• The 2027 Audi Q9 and SQ9 are new three-row luxury SUVs that will take on the BMW X7 and the Mercedes-Benz GLS-class.
• Both full-size SUVs will go on sale late this year, with the Q9 starting at $89,095 and the SQ9 starting at $119,395.

The new 2027 Audi Q9 and SQ9 overtake the A8 and S8 sedans to become the brand's new flagship models. Sitting above the Q7 and SQ7 in the lineup, the XXL three-row SUV is Audi's riposte to the BMW X7, Mercedes-Benz GLS, and Range Rover. Naturally, such a machine was developed with an eye toward the U.S. market.

"U.S. requirements were at the center of the product-development process," said Audi CEO Gernot Döllner, speaking at a preview of the new SUV. He further acknowledged that a full-size SUV "was the loudest request from our dealers" in North America. The continent is expected to account for about two-thirds of Q9 production from the plant in Bratislava, which also builds the Q7.

At 209.1 inches long, the Q9 is nearly 10 inches longer than today's Q7; its 123.6-inch wheelbase is almost six inches longer, and the vehicle is also 2.8 inches taller. From a styling perspective, the Q9 has smooth surfaces rather than the creases seen on most of the brand's other products, because, as senior exterior designer Gary Telaak says, "We wanted to express sovereignty."

The shape and surface detailing may be restrained, but Audi's lighting engineers really cut loose. The Q9 has matrix LED headlights—yes, even in the U.S.—which automatically reduce glare for other road users by actively switching off individual LEDs aimed at oncoming vehicles. The OLED taillights have a curved surface for the first time and can display a variety of light patterns, including a triangle when the hazard lights are activated. (The OLED's sparkle effect remains a bridge too far for U.S. regulators, however.) Both the front and rear turn signals project onto the ground, which is a first. And, naturally for a range-topping model, the front grille can be illuminated, as can the four-rings logos at the front and rear.

capability.

The SQ9, meanwhile, powers up with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 that's good for 591 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque (mirroring the offering in the latest SQ7). It's also paired with an eight-speed automatic and Quattro all-wheel drive, here with a greater rear bias, an electronically controlled locking rear differential, and brake torque vectoring. Audi posits a 3.8-second 60-mph time for the high-performance model, which also comes with staggered-width rubber on 22- or 23-inch wheels (10 inches wide up front, 11.5 inches at the rear); a sport exhaust system; matte aluminum mirror caps; slightly more prominent wheel surrounds; and a honeycomb grille.

The chassis incorporates adaptive air springs that can vary the ride height by up to 3.5 inches; maximum ground clearance is 10 inches. The SQ9's optional S Sport package brings a firmer suspension tune, while four-wheel steering is included on the Q9 Prestige and the SQ9. The various drive modes can alter the suspension damping, ride height, steering effort, throttle and transmission mapping, and torque distribution, and the vehicle can select the most appropriate mode automatically.

We've already had a sneak preview of the Q9 interior, but the details are worth recapping. Three-row seating will be offered in two configurations: 2-3-2 (standard) or 2-2-2 (optional), with all seats power-adjustable. LATCH child-seat anchors are present both in the second row (two with captain's chairs, three with the bench) and in the rearmost row. Heated front sports seats are standard, with ventilation optional. Sport Seats Plus add a massage function. Power-opening and -closing doors are also available, as is heating for the door armrests and center armrests. An available Bang & Olufsen "4D" sound system includes vibrating elements in the front seats and headrest speakers—total speaker count for the 1360-watt system is 22. A built-in dash cam is standard on the SQ9 and available on the Q9.

The Q9's screen scene includes a 14.5-inch central display, an 11.9-inch instrumentation display for the driver, and a standard 12.3-inch screen for the front-seat passenger. The infotainment system is Android-based and supports third-party apps, while the voice-recognition system integrates Amazon Alexa.

Overhead, a panoramic sunroof is standard, and it opens as well. In the top trim, the glass roof includes ambient lighting, while glass panels that are dimmable in sections can be had as an option. In a move to take the Q9 interior further upmarket, Audi dials back its recent fascination with gloss-black plastic, instead favoring matte finishes and offering several wood trim options.

In a reversal of typical Audi practice, sales of the Q9 and SQ9 will start in North America first, with the model set to arrive in U.S. showrooms late this year. Pricing starts at $89,095 for the Q9, with the Premium Plus coming in at $94,695, and the Prestige at $103,795. The SQ9 is sold as a single trim level, for $119,395.

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Joe Lorio has been obsessed with cars since his Matchbox days, and he got his first subscription to Car and Driver at age 11. Joe started his career at Automobile Magazine under David E. Davis Jr., and his work has also appeared on websites including Amazon Autos, Autoblog, AutoTrader, Hagerty, Hemmings, KBB, and TrueCar.