Audi has finally given its biggest SUV a proper top-dog badge, and the 2027 Q9 and SQ9 arrive as the brand’s new U.S. flagships. They bring full-size proportions, more room than the Q7, serious power, and enough tech to make the cabin feel like a rolling showcase. Pricing starts high and climbs fast, but Audi is clearly aiming these models at buyers who want size, speed, and a heavy dose of luxury in one package.
The Q9 is the more relaxed of the pair, though “relaxed” still means a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 with 429 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. Audi says that setup, paired with standard quattro all-wheel drive and an eight-speed Tiptronic, is good for a 0-60 mph run of 4.9 seconds. At roughly 5,300 pounds, that is plenty of shove for a big three-row SUV.
The SQ9 turns the volume way up with Audi’s 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. It makes 591 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, dropping the sprint to 60 mph to 3.8 seconds despite tipping the scales at more than 5,550 pounds. That kind of number puts the SQ9 in a very different mood, more muscle car attitude than family shuttle.
Both versions can tow up to 7,700 pounds, which makes them more than just glossy status pieces. Audi also includes adaptive air suspension as standard, so the vehicle can change its stance depending on whether the driver wants comfort, performance, or a bit more confidence off the pavement. Some trims add all-wheel steering, which should help the Q9 feel less unwieldy in tight spaces than its size suggests.
The big tech move here is Adaptive Cruise Assist Plus, Audi’s hands-free highway system. On approved roads, drivers can let the SUV handle steering and speed control up to 85 mph, while keeping an eye on the road and staying ready to take over. It is still a Level 2 system, so the driver remains responsible, but for long trips it should take a lot of the strain out of the drive.
That system is not a gimmick, either. A camera watches for driver attention and warns if the human in the seat starts zoning out, which keeps the setup grounded in real-world safety rather than hype. Audi also says the feature will spread to other models later, including the Q7, which should make the brand’s highway tech story a lot stronger across the lineup.
Lighting is another area where the Q9 gets a meaningful edge. For the first time in the U.S., buyers will get Audi Digital Matrix LED headlights, which can shape the beam around other vehicles instead of simply switching high beams on and off. The idea is simple but smart: better visibility without blasting oncoming traffic with glare.
The rear lighting gets attention too, with Digital OLED taillights 3.0 available on higher trims. Audi says there will be eight customizable light signatures in the U.S., along with clearer visibility and more expressive animation. The Q9 can even project stylized turn signal graphics front and rear, which sounds flashy but also fits the brand’s love for visual drama.
Inside, the Q9 leans hard into comfort and gadget overload. Seating is standard for seven, or six if buyers choose second-row captain’s chairs, and automatic doors are available for an extra dose of theater. The panoramic sunroof is the largest Audi has ever fitted, and an electrochromatic shade can switch it from clear to opaque at the push of a button.
The dashboard brings an 11.9-inch digital gauge cluster, a 14.5-inch central touchscreen, and a 12.3-inch passenger display. Audi also packs in magnetic wireless charging for two phones, USB-C power for all three rows, and a 1,360-watt Bang & Olufsen system with 22 speakers and seat-mounted actuators. Cargo space is solid too, with up to 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row and 87.8 cubic feet when both rear rows are folded.
The Q9 and SQ9 are set to reach U.S. dealerships near the end of 2026, and they land with the kind of spec sheet that makes other luxury SUVs sweat a little. Audi is not pretending these are modest additions to the lineup, because they are built to be the biggest, loudest, most expensive statement the brand can make right now. For buyers who want a full-size Audi with a serious engine, a high-end cabin, and enough tech to keep things interesting, the wait is almost over.
