The Audi Q9, a £103,000+ Land Ship Goes on Sale
It’s fair to say that, given its size and price, the 5.3 metre long Audi Q9 won’t be a popular sight on U.K. roads, bar airport locations for VIPing customers from their executive office door, directly to a first class lounge.
And that’s perhaps one reason why the Q9 can be optioned with the Lounge Pack - for £5,000 - with one less seat, and a lot more individual space and poshness, but only on the top spec Vorsprung trim, which is priced from £113,250.
For that, customers will not only spend nearly £120,000, but they will acquire a six-seat configuration across three rows, with ventilated and massage seats and a heated leather centre console arm rest in the second row.
Audi will tell customers that “Combining world-first lighting technology, precise driving dynamics and a business-class on-board experience, enabled by exceptional levels of comfort and refinement, the Audi Q9 further strengthens the brand’s positioning in the UK premium market.” And with a 3.1 meter wheelbase, business-class levels of seating and legroom should allow one to unfurl a broadsheet newspaper whilst stretching out in those brogues, enclosed in a quiet, calm, sumptuous environment, complemented by a serene ride.
Not only does the cars length at 5,310 mm seem huge, but its also a wide load at 2,210 mm. To enable the leviathan to move, it’s fitted with a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine delivering 299 PS and 630 Nm, mated to an eight-speed tiptronic gearbox and quattro permanent all-wheel drive.
Audi UK director José Miguel Aparicio says “The Audi Q9 is a compelling new proof point of Audi’s leadership in the premium automotive market. As our first full-size SUV flagship, it completes the Audi SUV portfolio and introduces a new benchmark for luxury, innovation and comfort. Its suite of cutting-edge technologies elevates the in-car experience for our customers, transforming every journey into a truly special occasion.”
Equipment, Trims and Prices
The Q9 comes with Adaptive air suspension to ensure a comfortable ride but, to manoeuvre such a large vehicle, Audi has fitted it with a progressive, all-wheel steering system.
Audi’s infotainment system uses the Android Automotive OS operating system with apps available from the Audi Application Store by passing screen mirroring from a mobile phone, directly integrated into the MMI.
Apps are available in categories from music, video, gaming, navigation, parking and charging, productivity, weather, and even the news. The store will also expand with more apps and personalisation over time.
Voice control has been significantly enhanced thanks to ChatGPT integration. The Audi assistant, Audi’s self-learning voice assistant, can be used to control numerous vehicle functions via natural language.
The MMI panoramic display
The MMI is now a curved panoramic OLED display comprising of an 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit and the 14.5-inch MMI touch display. There’s also a 12.3-inch passenger display with distraction-free dynamic privacy mode, which means distracting content such as videos cannot be viewed from the driver’s seat while driving.
There are two trims available; the Audi Q9 SUV Edition 1 is a strict 7-seater, and the top-spec Audi Q9 SUV Vorsprung with the option for a 6-seat Lounge layout at an addtional £5,000.
Audi Q9 Edition 1 Trim: £103,900
For that near £104,000 asking price, customers will get 22" Audi Sport alloy wheels, red brake callipers, adaptive air suspension, all-wheel steering, Audi Drive Select Assistant - features 7 modes (balanced, comfort, dynamic, efficiency, individual, off-road and assistant) and quattro all-wheel drive with self-locking centre differential.
The Q9 also features Matrix LED headlights with dynamic indicators, digital daytime running lights with a choice of up to 7 digital light signatures selectable in the MMI, headlight cleaning system and LED rear lights pro with dynamic indicators.
Inside there’s 4-zone automatic climate control system, ventilated and massaging sport seats plus from fine Nappa leather, with memory function for exterior mirrors and front seats, heated front and rear seats for 2nd and 3rd rows, heated armrests in the front and rear doors, and a heated leather wrapped multi-function steering wheel
Audi Q9 Vorsprung: £113,250
The top-spec Vorsprung adds 23" Audi Sport alloy wheels with unpainted calipers, digital Matrix LED headlights with advanced dynamic indicators incorporating ground projection light, curved digital OLED rear lights with up to eight light signatures selectable via the MMI, including partially active 3D light signatures, advanced dynamic rear indicators incorporating ground projection light, exterior ambient lighting package including illumination for Singleframe grille and rear Audi rings and projection light for door area, wirelessly heated climate-controlled windshield and automatic doors with remote control operation .
Inside adds fine Nappa leather, perforated with dynamic pattern and contrast stitching in Steel grey, air quality package including fragrance, ambient lighting package plus including enhanced dynamic interaction light extending into doors and a Bang & Olufsen 4D Premium sound system with 22 speakers, including front headrest speakers, front seat bass actuators and illuminated B&O logo.
Availability
The all-new Audi Q9 is on sale now with deliveries expected to start in November.
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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
