Audi Unveils New Flagship Q9 Three-Row SUV

Audi has globally unveiled the Q9, its largest flagship SUV to date, marking the debut of the '9' moniker in the brand's nomenclature. Globally manufactured at Audi's Bratislava plant in Slovakia, the Q9 enters the market to compete directly against luxury rivals like the BMW X7, Mercedes-Benz GLS, and Land Rover Defender 130. 

The Q9 adopts a commanding design language characterised by a massive front grille with illuminated vertical slats, split Digital Matrix LED headlights capable of projecting warning symbols onto the road, and world-first 3D curved digital OLED taillights. The SUV measures over 5.3 metres in length and features soft-closing automatic doors with integrated collision-detection sensors alongside alloy wheels ranging from 20 to 23 inches. 

Inside, the cabin comes standard in a seven-seat layout, with an optional six-seat configuration featuring power-adjustable second-row captain's chairs. The dashboard houses a triple-screen display setup, including a 12.3-inch driver's display, a 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen running Android Automotive OS, and a dedicated 12.3-inch front-passenger display with a privacy mode.

Globally, the standard Q9 is offered with a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine producing up to 295 bhp and 630 Nm, alongside a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine developing 425 bhp and 599 Nm. For high-performance enthusiasts, the SQ9 variant packs a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine generating 587 bhp and 800 Nm. All powertrains are paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, permanent Quattro all-wheel drive, and adaptive air suspension. 

Slotted above the Q7 as a dedicated full-size luxury three-row SUV, the Audi Q9 could arrive in India next year. 

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