Audi Q9, SQ9 Full-Size SUVs Debut
Renowned German luxury car manufacturer, Audi, has just unveiled their flagship SUV. For the first time, Audi has used the 9 moniker in its lineup to emphasize the jump in size, space, luxury and comfort. Called Audi Q9, it is positioned above Q7, as the company’s new flagship SUV and it even spawns a sporty version called SQ9 with a fire-breathing V8 engine. Pricing starts from EUR 108,400 (Rs 1.18 Cr).
Audi Q9 Debuts
With Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7 in the crosshairs, Audi has just unveiled their first-ever full-size SUV. It has to be noted that Q7 is a mid-size luxury SUV (not Creta class), taking on the likes of Mercedes-Benz GLE, BMW X5 and Volvo XC90 among others. Audi SQ9 will spawn a Porsche version as their flagship performance SUV.
Audi Q9 Above, SQ9 Below
Audi Q9 Above, SQ9 Below
In terms of design, Audi Q9 has a massive grille up front with illuminated vertical elements, sleek LED DRLs, Digital Matrix LED headlights that can project warning signals on the ground, up to 23-inch alloy wheels with foam inserts in tyres, automatic doors with soft close features, Grey brake callipers (Red callipers optional), wrap-around OLED tail lights with connected LED strip, illuminated Audi logo and others.
Audi SQ9, on the other hand, gets sharper styling to set itself apart with unique grille, bumpers, wheels, S badges, silver highlights on windowline and bumpers along with quad exhaust tips. Dimensionally, Audi Q9 measures 5,309 mm in length, 2,010 mm in width, 1,794 mm in height and a 3,138 mm long wheelbase to accommodate the three-rows of seating with more space than Q7.
Audi Q9 Above, SQ9 Below
New Interiors
As standard, Audi Q9 gets a 7-seater layout along with a triple screen layout on the dashboard (12.3-inch cluster, 12.3-inch passenger screen, 14.5-inch infotainment). . Audi has used extensive use of wood elements to lend a more luxurious feel. All-three rows of seats are powered, but front seats get fancy features like seat ventilation and massaging. 6-seater layout is optional and SQ9 offers a slightly different interior with a unique 3-spoke steering wheel, while standard model get a 4-spoke steering. SQ9 gets carbon fiber inserts instead of wood.
Audi SQ9 gets sportier Black and White interior with SQ9. Dual wireless chargers, Android Automotive OS with native Google apps, heated armrests on doors and centre console, Audi’s largest-ever panoramic sunroof with adjustable transparency, 22-speaker Bang & Olufsen 4D sound system, Adaptive Driving Assistance+ with sophisticated ADAS suite and other attributes are notable.
Audi Q9 Above, SQ9 Below
Powertrains, Performance
Depending on the market, Audi Q9 will come with either a 2.9L Twin Turbo Petrol V6 (up to 429 bhp, 599 Nm) or a 3.0L Turbo V6 Diesel (up to 299 bhp and 600 Nm) engine options. An 8-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox, adaptive air suspension and with Quattro AWD setup is offered as standard. The more performance oriented Audi SQ9 comes with a 4.0L Twin Turbo V8 with 591 bhp and 800 Nm, mated to same 8-speed Auto and Quattro AWD system with 4s 0-100 km/h sprint and 250 km/h top speed.