Audi executives are acutely aware of their recent errors and are determined to swiftly address concerns in quick succession based on insights received from all levels worldwide. The first strike in this initiative? Filling a significant gap in the lineup with the new Q9 SUV.
On Monday, the interior of the 2027 Audi Q9 three-row crossover SUV was unveiled, showcasing premium materials, full-size cup holders, what can only be termed excessively engineered technology, and seating for the whole family. The Q9 will be revealed on July 28 ahead of its debut in the U.S. at the end of the year. It will target the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and BMW X7, the former of which just received a facelift and the latter of which is about to undergo a similar revamp as the BMW 7-Series.
While the exterior has not yet been disclosed, I can confidently say that visually, standing next to the Q9 reveals it to be substantial. Long, wide, and tall, it is undeniably the largest production Audi to date, designed to compete directly with the GLS and X7.
All four doors can be opened electronically with a pull of a real exterior door handle. The driver’s door can be programmed to close upon pressing the brake pedal, once the driver’s seat belt is fastened, or it and any other door can be opened or closed electronically at the touch of a button on the touchscreen, although it requires three taps to access, and you must hold the digital button until the door completes its opening or closing process. Each door has sensors to prevent them from opening into anything. Safety is paramount!
Those doors are also equipped with electronic controls from within the cabin. A button will open and release the door. There’s no mechanical backup like in a Porsche Cayenne Electric; rather, each door contains a small capacitor for energy storage. This capacitor can activate the door in an emergency to ensure that unless the door is no longer attached to the vehicle or is so damaged that it can’t physically open, it has the capability to unlock and open independent of the vehicle’s power system.
Inside, the Q9 signifies a return to form for Audi in many ways. Almost completely absent are shiny piano black plastics (thank goodness!). Finishes on the center console vary from open-pore wood to carbon fiber patterns that look and feel exquisite. Most plastics are matte to avoid fingerprints like in times past. The dashboard is lined with stitched leather and complemented with wool-like cloth trims that cover inset speakers as part of the 4D surround-sound system. An ambient lighting strip runs along the base of the windshield, acting as a communicator that changes colors in different situations. Should automatic emergency braking activate, it will flash red to alert the driver, and when turn signals are engaged, the corresponding side will flash green, helping the driver to keep eyes on the road rather than fixated on the gauge cluster. It can even sync to the music’s beat, for those who appreciate that.
The triple-screen setup combines a digital gauge cluster with a touchscreen tilted slightly toward the driver, all under a singular curved piece of glass reminiscent of the A6 E-Tron. It also features a standard touchscreen display for the front passenger, capable of YouTube, web browsing, and video playback, including the pairing of Bluetooth headphones. A real volume knob is situated on the center console along with, regrettably, only a few essential function buttons forming a single piece of plastic. The remaining controls for climate, vents, and infotainment functions are integrated into the touchscreen display. There are two cooled wireless smartphone chargers at the front of the center console, each supporting Magsafe compatibility and up to 100 watts of power output alongside two USB-C ports. Perhaps most notably, the front cup holders, which have a flip-away cover, are designed for American-sized mugs and can hold a Stanley cup, which is great news for those in need. In fact, the rear-seat cup holders can accommodate Stanley mugs as well, much to my daughter’s delight (feel my pain, please).
Audi’s clever and remarkably over-engineered one-piece stalk integrating the gear selector, turn signal, and wiper controls is present in the Q9 (and remains impressive).
Families will appreciate that the rear doors swing open a full 90 degrees. The Q9 will come in six- and seven-seat configurations with the capacity to fit up to three car seats when equipped with the second-row bench seat, thanks to three tether anchor points. The outboard second-row seats can slide and tilt forward, which means car seats (when unoccupied, of course) don’t have to be removed to access the third-row. The third-row is adult-sized, offering ample space for my 5-foot-10 frame to sit (though knees may be elevated) comfortably behind a 6-foot-5 adult in the second row. Although final measurements are still pending, there’s genuine cargo capacity behind the third row, and with that row folded down, the space for cargo (or activities) appears vast.
The optional Bang & Olufsen 4D surround-sound system boasts 24 channels, 22 speakers, and 2 actuators in the front seats. These actuators create motion and vibrations within the seats, allowing passengers to physically experience the music. It feels as if the sound vibrations are being transmitted directly into your body.
All occupants in the Q9 will enjoy a remarkable view of the sky. The roof features substantial glass coverage, measuring 16 square feet. An optional electrochromatic feature using Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) technology allows the glass panel, or selected sections of it, to become opaque to block sunlight and up to 99.5% of UV rays. Additionally, embedded lighting with 84 LEDs can be integrated within the glass panoramic roof, making it a stunning focal point.
Audi provided The Drive with travel accommodations, some German pretzels, and vehicle access for the purpose of crafting this story.