New spy photos of the 2023 Audi Q9 that is believed to being developed only for China have been captured, showing off more of the large SUV than ever before thanks to slightly peeled-back camouflage.
These new photos shot on a snowy road, give us our best look yet at what is likely to be the Q9’s production lighting. Three streaks of red lights reveal themselves at the rear as a strip of camouflaging hiding more of their design in previous spy shots has been removed.
The covers that obscured the headlights completely in previous images have also been removed revealing how the complicated design of those lights will look. Unfortunately, there’s some camouflage obscuring our view of the shape of the lights.
Read Also: 2023 Audi Q9 Spied With Production Body As A Large SUV For China
As with the recent images of the Audi A4 Avant, it would appear that Audi has stalled the growth of its grilles with this model. Compared to the Q8, this SUV’s grille doesn’t come as close to the hood and seems to take up less of the frontal area of the vehicle, though its impact is likely to grow when the camo comes off thanks to what appears to be a frame around it.
Offering more interior space than the sporty Q8, the model is rumored to be based around a modified version of the MQB platform used on the VW Atlas. If true, it could employ the latter’s 235-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and 276-hp 3.6-liter V6 paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission and either front- or all-wheel drive. However, we have not yet confirmed if the prototype does indeed ride on the MQB architecture.
Naming, so far, hasn’t been confirmed either, with the Q7L and Q8L monikers also been suggested. Whether this is aimed at families or at discerning customers in the market for sumptuous luxury remains to be seen, though both will likely benefit from its imperious size.
Reports says that the model is being designed mainly for China and it is not expected to be sold in Europe or in the U.S. No launch date has been confirmed for the large crossover either, but test vehicles were spotted last year, suggesting that a 2022 reveal is possible.
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