Audi’s Answer to BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS: A Worthy Challenger.
An executive at Audi has hinted that the production of a Q9 SUV, which has been the subject of speculation for over ten years, may finally be underway. According to Australia’s Carsales, this long-awaited model could actually become a reality.It seems that after years of rumors, an Audi Q9 might finally hit the market. This possibility was mentioned by an Audi higher-up and has been rumored for more than ten years. Reportedly, Carsales in Australia believes that this time it could truly come to fruition.
According to the director of Audi Australia, Jeff Mannering, there are multiple upcoming Audi models set for release in the next 24 months. When asked about the possibility of a Q9 model, he acknowledged that there is room in the market for a bigger SUV to compete with popular options such as the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS.
“Absolutely. When we compare our volume to that of other brands, it’s clear that we’re not present in certain segments,” stated Mannering. He also mentioned that he believes there is a strong possibility for this type of model to be introduced worldwide, as Audi headquarters is currently exploring various segments and studying the success of similar models in larger markets.”
According to reports, the director also concurred that the moniker Q9 has a pleasant sound to it. However, the question remains: what form would the Q9 assume?
The team at CarBuzz has reached out to Audi USA in hopes of obtaining more details about the rumored Q9 SUV. We will provide an update to this story once a response from Audi is received.
Could Audi possibly release a Q9 in the near future? If so, it would undoubtedly be the flagship of their already impressive SUV lineup. While the Q7 does have the option for three rows of seating, it falls short when compared to its competitors, such as the GLS or X7, in terms of pure luxury. A potential Q9 would boast an even larger size, with a focus on providing passengers with the utmost comfort and extravagance. It is expected that those in the third row will benefit from ample leg and headroom, particularly when compared to the current Q7 model.
Porsche is currently in the process of developing a bigger SUV, which is set to be placed higher than their current model, the Cayenne. This new all-electric luxury car, codenamed K1, is said to offer an impressive 1,000 horsepower and provide spacious seating for multiple passengers with its three rows.
Given the numerous collaborations between Audi and Porsche, which are both subsidiaries of the VW Group, there is a strong likelihood that the platform for the Audi Q9 could be derived from the one used for the Porsche K1. This speculation is further substantiated by the fact that the Macan EV and Q6 e-tron models share the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) framework, which was jointly developed by these renowned brands.
The arrival of the Q9 in the market is still uncertain, and there are speculations that it may come in both electric and ICE-powered versions. However, Audi has announced its plans to exclusively launch electric vehicles from 2026 onward, making it likely that the Q9 will also be an EV. Nevertheless, if this turns out to be true, the name Q9 may not be used as Audi has stated their intention to reserve even numbers for their electric models.
If Audi decides to release an electric vehicle, it could potentially enter the same market as the Mercedes EQS SUV, Rivian R1S, Tesla Model X, and the future Cadillac Escalade IQ.
If Audi were to opt for the combustion route, an option that may be influenced by the recent shifts in legislation within the European Union, the VW Group has a wide array of engines available for potential use. These options include V6 diesel engines for markets beyond the borders of America, gas-powered V6s suitable for entry-level models, and powerful twin-turbo V8s that could potentially be used for S and RS variations. While Audi’s main focus is on electric vehicles, there are still markets such as the United States and China that have a strong demand for large, gas-guzzling luxury SUVs. In order to capitalize on this market, it could prove beneficial for Audi to introduce just one more of these models.
It is important to mention that Audi has already unveiled a considerable three-row SUV named the Q6. This spacious vehicle for families should not be mistaken for the all-electric Q6 e-tron and is exclusively available in the Chinese market. Although it bears a resemblance to other Audi models, it is closely linked to the Volkswagen Atlas and surpasses the dimensions of the Q7 and Q8. If the Q9 does become a reality, we can expect it to be slightly more refined and cater to a wider range of customers.
