Audi Previews Q9 Interior as Flagship Three-Row SUV Nears July Debut

Audi has revealed the production interior of its upcoming Q9, a full-size three-row SUV the company is positioning as its new flagship to rival the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS. The vehicle will be fully unveiled on July 29, 2026, with U.S. deliveries expected in the fourth quarter of 2026, though some other markets may see the model arrive in 2027.

The Details

The Q9 will be Audi's first full-size SUV, and the company is placing it at the top of its portfolio as consumer demand shifts away from traditional sedans, according to Ars Technica. The publication reported that Audi says the vehicle is being positioned as a flagship model reflecting that demand shift.

The cabin includes curved driver-facing displays, dual wireless phone chargers, USB-C ports, and a Bang & Olufsen 4D sound system. Ars Technica reported that the sound system includes seat actuators and headrest speakers, though exact feature availability varies by market. The Car Guide reported that the Q9 will be offered in both six-seat and seven-seat layouts, with motorized seat adjustments and power-operated doors among the premium features.

Audi designer Chris Koelle told Ars Technica the interior was conceived to create a calming environment. "When you close the car… what we wanted to create is it's calming you down in a way and giving this kind of luxury approach that everything is controlled, everything's floating, everything is quiet and everything is in its place," Koelle said.

Audi has not yet disclosed final powertrain specifications or pricing. CarExpert reports the SUV is expected to ride on Volkswagen Group's Premium Platform Combustion architecture, though Audi has not officially confirmed full mechanical details.

Audi CEO Gernot Döllner, quoted by CarExpert, said, "In 2025, Audi set out on a new path – with a clear design philosophy … the new Audi Q9 strengthens our position in the US and defines the top of our portfolio."

Multiple independent outlets report the Q9 is expected to assume flagship duties as the Audi A8 sedan is discontinued or de-emphasized in key markets. The Car Guide reported that the A8 has been discontinued or is ending in some markets, helping explain the flagship shift.

Launch timing varies slightly by region. Ars Technica reports U.S. deliveries in the fourth quarter of 2026, while CarExpert and The Car Guide cite Australia and North American availability for 2027.

Context

Audi's decision to shift flagship emphasis to the Q9 follows the discontinuation or phase-out of the A8 sedan in some markets, a move that reflects broader industry pressure as buyers increasingly favor SUVs over traditional luxury sedans. Multiple reports say the Q9 will compete directly with other large luxury SUVs such as the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS. Audi's positioning of the vehicle as its portfolio flagship signals the company's strategic priority in the U.S. market, a point underscored by CEO Gernot Döllner's statement that the Q9 strengthens Audi's position in the US. CarExpert reports the Q9 is expected to ride on Volkswagen Group's Premium Platform Combustion architecture, though Audi has not yet announced full powertrain details.

What's Next

Audi plans the full Q9 unveiling for July 29, 2026. U.S. deliveries are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026 according to Ars Technica, while some other markets may see the vehicle in 2027 according to conflicting regional reports from CarExpert and The Car Guide. The company has not yet released powertrain specifications or pricing, and some feature details may vary across market-specific trims. Audi has also not officially confirmed the reported Volkswagen Group Premium Platform Combustion architecture.