Audi Q9 confirmed – 3-row BMW X7, Mercedes GLS rival; interior revealed with powered captain’s chairs

After plenty of speculation and even confirmation from the CEO, Audi has finally revealed that the Q9 is indeed coming, with a world premiere set for the third quarter of this year. To whet your appetites, the company has shown the interior of its flagship three-row SUV, which is set to sit above the Q7 and take on the likes of the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS.

Riding on the same Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) as the latest Audi A5, A6 and Q5, the Q9 will be a twin of the forthcoming Porsche three-row SUV, similar to how the Porsche Cayenne spawned the Q7. It serves as an indirect replacement for the A8, which will not live to see a fifth generation.

While the interior is the focus of this part-reveal, the sole rear three-quarter image of a camouflaged prototype does give us some idea of what the exterior will look like. Compared to the Q7, the Q9 appears to have a taller, more upright glasshouse, with thick D-pillars lending an air of luxury.

You also get the dual-tier taillight design from the A6, replete with a full-width light bar, arrow-shaped corners, an illuminated four-ringed badge and what will almost certainly be customisable OLED light clusters, an Audi signature. The rear number plate recess is pushed down into the bumper for a cleaner look, and the quad exhaust exits suggests this particular unit is a sportier SQ9.

Step in through the automatic doors (a first for an Audi) and you’ll find a dashboard architecture similar to Ingolstadt’s other recent models, with an MMI panoramic display setup consisting of twin screens for instrumentation and infotainment – both on a curved “digital stage” widescreen panel – plus a passenger display off to the corner.

There’s also the usual sport steering wheel option with a flat top and bottom, as well as slim air vents that appear to only be adjustable through the screen (boo). As per the new Q3, you get a column-mounted gear selector and a multi-function stalk that integrates the indicator and low/high beam toggles and a bewildering array of knobs and buttons for the wipers.

Down below, the centre console houses two of the latest Qi2.2 wireless chargers, with magnetic “hockey pucks” for compatibility with Apple’s MagSafe and charging at up to 25 watts. This is paired with USB-C charging ports that output up to 100 watts, which can charge even the most power-hungry MacBook Pro. Above sits a massive 1.5 square-metre illuminated panoramic sunroof with electrochromic frosting, which is connected to the ambient lighting system with a dynamic interaction light strip that wraps around the dash.

This light strip, in turn, is linked to the Bang & Olufsen 4D sound system, syncing with the rhythm of the music playing (yes, just like what Chinese cars have been doing for years) and matching the colour scheme of the track’s cover art. This sound system, by the way, features headrest speakers for direct-to-driver phone calls and navigation, along with a “rumble” function for the front seats.

The Q9 is available as a six- or seven-seater, offered with optional sports seats plus with ventilation and massage functions; there is also standard-fit partial power adjustment for the second and third rows, the latter able to be folded electrically. The plush second-row captain’s chairs for the six-seater you see here are essentially a facsimile of the front seats, with full power adjustment, armrests and ventilation.

Cargo-carrying versatility is improved through aluminium rails built into the sides of the boot, which Audi says allows users to secure cargo “in three dimensions” with sliding hooks and adjustable anchors – leaving the floor space free for larger luggage. Roof racks for the standard roof rails also come with every new Q9, the company added.

Expect the Q9 to share its powertrains with the Q7, including a 3.0 litre turbo petrol V6 and a 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8 in this SQ9. These will be shared with the Porsche version, codenamed K1.

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