Audi Q9 I photos

The first-generation Audi Q9 debuted as an entirely new full-size three-row luxury crossover, effectively succeeding the departing A8 sedan as the brand's premier flagship offering. The five-door SUV platform features a longitudinal engine layout coupled with standard quattro all-wheel drive, adaptive air suspension, and comprehensive driver assistance systems designed to rival the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS in passenger comfort and dynamic capability.

At market introduction in Europe, the Q9 launched exclusively with a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel featuring mild-hybrid assistance (MHEV). In contrast, the North American specification launched with turbocharged V6 and V8 gasoline powertrains. Audi confirmed that subsequent European expansions will introduce a turbocharged V6 gasoline engine and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant crucial for fleet CO2 compliance, alongside an evaluated high-performance V8 SQ9 variant positioned against the BMW X7 M60i and Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 S.