 L names are also reportedly being considered. From the latest spy pictures, the SUV appears to be quite long with a stretched wheelbase and a muscular body.

At the front, we can clearly see the hexagonal single-frame grille flanked by slim LED headlights in a dual setup. At the back, the high-mounted horizontally arranged LED taillights below the inclined rear windshield look like an extension to the toned rear fenders extending all the way from the rear doors.

The interior will feature three rows of seats with plenty of space for the rear passengers and a panoramic sunroof. Design-wise it is expected to mirror Audi’s latest offerings with a fully digital cockpit and premium materials.

It’s been reported that it could ride on a stretched version of VW Group’s MQB platform that underpins the VW Atlas as well, measuring around 5,200 mm (204.7 inches) in length. For comparison, the second-gen Q7 that premiered in 2015 and received a facelift in 2019 is 5,063 mm (199.3 inches) long. In terms of powertrains, the range will likely include a plug-in hybrid variant alongside ICE-powered versions using the latest petrol engines from Audi’s portfolio.

We don’t have any information on the launch date of Audi’s largest-ever SUV but judging from the state of the development prototype it should arrive soon. As a China-only model, it is not expected to arrive in Europe or in the US market.