- Audi previewed the luxurious interior of its newest and largest vehicle, a proper 3-row SUV.
- The 2027 Audi Q9 addresses the issue of cramped space in the Q7 3-row SUV.
- The Audi Q9 competes with other full-size SUVs such as the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS.
The 2027 Audi Q9 sizes up as a proper 3-row SUV with a luxurious interior and room for up to seven passengers. Audi showed off the interior of its largest and newest vehicle in Audi’s headquarters of Ingolstadt, Germany, on Tuesday, even though the new Q9 is sized for North American audiences.
The Q9 expands into a new full-size segment to address its shortcomings with the Audi Q7, which had a cramped third row barely large enough to fit schoolchildren in a pinch. The Q7 is also being redesigned, and both vehicles share the brand’s modular platform for combustion engines.
While engine and dimensional specs won’t be released until the new model’s global debut this summer, Audi confirmed the Q9 will compete with large luxury SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade, BMW X7, and Mercedes-Benz GLS.
Audi Q9 Seating for 7
What we do know is that the Q9 aims for the pinnacle of the luxury peak, based on the released cabin details. It comes standard with seven seats, with three in the second row and two in the third row. The second-row seats can be fitted with child safety seats, or they can be swapped out for captain’s chairs and a six-seat configuration with what Audi calls “maximum business-class comfort.” All three rows have power switches, and the third row can be folded down or raised with a button push.
Like the front seats, those power-adjustable front seats have ventilation in the center seat cushion and the backrest. The front seats can be equipped with massagers, as well as headrest speakers and an actuator in the seat back that vibrates to let you pump up the bass of your heart, courtesy of Bang & Olufsen.
Power activation extends to all five doors, including the liftgate. Audi says the doors can be opened and closed via the key, app, the infotainment interface, the brake pedal, and even the seat belt buckle. We’re curious how those last two instances would work in real life. The doors open to a wide angle, likely close to 90 degrees, for easier ingress and egress.
Luxurious Features Above and Below
Audi bathes the Q9 in light, both natural and artificial. A standard panoramic sunroof measures about 4 feet by 4 feet, encompassing most of the roof. Instead of a retractable cover, it has nine settings to control segments of the roof to allow in light and block UV radiation. On unspecified top trims, owners can opt for 30-way ambient lighting that shines on the roof from 84 LEDs.
The light show continues on the dash and front doors, with highlights such as a continuous LED light strip spanning the dash. The ambient light also reflects up in the panoramic display of screens, which, of course, includes a passenger screen. Audi did not disclose screen dimensions, but the screen real estate spans the dash except for being bookended by vents.
New upholstery and trim materials range from alpaca fibers to Nappa leather blends and ash wood trim.
The Q9 promises a deep center storage console to keep the detritus of modern life out of view, and dual wireless charging pads act as landing pads on the console. In the cargo hold, a rail system with sliding hooks and adjustable anchors create some flexibility with how to stow things, opening up more floor space for bigger items, Audi says. Every Q9 comes with standard roof rails.
That’s all we know for now, but stay tuned for more details in late July.
