It looks like the Ingolstadt company has finally made a decision to enter the full-size segment. For a long time, this manufacturer has been hesitating to enter this class of vehicles, where key rivals have been competing for years. Mercedes-Benz has the GLS, while BMW has the X7. Now, Audi will finally arrive with its model. The latest reports suggest its arrival in about a year or two, as the 2025 Audi Q9.
From what we know so far, it will be one of the latest Audi models with internal-combustion engines. It will be relying on familiar design and technical solutions, where the platform and a good number of parts would come from smaller siblings, such as the Q7 and Q8 models. It will be the new flagship model in the company’s lineup, so we have big expectations regarding luxury and refinement.
2025 Audi Q9 Design
As we’ve just mentioned, this will be a brand-new model. For the first time, Audi will offer a full-size SUV and from what we know so far, it will ride on a familiar MLB platform, the same architecture that underpins most Audi models. Of course, we would see all kinds of modifications in this case, especially in terms of the chassis and suspension setup. We could see even more sophisticated components than in the Q7 model, which already comes standard with air suspension.
All in all, we count on butter-smooth ride quality, while all-wheel-drive will most certainly be part of the standard equipment. It will ensure superior grip and competitive performance in the class where some of the key competitors will be the aforementioned GLS and X7 three-row crossovers.
Exterior
When it comes to the 2025 Audi Q9 exterior design, the first thing that comes to mind is size. Of course, we expect to see typical dimensions for the class. This is a full-size SUV segment, where most competitors feature over 120 inches in wheelbase. This model shouldn’t be any different and such impressive dimensions will certainly have a highly positive impact on the interior space and overall comfort.
On the other hand, styling is still a bit of a mystery. Some sources suggest that the inspiration from new aesthetics could be taken from the recently introduced Q6, as well as from the e-tron lineup of all-electric models. Considering the company’s reputation for being extremely conservative in terms of aesthetics, we expect to see a cautious design approach, with a lot of similarities with smaller siblings. As we are talking about the flagship SUV, we also count on a good portion of exclusive details, which will accentuate Audi’s ultimate level of luxury.
2025 Audi Q9 Interior
The same thing is expected with interior design, where smaller models should be taken as inspiration. Of course, we are talking about dashboard design, which could also borrow many design solutions from the A8 saloon. In any case, the outcome would be practically the same. We would see a dashboard that features pretty conservative aesthetics, which come in a combination with high-end tech features. Such a mix proved so many times to work great in Audi models, so we expect nothing less from the new full-size SUV.
Audi currently has just one three-row SUV on offer, the Q7. However, the third row isn’t particularly generous in this mid-size SUV and that’s where the new 2025 Audi Q9 should shine. The longer wheelbase and impressive overall dimensions should make this row adult friendly and allow this Audi to accommodate up to seven adults with ease. Of course, the first two rows will offer a superior level of comfort, even more impressive than in the current mid-siblings, we presume.
Engines and Specs
Considering that platform and overall design approach, we don’t see any other scenario than the use of familiar powertrain options. Therefore, base models would come with a familiar 3.0-liter turbo V6. It could get a slight power boost and offer more than 335 horsepower, which is the rating in Q7 and Q8 models.
The optional V8 would also offer slight power upgrades. The SQ9 would feature more than 500 horsepower, while the highly-anticipated RS Q9 would have to offer more than 600 horsepower to be considered competitive.
Hybrid models are also possible. Audi already has a couple of units that would fit this full-size SUV perfectly. Both are plug-in hybrid systems, based on a 3.0-liter V6 engine, with max outputs of 376 and 450 horsepower.
2025 Audi Q9 Release Date and Price
We expect that the 2025 Audi Q9 will arrive either in the second half of 2024 or sometime in 2025. As for the price, we presume that base models would be similarly priced as rivals from Mercedes-Benz and BMW. In numbers, that would be between 75.000 and 80.000 dollars for the most basic variants.
