Audi Provides a Sneak Peak at the Upcoming Q9 SUV
If its space that customers seek, the new Q9 full-size SUV has that in abundance.
It’s not just outright space where Audi aims to triumph, it’s also aiming to give customers an experience, too.
Available as a 7-seater, or optional 6-seat for the full business-class treatment, the middle row has two electrically adjustable individual captain’s chairs that are fully ventilated or heated controlled via the centre panels that can also adjust both the cushion and the backrest. Opt for the sports seat plus and it adds massage functions, too.
Even the seven-seater model has partially power-adjustable seats for all rows, plus the third-row can be folded down electrically.
A first for Audi introduces electrically operated doors making opening and closing effortless, which is useful as Audi claims all doors have a wide opening angle.
Another useful aspect of electrically opening doors is that they can prevent the door from opening if the surround sensors detect an obstacle approaching. This improves road safety by preventing doors from opening into traffic.
The large panoramic sunroof is 1.5 meters squared and is openable, according to Audi. And to ensure drivers and their occupants are completely comfortable, the glass roof is divided into 9 segments that are fully controllable with each segment becoming opaque at the touch of a button.
Top trim level include 84 LEDs to illuminate the roof in one of 30 colours that can match the ambient lighting. There’s even an ambient lighting option from the ambient lighting pack that includes ‘dynamic interaction light’ (IAL) that has a continuous LED light strip spanning the full width of the interior, all of which can interact with the Bang & Olufsen sound system.
And the sound system is quite extensive, not only with speakers found in the headrests - along with everywhere else - but the seats have built-in actuators that make you feel the music, too.
This may sound daft, but I worked with a profoundly deaf lady that used to listen to my music because she could feel the bass through the headphones.
Interior options feature new fabrics and wood trims. There’s premium upholstery from alpaca wool, Dinamica microfiber, leather and leatherette blends, and fine Nappa leather to choose from - in exchange for money, undoubtedly.
The decorative elements are said to include a fine grain ash, a silk beige; natural lime structure; or carbon fibre weave with basalt grey accents.
One for Jim is a reduced use of glossy surfaces favouring matte and textured materials instead to minimize fingerprints and fine scratches.
Audi says the “interior exudes tranquillity and sophistication”.
For now, Audi isn’t giving much away. There are no specs, there’s no drivetrain information, or prices, but the big premiere is set for 29 July where all shall be revealed.
———
About the Author
Graeme Cobb is a lifelong car enthusiast with a passion for writing about cars, EVs, industry updates and more.
You can find Graeme on 𝕏 at @graeme_cobb or YouTube @REV-EV.