Audi Q9 presented: XXL SUV with combustion engine

Since February, Audi has no longer been accepting orders for the A8 model series in Germany. The sedan is being temporarily discontinued; a new A8 is expected to return at the end of the decade. Until then, the Q9 will take over the role of the flagship. The SUV will be even larger than the Q7, which is over five meters long. However, it's not just the size that's intended to convince customers, but above all, a luxurious interior.

The Q9 is a seven-seater as standard, with a bench seat in the second row. If desired, six individual seats can also be ordered, which can be adjusted at least partially electrically. The interior lining is intended to radiate “calmness and quality,” writes Audi. To achieve this, the brand has added materials and colors to its range that have not been available from Audi before. These include alpaca wool and tamarind brown or stone beige.

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Audi Q9 Innenraum (9 Bilder)

A sunroof is standard

A huge roof is standard; Audi is not following the trend of fixed glass roofs. At the push of a button, it can be made opaque in segments, which is intended to block out heat. With Mercedes, customers have long been able to illuminate their glass roof with numerous LEDs; at Audi, this star simulation, color-matched to the ambient lighting, is now also available for an extra charge. The background lighting adapts to the rhythm of the music by, for example, aligning its color scheme with the album cover. We have already seen similar features from Chinese manufacturers. This desire likely also came from customers in the Middle Kingdom.

The sound system itself has speakers in the headrests as well. This, Audi writes, allows phone calls to be played only for the driver, so as not to distract passengers. New at Audi are motorized doors, which have been available from BMW for a longer time, for example. Surround sensors are intended to prevent cyclists, for instance, from being involved in accidents when opening the doors.

It remains a combustion engine

Audi has not yet commented on the dimensions or engine options. However, the trunk is likely to offer at least 700 liters after folding down the third seat row. Nevertheless, the manufacturer includes a roof rack with every Q9, which will likely remain unused in many cases. Audi CEO Gernot Döllner: “With the Q9, we are defining 'Vorsprung durch Technik' even more strongly through the interior experience.” This is correct in that the advertising slogan does not refer to the powertrains. It remains with combustion engines with various hybridizations. One can expect at least one plug-in hybrid, but not a battery-electric drive. That is not planned for this platform.

Audi produces its new top model in Bratislava. This could prove to be a disadvantage in the US market. Because the current US president has decreed that imported cars will be subject to a punitive tariff. Competitors such as BMW, Mercedes, or Lexus manufacture certain models in the USA and are therefore exempt from this regulation.

(mfz)