The new Audi Q9 has been revealed as the German brand’s flagship SUV. And this massive luxury barge has already been pencilled in for a 2027 launch in South Africa…
- New Q9 is larger than both X7 and GLS
- 3.0 V6 TDI engine detailed for Europe
- SQ9 with 4.0-litre V8 confirmed for US
- Scheduled to hit South Africa in 2027
Meet the new Audi Q9. Billed as the Ingolstadt-based automaker’s largest SUV to date, the fresh-faced, 3-row luxury model slots in at the very summit of Audi’s portfolio, above the Q7 and Q8. And it’s already been pencilled in for a 2027 launch in South Africa.
Measuring 5 310 mm long, 2 210 mm wide and 1 810 mm tall (with a wheelbase stretching 3 140 mm), the new Q9 – which will be built in Bratislava, Slovakia – debuts as the largest Audi of all time. For context, the current BMW X7 is 5 181 mm long, while the X167-series Mercedes-Benz GLS measures 5 207 mm from front to back.
The German brand says it will offer 2 “distinct equipment packages” (standard and S line) and 2 interior variants. As standard, the new Audi Q9 will seat 7 occupants across 3 rows, though the luxury SUV will also be optionally available with 6 seats – including a pair of power-adjustable individual pews in the 2nd row.
According to Audi, highlights will include the “largest-ever” panoramic sunroof fitted to an Audi as standard, a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system, alloy wheels up to 23 inches in diameter, digital Matrix LED headlights, 3rd-generation digital OLED taillamps and adaptive air suspension. There are also new “advanced turn signals”, which project stylised indicators onto the ground when signalling at night.
Audi claims the new Q9’s infotainment is “clearer and more user-centric” than earlier systems. The curved MMI panoramic display comprises a 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit and a 14.5-inch MMI touch display. There’s also a 12.3-inch passenger display with what the brand calls “distraction-free dynamic privacy mode” (which ostensibly ensures “distracting content such as videos cannot be viewed from the driver’s seat while driving”).
Though powertrain options for South Africa have yet to be confirmed, Audi’s international press material suggests a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine (driving all 4 wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission) will be offered in Europe. Interestingly, the brand looks set to offer this 6-cylinder oil-burner in 2 states of tune: a 180 kW/500 Nm version and a 220 kW/630 Nm iteration.
In either case, a mild-hybrid system – comprising a generator, alternator starter and a lithium iron phosphate battery pack – is included. The “powertrain generator” provides up to 18 kW and 370 Nm when “starting off and overtaking”. The V6 TDI unit also features an electrically powered compressor, which “complements” the mild-hybrid set-up, as well as 2-stage turbocharging.
There will also be an Audi SQ9, though Audi’s North American arm says this Audi Sport performance model will be “built for the US market”. The SQ9 features the Volkswagen Group’s twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine, which delivers 441 kW to all 4 corners. It’s not yet clear which other markets will receive the SQ9.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: When is the new Audi Q9 arriving in South Africa, and how does its size compare to competitors?
A: The flagship Audi Q9 is pencilled in for a South African arrival in 2027. Measuring 5 310 mm long, 2 210 mm wide and 1 810 mm tall with a 3 140 mm wheelbase, it debuts as the largest Audi of all time — eclipsing key full-size 3-row rivals such as the BMW X7 (5 181 mm long) and Mercedes-Benz GLS (5 207 mm long).
Q: What cabin configurations and tech features are showcased in the Audi Q9 interior?
A: The Q9 seats 7 occupants across 3 rows as standard, with an optional 6-seat setup featuring power-adjustable individual 2nd-row seats. Tech highlights include a curved MMI display (12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit and 14.5-inch touch screen), a dedicated 12.3-inch front passenger display with privacy mode, Audi’s largest panoramic sunroof and OLED taillamps.
Q: What engine options have been detailed for the Audi Q9 and SQ9 ranges?
A: Internationally, Audi detailed a 3.0-litre V6 TDI mild-hybrid engine for Europe offered in 2 outputs (180 kW/500 Nm and 220 kW/630 Nm) with an 8-speed automatic. Additionally, the high-performance Audi SQ9 performance model gets a 441 kW 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine. Local SA powertrain specs will be confirmed closer to launch.
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