We recently caught our first glimpse of Audi’s forthcoming flagship SUV, the Q9, and now we’re treated to an even closer look, including its higher-performance iteration, the SQ9. Although it remains concealed under camouflage, the four-ring brand is clearly investing significant effort into this new model.
Spied testing in two guises, the most exciting model was spotted running around an industrial park. While there’s still a lot we don’t know, the twin tailpipes sticking out at either end of the vehicle’s rear bumper suggest that this is the higher-performance SQ9 variant.
What those pipes are connected to remains a mystery, but it will have to compete with the likes of the BMW X7 M60i, whose 4.0-liter V8 makes 523 hp (390 kW/530 PS) and 533 lb-ft (750 Nm) of torque. As we know from the SQ8 and the Lamborghini Urus, Audi has access to a pretty powerful 4.0-liter V8 of its own.
A rather sizeable grille should help feed any engine with plenty of air, and rear tires that look pretty wide should help transfer that power to the road with impressive efficiency. Elsewhere in the lineup, we anticipate that the Q9 will come with varying degrees of electrification, including a plug-in hybrid option. No matter what goes under the hood, the focus will almost certainly be on luxury, though.
Read: 2026 Audi Q9 Gears Up For Jumbo-SUV Battle With BMW X7, Mercedes GLS
Positioned as a contender against the likes of the BMW X7 and the Mercedes GLS, with a primary emphasis on the North American and Chinese markets, this flagship SUV will need to offer superior space and luxury compared to the current Q7. Achieving this will likely involve the use of premium materials and a strong emphasis on cutting-edge technology.
Audi has yet to confirm when it will unveil the Q9, but has said that it plans to stop working on new internal-combustion engines after 2026, suggesting that this model will arrive before then.
