Time for the Audi Q9

Audi has officially opened UK order books for the all-new Q9, its largest and most luxurious SUV to date. Sitting above the Q7 and Q8, the Q9 becomes the brand’s full-size flagship, offering seven seats as standard, a huge panoramic roof, and some of the most advanced lighting and comfort technology Audi has ever fitted to a production car.

The specification levels are a clear signal to its rivals that Audi wants the Q9 to compete directly with the most premium large SUVs on the market.

It launches with a single engine option — a 295bhp 3.0-litre V6 TDI with mild-hybrid MHEV Plus assistance — paired with an eight-speed tiptronic gearbox and quattro all-wheel drive. Despite its appropriately flagship proportions, the Q9’s V6 powertrain is expected to deliver 0–62mph in roughly 7 seconds, with real‑world fuel economy likely to sit in the mid‑30s mpg, based on comparable Audi models using the same drivetrain.

Inside, the Q9 aims to deliver a “business-class” experience, with heated seats in all three rows, Nappa leather upholstery, multiple digital displays and exceptionally high levels of refinement. An optional Lounge Pack transforms the second row into a more luxurious six-seat layout with ventilated and massage seats, plus a heated leather centre armrest.

Edition 1 sets the foundation for the new Audi Q9 range, and it’s already packed with the kind of equipment you’d normally expect on a top-tier flagship.

The exterior is dominated by 22-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels, S line styling and Matrix LED headlights with customisable light signatures, giving the Q9 a strong visual presence straight out of the box. Adaptive air suspension and all-wheel steering come as standard, helping a vehicle of this size feel more composed and more agile than you’d expect.

Inside, Edition 1 delivers a genuinely premium experience with leather Sport seats, complete with ventilation and massage functions, heated seats across all three rows, and a panoramic roof with switchable transparency that adds a sense of space and light. Three digital displays, including the Virtual Cockpit Plus and a dedicated passenger screen reinforce the Q9’s high-tech feel.

Comfort and technology continue with four-zone climate control, heated armrests, a heated steering wheel and extensive use of acoustic glass to keep road noise to a minimum. Edition 1 also includes the Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium audio system, wireless smartphone integration, dual wireless phone chargers and a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features. Surround-view cameras, Park Assist Plus, Adaptive Cruise Assist, lane-keeping aids and multiple emergency-braking systems all come as standard, making Edition 1 one of the most complete “entry” specifications Audi has ever offered.

For most drivers the Edition 1 will be the clear sweet spot in the range.

But just in case you really do need more than that, Audi is also offering the Q9 in an even more impressive trim. Vorsprung takes everything included in Edition 1 and pushes it further, creating a full flagship specification for drivers who want every available luxury and technology feature.

The exterior upgrades are immediately noticeable: 23-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels, Digital Matrix LED headlights and world-first curved Digital OLED rear lights with up to eight selectable signatures. Vorsprung also adds illuminated exterior elements, including lighting for the Singleframe grille and rear Audi rings, giving the Q9 a distinctive look at night. Automatic doors with remote operation add a touch of limousine-style convenience, while a wirelessly heated, climate-controlled windscreen improves comfort and visibility in colder months.

Inside, Vorsprung models introduce a more sophisticated atmosphere with carbon structure inlays, an enhanced ambient lighting package and an air-quality system with built-in fragrance. The Bang & Olufsen 4D Premium sound system is a major upgrade, using seat-integrated bass actuators and headrest speakers to create a genuinely immersive audio experience. Driver-assistance technology also steps up, with Park Assist Pro (including remote functionality), Adaptive Cruise Assist Plus and advanced 3D/360-degree cameras.

For drivers who want the most luxurious and most technologically advanced version of the Q9, Vorsprung is the definitive choice.

With both Edition 1 and Vorsprung offering such high levels of equipment, the Q9’s trim structure makes it easy to choose the version that fits your needs, whether it’s a well-equipped flagship or the full luxury experience. For anyone considering leasing, that makes the new Audi Q9 particularly appealing.

As deliveries begin later this year, the Audi Q9 will give drivers a new top-tier SUV option that combines comfort, technology and refinement in a way that feels genuinely flagship.