The 2021 Audi Q9 SUV is the next model we are getting by the German carmaker. We wrote recently about the Q6, and this one is not anywhere near the premiere, although some reports said it could be an E-Tron electric SUV. And what about the Q9? What is it? How big it is going to be? Are there special versions in plans, such as RS or E-Tron? There are many questions regarding the upcoming SUV, whose premiere will happen next season.
The seating capacity of the 2021 Audi Q9 will be seven. But, if the carmaker goes after a coupe-SUV, then there won’t be room for the third row. Quattro AWD is going to be standard, while the upper trim levels could be either RS or SQ9. The vehicle will rival the upcoming X8 by the BMW and the interior is about to offer the latest features. One of the most advanced systems could be autonomous drive. Level 2+ is very probable. The E Tron technology will evolve further, resulting in the all-electric drivetrain for the new SUV.
Size, Capacities
Since it wears a number above the biggest SUV in the lineup, Q8, the 2021 Audi Q9 will probably be bigger. It is not hard to guess. But, how much? Is it going to increase the cargo space and seating capacity? Probably not, since the German manufacturer is about to make it a coupe SUV. However, the front row won’t suffer because of the sloped roofline. In a matter of fact, the lack of third row will provide more space in other spots. Plus, Audi will probably deliver a more advanced system to make a ride more comfortable and convenient.
The Q9 will be at least 200 inches long. However, the upcoming SUV will use the same platform and wheelbase as the Q8. Even if it gets an electric unit, that is going to be optional drivetrain. Its sibling is 196 inches long. So, bigger and bolder 2021 Audi Q9 is going to be.
We cannot predict the overall cargo capacity, but the Q9 will offer more space than Q7. A three-row model can offer up to 71 cu.ft. The new SUV will gain about 20 cubic feet for cargo.
Specs
The 2021 Audi Q9 will need a lot of power to be competitive with the largest units by its archrivals. Engineers could borrow a setup of a 4.0-liter V8 from Porsche, where it can produce a lot of power. Well, the Q9 RS version will be the most capable model in the lineup, and it can get energy close to the highest outputs for Cayenne Turbo S and Lamborghini Urus. Nevertheless, do not expect Audi Q9 to top their numbers.
2021 Audi Q9 E Tron
Another option for the 2021 Audi Q9 is to deploy a hybrid and electric technology. Mercedes and BMW are already in this class, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the third German premium carmaker to take the same move. Well, Audi already has the technology, but engineers are developing it shyly. They will have to speed up the development and set some challenges for its competitors, not only in the full-size segment. The E Tron technology is mated to the famous Quattro system. An all-wheel drive is going to be the only option across the lineup, no matter what kind of a drivetrain the 2021 Audi Q9 is going to introduce.
2021 Audi Q9 Release Date, Price
You won’t see the 2021 Audi Q9 at dealerships any time soon. The company might bring it next season as a concept model, with the release date in a year or more. But, the evolution of the SUV lineup goes faster, and now the German carmaker has almost filled the entire Q1-Q9 squad. Of course, four models are still missing, but we are reading rumors about them.
MSRP
The price of the full-size SUV will start above $75,000, that is for sure. However, the level of advanced features will dictate precise MSRP. Do not be surprised if the Q9 becomes one of the most luxurious vehicles in the segment, taking it on the Range Rover or Lincoln Navigator.