Hello friends. Audi is actively expanding its crossover model range with a new model, which will be called the Audi Q9. I have repeatedly told you about this car, but it so happened that the Germans leaked a new portion of information about the upcoming new product, so I have something to tell you.
A prototype of the future Q9 was spotted during recent tests in cold climates, which confirms rumors about the development of this model that have circulated for many years.
In addition, Audi has already registered a trademark with this name, and in January 2024, Audi Australia CEO Jeff Mannering confirmed the possibility of such a model in an interview with Car Sales. In addition to this, Audi representatives in the United States hinted to their dealers back in the 20s that a full-size crossover would appear by 2025. This indicates that the Q9 will most likely be released as a 2026 model.
In addition, Audi needs to strengthen its position in the premium segment. The appearance of the Q9 prototype demonstrates modern design features of Audi inherent in the new corporate style of the company, and it is very simple here.
This is a new huge radiator grille and two-level optics on the sides. The most interesting thing is that the new Q7, which is also already undergoing testing, will receive the same look.
A similar characteristic style can be seen on new models such as the Q5 and the electric Q6 E-Tron, but in the Q9 everything will be much larger. The exact details of the interior have not yet been disclosed, but judging by the fact that the model will be released in 2025, there is good reason to believe that the Q9 will receive an interior in the spirit of the latest Q5, with a large curved OLED panel and another screen for the front passenger. Instead of the usual gear lever, the flagship will receive a neat lever and a floating console, this is a fairly popular solution in modern crossovers.
According to the status of the model, the new product will receive a spacious interior with three rows of seats, designed for seven people. In addition, a version with two separate captain's seats in the second row will be available for an additional fee.
The use of high-quality materials, advanced technologies and driver assistance systems will become standard for the Audi Q9, emphasizing its status in the brand's lineup.
Interestingly, the prototype is equipped with a traditional radiator grille and visible exhaust, which confirms the presence of an internal combustion engine. Most likely, we are talking about a hybrid power plant, which is in line with the current strategy of the brand. Let me remind you that Audi uses even numbers in the names of its models with an electric drive and odd numbers for models with traditional internal combustion engines, even if they are equipped with a hybrid system.
At the moment, it is known for sure that the Q9 will receive a 3-liter turbodiesel, which is so loved by fans of the brand.
The V6 will produce 286 horsepower and 600 Newton meters and will be equipped with a 48-volt starter generator producing an additional 20 horsepower and 200 Newton meters of torque. Based on a 3-liter V6 gasoline engine, the company will offer a full-fledged plug-in hybrid with an electric motor and an output of 490 hp with the ability to move on electric power alone for almost 100 kilometers, which is very cool.
Well, the top version of the SQ9 will receive a 4-liter V8 with twin turbocharging with a capacity of 507 hp and 770 Nm, a 48-volt starter-generator will also be attached to it in favor of modern environmental trends.
For Audi, the appearance of the Q9 is an important event. The company is not doing very well right now. According to the results of the first nine months of the year, sales of the Audi Group, which includes Bentley, Lamborghini and Ducati, decreased by 10.9%, which affected sales volumes and financial results.
