Rumors about a possible Q9 SUV have been circulating online since 2013 when Audi first trademarked that name. Those were followed by reports in 2018 and 2020 about a BMW X7 rival, but the latest information refers to a large SUV exclusively designed for China. The model will likely be called Audi Q9 although the Q7 L or Q8 L names are also reportedly being considered. From the latest spy pictures, the SUV appears to be quite long with a stretched wheelbase and a muscular body.
At the front, we can clearly see the
hexagonal single-frame grille flanked by slim LED headlights in a dual setup.
At the back, the high-mounted horizontally arranged LED taillights below the
inclined rear windshield look like an extension to the toned rear fenders
extending all the way from the rear doors.
The interior will feature three rows of
seats with plenty of space for the rear passengers and a panoramic sunroof.
Design-wise it is expected to mirror Audi’s latest offerings with a fully
digital cockpit and premium materials. Expected to ride on a stretched version
of VW Group’s MLB Evo platform, the Q9 will reportedly measure around 5,200 mm. For comparison, the second-gen Q7 that premiered in 2015 and
received a facelift in 2019 is 5,063 mm long. In terms of
powertrains, the range will likely include a plug-in hybrid variant alongside
ICE-powered versions using the latest petrol engines from Audi’s portfolio.
We don’t have any information on the
launch date of Audi’s largest-ever SUV but judging from the state of the
development prototype it should arrive soon. As a China-only model, it is not
expected to arrive in Europe or in the US market.
