Audi Breaks New Ground: Q9 Launches in U.S. Ahead of Global Debut

• The Audi Q9 is set to debut during the latter half of this year.
• Customer deliveries are expected to begin before 2027 ends.
• The full-size three-row SUV will be launched alongside the redesigned Q7.

Traditionally, European luxury car manufacturers take considerable time before introducing new models to the U.S. market, often delaying releases by months or even years. Audi is now rewriting this script by unveiling the Q9 in the United States first, with a worldwide release scheduled for 2027. This marks a historic first for the brand, as the Q9 is Audi’s inaugural SUV of this size.

Audi’s CEO, Gernot Döllner, highlighted the strategic importance of the upcoming large SUVs, the Q7 and Q9, for strengthening Audi’s position in the American market. Both vehicles will be produced in Bratislava, Slovakia, at a plant that also manufactures the Porsche Cayenne, supporting combustion engines and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Notably, the Q7 and Q9 will not be fully electric but will offer gasoline and hybrid options.

Slovakia also serves as the production site for the VW Passat and Skoda Superb models. However, Volkswagen is phasing out the Touareg, the Q7’s platform sibling, in this facility. Audi has not confirmed whether the Bratislava-built Q8 will continue into a new generation, though its future appears uncertain.

Döllner announced the U.S.-first launch of the Q9 during Audi’s recent annual media event. The company also revealed plans to revive the A2 model and confirmed that the Concept C electric sports car will enter production in 2027.

Additionally, a successor to the A8 sedan is expected to arrive later this decade, replacing the current model which will cease production this year. The next-generation Q7 will be introduced in 2026, alongside a mid-cycle update for the smaller Q4 E-Tron electric SUV.