After years of speculation and spy shots, Audi has officially confirmed what luxury SUV enthusiasts have been waiting for: the Q9, the brand’s first-ever full-size three-row SUV, will debut in 2026. This move marks a significant milestone for the German automaker as it finally enters the competitive full-size luxury SUV segment.
Filling a Gap in Audi’s Lineup
The Q9 will join Audi’s lineup in 2026 after years of rumors about a luxury flagship SUV from Ingolstadt designed to compete with the BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS. While Audi has long offered the Q7 as its three-row option, the vehicle has been positioned more as a midsize offering, leaving a noticeable gap at the top of the range.
Once the Q9 goes on sale, it will finally allow Audi to compete directly with full-size luxury SUVs such as the BMW X7, Lexus LX, and Mercedes-Benz GLS. The delayed entry into this segment may seem overdue, but Audi appears committed to making a strong impression with its flagship SUV.
What We Know About the Audi Q9
Platform and Powertrains
Rather than following an all-electric route, Audi is taking a traditional approach with gas and hybrid options built on the new Premium Platform Combustion (PPC). This strategic decision reflects the brand’s understanding that many luxury SUV buyers still prefer conventional powertrains, especially in the full-size segment where towing capacity and long-distance capability remain priorities.
The Q9 will be positioned above the Q7 in both size and price, with expectations pointing toward a six-figure starting price that aligns it with other flagship luxury SUVs in the market.
Interior and Features
Given its flagship positioning, the Q9 is expected to feature an opulent interior with cavernous passenger accommodations offering six or seven seats, along with the latest technology and safety features Audi has to offer, with particular emphasis on rear-seat comfort and entertainment.
Buyers can anticipate the full suite of Audi’s advanced driver assistance systems, premium materials throughout the cabin, and the brand’s latest infotainment technology. The focus on rear-seat luxury suggests Audi is targeting buyers who frequently chauffeur passengers or prioritize family comfort on long journeys.
Market Positioning and Competition
The full-size luxury SUV segment has become increasingly lucrative, with models like the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, BMW X7, and Mercedes-Benz GLS commanding premium prices and loyal followings. Audi’s absence from this space has been conspicuous, particularly as competitors have refined their offerings over multiple generations.
The Q9 will debut alongside a redesigned Q7, marking a renewed focus on larger combustion-powered vehicles. This dual launch strategy suggests Audi is serious about establishing dominance in the three-row SUV market while maintaining distinct positioning between its midsize and full-size offerings.
Development and Testing
The Q9 has been spotted testing in various locations around the world, from the frozen roads of northern Sweden to the challenging curves of Germany’s Nürburgring and warm-weather environments in Spain. This extensive testing regimen indicates Audi’s commitment to ensuring the Q9 delivers the performance, comfort, and reliability expected from a flagship model.
What This Means for Buyers
For prospective buyers, the Q9 represents an exciting new option in the full-size luxury SUV space. Those who have appreciated Audi’s design language, technology integration, and driving dynamics but needed more space than the Q7 offers will finally have a compelling choice.
The 2026 launch timeline means interested buyers should expect to see the official reveal sometime in late 2025 or early 2026, with vehicles arriving at dealerships shortly thereafter. Given the competitive nature of this segment, Audi will need to bring its A-game in terms of design, technology, comfort, and value proposition.
The Bottom Line
The Audi Q9 fills a significant gap in the brand’s lineup and demonstrates the company’s commitment to the luxury SUV market despite the industry’s broader shift toward electrification. By offering traditional powertrains in a full-size package, Audi is betting that there remains strong demand for gasoline and hybrid options in this segment.
As 2026 approaches, luxury SUV buyers will be watching closely to see how Audi’s first full-size SUV stacks up against established competitors. If the Q9 delivers on its promise of combining Audi’s renowned technology and build quality with the space and luxury befitting a flagship SUV, it could quickly become a serious contender in this premium segment.
The wait is almost over for Audi enthusiasts who have longed for a true full-size SUV wearing the four rings. The Q9’s arrival in 2026 marks the beginning of a new chapter for Audi’s SUV lineup and promises to shake up the competitive landscape of luxury three-row vehicles.