- Audi Q9 will be larger than the Q7, with more third-row space.
- U.S. dealers say it’s the family SUV Audi has always needed.
- Platform supports gas, mild-hybrid, PHEV, and range-extenders.
It’s been a long time coming, but it looks like the Audi Q9 is finally inching toward production. As the brand’s largest SUV yet, it’s positioned to go head-to-head with the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7, and early signs suggest it could become a highly anticipated addition to showroom floors in the United States. For Audi dealers, this one might be worth the wait.
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So far, the Q9 has only been spotted in camouflage during road testing, but behind closed doors, Audi has already begun previewing the model to dealerships. Among those who’ve seen it is Tom McCollum, CEO of Forbes Todd Automotive Group and current chairman of the Audi National Dealer Council.
Speaking to Auto News, McCollum said the new Q9 will come in a six-seat configuration with captain’s chairs. It will also be significantly larger than the current Q7, offering more third-row legroom and positioning Audi to attract buyers who might otherwise lean toward full-size staples like the Chevrolet Tahoe or Suburban.
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“Three-row vehicle, six captain’s chairs, lots of luggage room,” he said. “It’s that soccer mom vehicle that we’ve been unable to offer. The Q9 is going to resolve that issue for us. Every Audi dealer will tell you: It cannot get here soon enough.”
While it’s hard to say whether the average “soccer mom” is holding out for a Q9, especially one that will no doubt cost more than the Q7, which starts at $62,000, what’s clear is that Audi and its dealers have some heavy lifting ahead if they plan to turn things around in the US. The brand’s sales dropped a discouraging 16 percent in 2025, falling to just 164,942 units.
Room to Expand
Beyond extra space in the third row, the Q9 will also feature a walk-through second row and offer more overall cargo capacity than the Q7. While McCollum only mentioned the six-seat version with captain’s chairs, it wouldn’t be surprising if a more conventional seven-seat configuration is offered as well.
Underpinning Audi’s new flagship SUV will be the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture. There’s no word on what powertrains will be offered, but we know the platform supports ICEs, mild-hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and range-extenders.
Given Audi’s usual model rollout strategy, it’s safe to expect a lineup of standard trims along with potential S and RS performance variants further down the road. A high-end version wearing the Horch badge has also been spotted in development, aimed at the Mercedes-Maybach GLS. That approach would mirror what’s already available in Audi’s other SUV ranges, especially if the Q9 is expected to serve as a new flagship.
Spy photos of the development prototypes suggest the Q9 will follow Audi’s latest design language. It appears to trade the more upright, bulky proportions of the aging Q7 for a sharper silhouette similar to the Q5, which could help balance the Q9’s extra size with a more refined presence.
