2027 Audi Q9 & SQ9 Bring the Stature and StrengthTSPAudi's new pair of flagship SUVs, the Q9 and its more potent SQ9 relation, may have just debuted on Tuesday evening, but they're preparing themselves for a fight as soon as they hit the street. And it should be a good battle to watch, as Ingolstadt's first proper full-size three-row will be facing up against the likes of BMW's X7, the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, and Cadillac's perennially popular Escalade in one of the hottest market segments in the luxury car realm.The Audi Q9 is powered by a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V-6 making 429 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. The sportier SQ9 sibling model goes one step further, using a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 to produce 591 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. Despite respective curb weights of 5302 pounds and 5556 pounds, the Q5 launches from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a claimed 4.9 seconds, while the heavier SQ5 hits 60 mph from a dig in a rapid 3.8 seconds, according to the carmaker.The Audi SQ9.AudiUnder the skin, both the Q9 and SQ9 use familiar hardware from Audi's lineup. Both models use eight-speed automatic transmissions, all-wheel drive, and adaptive air suspension with continuously variable damping, as well as automatically or manually adjustable ride height. Automatic all-wheel steering is included on Prestige-trim Q9 and SQ9 models, with a maximum of five degrees of rear-wheel turning. SQ9 models also feature an electronically controlled rear-axle differential lock and an electro-mechanical clutch, which can direct almost all torque to the rear wheels, as well as a staggered-width tire setup with 285mm section tires up front and 315mm section rubber in the rear. Both the Q9 and SQ9 offer a 7700-pound tow rating.AdvertisementAdvertisementIn terms of size, the Q9 mirrors rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7, but at 209 inches long, 86.8 inches wide, and 71.4 inches tall, it will also be the most spacious Audi to date. The Q9 also features one of the longest wheelbases in the segment, at 123.5 inches.Audi SQ9.TSPStrong performance is a requisite for vehicles this large and in charge, but it's not the reason that most people buy three-row SUVs. Comfort and amenities are the primary factors, and Audi doesn't fall short in these categories. The company offers two interior packages for the Q9 and SQ9, one of which seats seven with second-and third-row benches in a 35/30/35 split. The other configuration, exclusively offered on the Q9, features a pair of captain's chairs in the second row and a bench seat in the third for a total of six spots. Each third-row seat can be folded with the push of a button, too. The Q9 offers 50 cubic feet of storage with the third row folded, and 19.3 cubic feet with all three rows in place.Audi SQ9.TSPOther interior features include automatic electric-assisted power doors, five-zone climate control, and the largest panoramic sunroof ever fitted to an Audi. And as is common today, there's no shortage of screens inside the Q9: the primary 14.5-inch infotainment screen is joined by a 12.3-inch passenger-focused screen, akin to Mercedes-Benz's Superscreen system, and a 11.9-inch virtual instrument cluster. An optional Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System with 4D sound features 22 speakers and two seat actuators; the sound system includes tweeters and mid-range speakers, a subwoofer, an optimized center speaker, and four headrest speakers — two each for the driver and front passenger.AudiLighting is an arena where Audi is particularly proud of its accomplishments, as the Q9 will be the carmaker's first North American market model to feature the Digital Matrix LED headlight system. Audi developed a new version of the setup, which selectively illuminates different road sections with varying brightness to improve visibility and reduce glare for other drivers, that complies with U.S. Department of Transportation regulations. The rear lights are also a first for Audi, as the OLED system curves with the shape of the rear end. Audi's advanced turn signal system will cast a stylized indicator onto the ground when the signals are illuminated, and the tail lights can even display a flashing hazard alert if a car is too close to the bumper.AudiAdvertisementAdvertisementSAE Level 2 semi-autonomous driving will be available on the SQ9 and Q9 Premium Plus and Prestige models. The hands-free system can be used on select roads and handles steering, acceleration, and braking at speeds of up to 85 mph. The system will roll out in the U.S. and Germany initially before expanding to other markets.U.S. deliveries are set to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026. SQ9 units will start at $118,000, while the base price for a Q9 starts at $87,700.You Might Also LikeIf You Can Only Own One Car, Make It One of TheseThese Are the Most Popular Cars by State