Audi has almost every SUV base covered, except one. Its lineup tops out with the Q7, a three-row family off-roader that squares up to the BMW X5 and Mercedes GLE. But both of those rival firms have even bigger SUVs to satisfy space-hungry American and Chinese buyers in the X7 and GLS, and so Audi has finally responded with the Q9.
Compared with the Q7, the Q9 will offer even more space, and a greater emphasis on luxury, just as customers will expect when they’re potentially spending $90-100k on a new SUV. It will also offer more road presence through a combination of its sheer size, bulk and a distinctive front-end treatment that combines a huge main grille, large transverse lower grille and a split-headlight arrangement.
Previously, we had spotted a series of prototypes that were initially believed to be the Q9. However, according to our spy photographer’s ‘reliable inside sources,’ it turns out they were actually showing the next generation Q7. Mea culpa.
This time, our spies believe they have actually spotted the new Q9, albeit not in prototype form, but as a test mule. This means Audi’s engineers are developing the platform and powertrain components of the new Q9 on top of a modified shell of the current Q7.
Related: Audi Scales Back EV Rollout, Will Continue To Introduce PHEV, ICE Cars In The Near Future
Compared to the current Q7, the wheelbase of the test mule appears to be extended by approximately 100 to 150 mm, equating to about 4 to 6 inches. This suggests it should measure somewhere between 3,100 and 3,150 mm (122 and 124 inches), placing it in the same range as the BMW X7.
As a test mule, there’s little to comment on regarding the design. However, apart from the standard Q9, Audi might also consider introducing a companion Sportback model featuring a more coupe-like design
So what do we know about the Q9?
It should launch before 2026, because that’s Audi’s self-imposed cut-off for switching over to electric power. It will still sell existing combustion-powered vehicles beyond that date, but all new models launched from that point will be EVs. To help customers navigate the list of the company’s EV and petrol models, it’s giving electric cars even numbers and combustion versions odd numbers, which is why the current A4 is being replaced by an A5, and why this flagship SUV is set to get the Q9 name.
We’re expecting Audi to offer a mix of mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines that hopefully still include a 4.0-liter V8 option to compete with the M- and Alpina-branded variants of the X7, though the trend in the industry is definitely one away from V8s and towards six-cylinder engines instead. Another trend is towards PHEVs with usefully long electric driving ranges, so we imagine a plug-in Q9 should be capable of 70 miles (113 km) before needing a charge.
The Q9 is likely to debut in 2025 for the 2026 model year, a timeframe that would enable it to last a full model cycle (with a facelift somewhere along the way) before Audi phases combustion products out of its lineup altogether in 2033.
Note: This story was updated on March 18th with spy photos of an Audi Q9 test mule and new information.
