Spy Photos of the 2027 Audi SQ9 Reveal a Composite Design

Spy Photos of the 2027 Audi SQ9 Reveal a Composite Design

      Stefan Baldauf / SB-Medien

      The most significant car news and reviews, no fuss.

      Our complimentary daily newsletter delivers the essential stories right to you every weekday.

      Surprisingly, Audi still lacks a competitor to the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and BMW X7, but that will change next year.

      The Audi Q9 three-row SUV is set to make its debut in 2026 and will be positioned above the Q7 in the brand’s lineup. Recently, a performance variant of the Q9, named the 2027 Audi SQ9, was spotted undergoing testing at the Nurburgring in Germany.

      The SQ9 will enhance the Q9 model, offering greater speed and power. It is anticipated to feature the same 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 found in the SQ7 and SQ8. The output is expected to be around 500 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque. An 8-speed automatic transmission will manage gear shifts, with a performance version of Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive as standard.

      Stefan Baldauf / SB-Medien

      The front design of the SQ9 combines elements from the latest Q3 and Q7, along with features from the current SQ7 and SQ8. It showcases the signature split headlight design and egg crate grille. The vehicle is equipped with what appear to be large 22- or 23-inch multi-spoke wheels, giving it an imposing look despite the SQ9’s overall size. The shoulder line and rear fender have a more rounded contour, reminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz GLS rather than the Audi Q7.

      Stefan Baldauf / SB-Medien

      The rear design is less polarizing than the front, featuring horizontal taillights similar to those on the Q7. Audi's S-line design includes quad exhaust tips, which the SQ9 also adopts. Similar to the Q7 and Q8, the SQ9 will have a rear hatch that extends low and deep into the bumper, allowing for easier loading with a lower lift-over height. The hatch opening resembles the Q8 style rather than the clamshell design of the Q7. A towing receiver is visible, and it is expected that the vehicle will have a towing capacity of over 7,000 pounds.

      The Audi SQ9 is anticipated to debut in 2026, with availability in the U.S. as a 2027 model. In the meantime, feel free to browse the gallery of spy shots below.

      See something noteworthy? Feel free to let us know at [email protected]

Spy Photos of the 2027 Audi SQ9 Reveal a Composite Design Spy Photos of the 2027 Audi SQ9 Reveal a Composite Design Spy Photos of the 2027 Audi SQ9 Reveal a Composite Design

Other articles

Spy Photos of the 2027 Audi SQ9 Reveal a Composite Design

Audi's forthcoming three-row SUV will have a more powerful companion with additional cylinders.