The Audi Q9 will be a three-row premium offering and will be globally revealed at the end of July 2026. Here’s a first look at Audi’s first large full-size SUV.
The Audi Q9 will revealed at the end of July 2026 and is locked in for a South African arrival in 2027. When it goes on sale, it will be the biggest offering from the premium German carmaker and take on the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS.
Prior to its official debut, the Audi Q9 has been partly revealed, with the Ingolstadt-based manufacturer sharing numerous images detailing the three-row cabin and highlighting some of the features. For the first time, the second row of doors are electrically powered. The new Audi Q9 is set to offer up to 7 seats, although the pictures show a 6-seater configuration.
The Q9 looks like to be one of those vehicles where you can’t decide whether you want to drive or be driven. Perhaps the large, illuminated panoramic sunroof with switchable transparency and new 4D sound system will encourage you to take the second row of seats. The two individual seats are electrically-adjustable and feature active ventilation. Front seats feature heating, ventilation and massage.
The pano roof appears to be an impressive piece of hardware, measuring around 1.5 square metres and can be opened. If you don’t want the glare of the sun, well there are 9 segments which can be controlled and Audi claims the special laminated glass can block more than 99% of UV radiation.
Expect a diverse range of engines to choose from, ranging from traditional large-capacity diesels as well as big 6- and 8-cylinder options. It would be careless to rule out sporty iterations either and we know Audi has a habit of adding the ‘S’ prefix in front of its products along with twin-turbocharged engines. Watch this space.
As confirmed at Volkswagen Group Africa’s annual indaba, the Audi Q9 should reach local showrooms in 2027.
