2028 Audi Q9: The Ultimate Flagship SUV Finally Arrives | Price, Specs & Rivals

The Long-Awaited Giant: 2028 Audi Q9 Overview

For years, Audi enthusiasts have watched as the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS dominated the full-size luxury SUV segment. That wait is finally coming to an end. The 2028 Audi Q9 is set to be the brand’s true ‘land yacht,’ offering three rows of uncompromised luxury and a presence that dwarfs the current Q7. With an estimated starting price of $95,000 (expected ₹1.55 Crore – ₹1.80 Crore ex-showroom India), the Q9 is positioned to redefine the premium SUV landscape by 2026-2027.

Exterior Design: Sophistication Meets Scale

The 2028 Audi Q9 is not just a stretched Q7. Recent sightings of camouflaged prototypes suggest a more upright, commanding silhouette. The front fascia features a massive ‘Singleframe’ grille, flanked by split-headlight units—a design language seen in the new Q6 e-tron. The sheer length of the rear doors indicates that Audi is prioritizing third-row access and legroom, addressing one of the biggest complaints about the Q7.

Key Exterior Features:

• Digital Matrix LED 2.0: Customizable light signatures that can project warnings on the road.
• Dynamic Presence: 22-inch and 23-inch alloy wheel options as standard.
• OLED Taillights: A full-width light bar with 3D animation effects.

Performance: Powerhouses and Hybrid Efficiency

Audi is expected to offer a mix of internal combustion and electrified powertrains. Under the hood, we anticipate a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with a 48V mild-hybrid system as the base offering. For those seeking performance, a twin-turbo V8 in the ‘SQ9’ variant is highly likely. Furthermore, a Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) version is expected to offer an electric-only range of up to 60 miles (100 km), catering to the 2026 push for greener luxury transport.

Driving Dynamics:

Standard features will include Adaptive Air Suspension and Quattro All-Wheel Drive. To make this behemoth manageable in tight spaces, Audi will likely include rear-axle steering, allowing the back wheels to turn up to 5 degrees.

Interior & Technology: A Digital Sanctuary

The interior of the Q9 is where Audi intends to beat Mercedes. Moving away from the dual-screen setup, the Q9 will feature the ‘Audi Digital Stage’—a massive curved OLED MMI display encompassing the instrument cluster and the central infotainment. A dedicated passenger-side screen is also expected, allowing the co-driver to stream content or assist with navigation without distracting the driver.

Interior Highlights:

• Executive Seating: A choice between a 7-seat bench or a ultra-luxurious 6-seat captain’s chair configuration.
• Sustainable Luxury: Use of recycled Dinamica microfiber and high-end Nappa leather.
• Bang & Olufsen 3D: A 22-speaker sound system with headrest-integrated speakers.

Safety & NCAP Ratings

While the 2028 Audi Q9 has not yet undergone official crash testing, it is built on the high-strength MLB Evo platform. Audi targets a 5-star Euro NCAP rating. Standard safety tech includes Audi Pre-Sense 360, Level 2.5 Autonomous driving features, and a central driver assistance controller that monitors the vehicle’s surroundings using LiDAR and ultrasonic sensors.

The Comparison: 2028 Audi Q9 vs Rivals

How does the new flagship stack up against the established kings of the segment? Here is a 2026 market comparison.

Feature	Audi Q9 (2028)	BMW X7 (2026)	Mercedes-Benz GLS (2026)
Max Power	375 – 550 hp	375 – 523 hp	375 – 510 hp
Third Row Space	Excellent (Adult Friendly)	Good	Excellent
Infotainment	Curved OLED Panorama	BMW Curved Display	MBUX Hyperscreen
PHEV Range	Approx. 100 km	Approx. 80 km	Approx. 90 km

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details (Estimated)
Engine Type	3.0L V6 Turbo / 4.0L V8 Twin-Turbo
Transmission	8-Speed Tiptronic Automatic
0-100 km/h	4.8 – 5.8 Seconds
Top Speed	250 km/h (Electronically Limited)
Drivetrain	Quattro All-Wheel Drive

Variant-Wise Expected Pricing (Ex-Showroom)

Variant	Estimated Price (USD)	Estimated Price (INR)
Audi Q9 55 TFSI (Premium)	$95,000	₹1.50 Crore
Audi Q9 60 TFSI (S-Line)	$108,000	₹1.65 Crore
Audi Q9 60 TFSI e (PHEV)	$115,000	₹1.80 Crore
Audi SQ9 (Performance)	$130,000	₹2.10 Crore

People Also Ask (FAQ)

1. When is the Audi Q9 coming out?

The Audi Q9 is expected to make its global debut in late 2025 or early 2026, with sales starting as a 2027 or 2028 model year vehicle.

2. How much will the Audi Q9 cost?

In the US, pricing will start around $95,000. In India, due to import taxes, it is expected to start around ₹1.5 Crore.

3. Is there an Audi Q9?

Currently, Audi has confirmed they are working on a larger SUV, and prototypes have been spotted testing globally. It is officially expected by 2026.

4. Will the Audi Q9 have 7 seats?

Yes, the Q9 is designed specifically to offer a spacious three-row configuration, seating either 6 or 7 passengers comfortably.

5. What is the engine in the Audi Q9?

The Q9 will likely feature a 3.0L V6 mild-hybrid and a 4.0L V8 twin-turbo, alongside a Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) option.

6. Is Audi Q9 bigger than Q7?

Yes, the Q9 is significantly longer and wider than the Q7, aimed directly at the full-size luxury SUV market.

7. Will there be an Audi SQ9?

Yes, a performance-oriented SQ9 variant with a V8 engine is expected to compete with the BMW X7 M60i.

8. Does Audi Q9 have a V8 engine?

The higher-spec variants and the SQ9 model are expected to retain the 4.0-liter V8 engine.

9. What are the rivals for Audi Q9?

Primary rivals include the BMW X7, Mercedes-Benz GLS, Range Rover, and the Lexus LX.

10. Is Audi Q9 an electric vehicle?

The Q9 will be an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) and Hybrid vehicle. A full electric version would likely be called the Q9 e-tron on a different platform.

Verdict: Should You Buy It?

The 2028 Audi Q9 is the missing piece in Audi’s portfolio. If you need a true 7-seater with the tech-forward approach Audi is known for, the Q9 will be worth the wait. However, being late to the market means it must offer something extraordinary to steal buyers from BMW and Mercedes.

Pros:

• Massive interior space compared to the Q7.
• Cutting-edge triple-screen dashboard.
• Potent PHEV options with high electric range.
• Superior ride quality with advanced air suspension.

Cons:

• Significantly higher price point than the Q7.
• Late entry into a crowded segment.
• Dimensions might be challenging for narrow city streets.