You might have noticed already, and honestly, it's hard to look away from the large German car that was just unveiled earlier this week. Audi has revealed the new Q9, a large 3-row SUV with a big body. While the world has only seen the standard version with a 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel engine, the American market is being pampered with a full-power V8! This is because mid-size SUVs sell extremely well in America.
That's right, this is the special SQ9 model exclusively for the North American luxury car market. The SQ9 features a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing a mighty 583 horsepower and an enormous 800 Newton-meters of torque. It accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds, which is impressive for a vehicle as large as a small planet. Audi proudly claims this is the fastest 3-row SUV in the large SUV segment.
Indeed, the SQ9 comes with Quattro all-wheel drive, newly tuned to focus power primarily on the rear wheels. It has an electronically controlled rear differential lock on the rear axle. The rear tires are wider than the front, and 22-inch alloy wheels come standard, with optional 23-inch wheels available at extra cost. The powertrain includes an 8-speed automatic transmission and a Sport Adaptive Air Suspension system. Rear-wheel steering is standard, as on the regular Q9, but the SQ9 offers an upgrade option to a sport adaptive air suspension, likely ideal for families who frequently bring seven passengers to racetrack outings.
From the outside, distinct differences stand out, such as the unique SQ9 front grille, which lights up alongside Audi's four-ring logo. The rear features a roof spoiler, widened wheel arches, quad exhaust pipes, and aluminum trim all around that emphasize its S-series performance pedigree. The fully automatic Digital Matrix LED headlights are a genuine new lighting innovation and mark the first time in the U.S. that Audi's engineers have developed a lighting system meeting the U.S. Department of Transportation's reflection standards.
Inside the cabin, owners can choose between 6- or 7-seat layouts. Audi officials confirmed that Nappa leather seats with heating will be standard across all three rows at no additional cost. The display system is borrowed from the diesel Q9, but this version features special carbon fiber trim with numerous S badges. It also comes standard with Adaptive Cruise Assist, enabling hands-free highway driving as long as insurance regulations permit (only in certain countries).
Seating arrangements available in 6-seat and 7-seat configurations.
The 6-seat layout (2+2+2) focuses on first-class luxury. The second row replaces the bench with two independent Captain's Chairs, each with individual armrests. The seats have full electric adjustment, heated, ventilated, and massage functions.This setup offers a spacious private feel with a central walkway for easier access to the third row.
The 7-seat layout (2+3+2) prioritizes maximum utility for families. The second row is a 35/30/35 split-folding bench that slides forward and backward electrically to freely adjust legroom for the third row. The Easy Entry feature lets the second-row seats slide and tilt forward at the push of a button without removing child seats, making third-row access easy and unobstructed. Thanks to a 3.14-meter wheelbase, the third row offers ample space for adults and includes heated seats standard in all three rows.
The sporty SQ9 design features genuine Nappa leather seats with diamond stitching in S-Model style, offered in sporty colors like Red, Silver, Black, and Baikal Blue. Interior inlays include matte carbon fiber on the console and door panels or optional open-pore wood, significantly reducing glossy black piano plastic in favor of soft-touch materials. The A-pillars and headliner are upholstered in Dinamica faux-suede/Alcantara.
The lavish digital display setup includes an 11.9-inch Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster, a 14.5-inch central MMI touchscreen for infotainment, and a 12.3-inch passenger display for entertainment or personal navigation.
Convenience and ambiance innovations include powered automatic doors, a first for Audi, which close automatically when the brake pedal is pressed, seat belts fastened, or a button on the door panel is pressed, with safety sensors to detect obstructions. The panoramic sunroof is Audi's largest ever with adjustable tinting—no fabric sunshade but switchable transparency glass divided into nine sections. It also features 84 LED lights around the roof edge that change color with the ambient lighting.
The 5-zone automatic climate control features individual air vents on B- and C-pillars for all rows, including the third, allowing independent temperature adjustment. The premium Bang & Olufsen sound system boasts 22 speakers and over 1,300 watts of power. Beyond heated seats, the armrests on doors and center console also have surface heating for maximum warmth.
Deliveries of the Q9 will begin late this year. The high-performance SQ9 special model starts at $118,000 USD (approximately 4.1-4.2 million THB), excluding import taxes. The base Q9 model starts at $87,700 USD (about 3.1 million THB), also excluding import taxes.