The Audi Q9 is one of the biggest projects by the German carmaker. The manufacturer obtained rights to the entire Q1-Q9 lineup and now it is just a matter of time when the squad will be completed. The Q4 should be an electric crossover SUV based on E-Tron technology. It won’t be too big. But, on the other side of the lineup, we expect to see a full-size luxury SUV, a rival to BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS. The move is not so easy to do, since the class is not achieving sales which will put the Q9 at the top of charts. However, the profit Audi is about to make is definitely making chiefs speeding up the decision.
A few things we can guess about the Audi Q9. The vehicle will probably belong to the full-size class, becoming larger than the Q7 and Q8. Such a big SUV needs a lot of power. Its main rivals will deploy eight-cylinder engines. A 4.0-liter powerplant is already available and we can see a different configuration for the Q9. The RS version, or SQ9, might hit a 600 horsepower rating, like the abovementioned competitors.
We still don’t have any clues what would Q9 look like. Well, it is still a rumor and the company needs to provide some kind of a concept to see the reactions. However, the new model is not going to bring a radical turnaround from what fans can see now. The large grille and wheels are the highlights of the exterior. Inside, the cockpit will offer three rows of seats. Safety is the key, while the MMI infotainment is already among the best in the class. Still, unique upgrades and additions will make this SUV distinctive and more appealing than its siblings.
Audi Q9 Specifications, Engines, E-Tron
A V8 is the only choice we will accept for the upcoming Audi Q9. The company might install a six-cylinder unit for the entry-level SUV. However, that configuration is not going to be competitive. Just check its rivals and you will notice that full-size luxury SUVs deliver plenty of power. So, to draw attention, more than 400 ponies have to lay under the hood. A 4.0-liter displacement we meet in the Porsche Cayenne GTS is a perfect option with 450 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. A partner company also delivers its famous SUV with a couple more interesting configurations. Nevertheless, it is questionable how these would fit a larger and heavier Q9. For example, a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 is good for 434 horsepower, while the E-Hybrid version cracks 455 hp and 515 lb-ft. The late one is actually possible.
But, a 4.0-liter mill is definitely a favorite. Audi already uses it for the RS7 sports car, where the engine creates nearly 600 horsepower. Still, there is one more setup. Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid is one of the most powerful SUVs in the market and SQ9 or Q9 RS might enter the top ten of this list as well. Definitely, some configurations are getting support by the systems based on the E-Tron platform. Still, the large all-electric model is not coming out any time soon.
What Will Audi Q9 Look Like?
With an overall body length of more than 200 inches, the Audi Q9 is about to become the largest SUV by the German carmaker. The Q8 concept will be out first, but it won’t take that position for too long. Audi recently launched a few redesigned models and the new unit might pick up some solutions from its siblings. Front grille and fascia design solutions are attractive and fans already can imagine the Q9 wearing a similar mask like the Q5 or Q7. Still, we will have to wait, since the release date of the SUV is not set yet. If it happens in two or more years, a lot of things will be changed.
For now, the MMI system is featuring some advanced options. But, in a year or so, it will require an update. Audi wants to make driving more autonomous. The SUV is going to be a seven-seater, with a choice of captain’s chairs in the middle row. There will be plenty of surprises prepared for the new arrival. We assume the cargo area will be increased, while the towing capacity is going to be over 7,500 pounds.
Release Date Not Set Yet, Prices Can Be Estimated
It seems like Audi is not planning the production of the Q9 yet. But, the company needs such a vehicle to compete with its archrivals. Be sure, it won’t take too long before the manufacturer launches the concept, at least. The MSRP won’t be under $75,000 and that is the mark we see for a model with a six-cylinder unit. When Audi Q9 gains a V8 power, the price will start above $90,000 while the performance unit with 600+ horsepower is going to be in six-digit waters.
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