# Audi Q9 flagship SUV launch and global rollout > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/audi-flagship-suv-launch > Updated: 2026-08-14T04:38:57.000Z. Sources: 211. Developments: 8. Audi has unveiled the Q9, its largest flagship SUV, measuring 5.31m x 2.21m x 1.81m with a 3.14m wheelbase. Positioned to compete with the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS, the vehicle features a standard seven-seat layout and an optional six-seat configuration. Key technologies include Matrix LED headlights, third-generation curved digital OLED rear lamps, and a large panoramic glass roof exceeding 1.5 m² as standard. Powertrains vary by region. In Europe, the Q9 is available with a 3.0-liter V6 TDI mild-hybrid diesel, offered in outputs of 180 kW (approx. 245 hp) and 220 kW (299 hp). The high-performance SQ9 variant features a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 591 hp, capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. In the U.S., a 2.9-liter V6 petrol (429 hp) is specified. All models utilize quattro all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. During development, Audi implemented a late-stage design change to the door handles. Following personal testing by CEO Gernot Döllner, the company reverted from touch-activated electric handles to conventional mechanical handles to ensure a more intuitive user experience. Pricing and availability are expanding globally. In Germany, the entry-level Q9 TDI is priced at €108,400, with first customer hand-overs slated for the fourth quarter of 2026. The Q9 is also targeting major markets including China and the Middle East. In India, the Q9 is slated for a second-half 2027 launch. As part of this luxury expansion, Audi is launching the third generation of its Q7 SUV this autumn. Sharing a platform with the upcoming Q9, the new Q7 features technical and qualitative synergies with the flagship model. Initial offerings include 3.0-liter V6 diesel mild-hybrid engines with 245 PS or 299 PS, with pricing starting at approximately €87,900. ## Claims - The Q9 offers a standard seven‑seat configuration. (corroborated by 13 sources) - The Audi Q9 measures 5.31 m in length, 2.21 m in width and 1.81 m in height. (corroborated by 13 sources) - The European Q9 is powered by a 3.0‑litre V6 TDI diesel delivering 299 hp and 630 Nm of torque, paired with a 48‑V mild‑hybrid system. (corroborated by 13 sources) - The Q9 features third‑generation OLED rear lights and Matrix LED front lights. (corroborated by 13 sources) - The Q9 features third‑generation OLED rear lights. (corroborated by 11 sources) - The Q9 cockpit runs Android Automotive OS and includes an integrated ChatGPT AI assistant. (corroborated by 10 sources) - The Q9’s panoramic roof covers more than 1.5 m² of glass area. (corroborated by 9 sources) - The Q9 is priced at approximately €126,090. (corroborated by 8 sources) - Audi Q9 is the largest SUV ever produced by Audi, measuring 5.31 m long, 2.21 m wide, 1.81 m high and a 3.14 m wheelbase. (corroborated by 8 sources) - Orders for the Q9 open in July 2026 with first deliveries scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026. (corroborated by 7 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-14: Audi unveils Q9 and SQ9 luxury SUVs Audi has unveiled the Q9 and SQ9, its largest luxury SUVs to date. The models feature advanced LED lighting and high-performance V6 and V8 engines, following a design pivot to prioritize traditional door handle 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/audi-unveils-q9-and-sq9-luxury-suvs ### 2026-08-12: Audi launches third generation of Q7 SUV Audi is launching the third generation of its Q7 SUV this autumn, featuring improved material quality, advanced digital lighting, and mild-hybrid diesel engines starting at 87,900 euros. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/audi-prepares-launch-of-third-generation-q7-suv ### 2026-08-09: Audi expands luxury SUV lineup with new Q7 and Q9 models Audi is launching two major luxury SUVs: the third-generation Q7, arriving in September 2026, and the Q9, the brand's largest flagship SUV to date, targeting the high-end global market. 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/audi-q9-and-mercedes-gls-a-comparison-of-premium-luxury-suvs ### 2026-08-08: Audi reveals Czech pricing for new Q9 luxury SUV Audi has revealed Czech pricing for the new Q9, a luxury seven-seater featuring a 3.0L mild hybrid V6 TDI engine, with prices starting at approximately 2.69 million CZK. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/audi-reveals-czech-pricing-for-new-q9-luxury-suv ### 2026-08-07: Audi India Plans New Q3, A5 and Q9 Launches to Double Luxury Market Share Audi India will launch the Q3, A5 and Q9 models by 2027, aiming to double its luxury‑car market share to 15‑16% and expand its dealer network to 40 outlets. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/audi-india-plans-new-q3-a5-and-q9-launches-to-double-luxury-market-share ### 2026-08-01: Audi unveils Q9, its largest flagship SUV Audi’s new Q9 SUV, the brand’s largest, features a 3.0 L V6 diesel, OLED rear lights, automatic doors and a 1.5 m² panoramic sunroof, with deliveries starting in Germany later this year. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/audi-unveils-flagship-q9-suv-pricing-announced-for-europe ### 2026-07-30: Audi launches flagship Q9 SUV with seven seats and diesel V6 Audi’s new Q9 is the brand’s biggest SUV – 5.31 m long, 7‑seat standard, diesel V6 299 hp, Android OS with ChatGPT, €126k price, orders open July 2026, deliveries Q4 2026. 23 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/audi-unveils-sq9-its-largest-and-most-powerful-luxury-suv ### 2026-07-28: Audi Q9 flagship SUV unveiled with specs and global launch plan Audi launches the Q9, its biggest SUV ever (5.31 m L, 2.21 m W, 1.81 m H). Prices start €108,400/US $89,095/India ≈ Rs 1.18 crore. Deliveries from Nov 2026, India Q2 2027. Engines: 3.0 L V6 diesel (299 hp) EU, 149 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/audi-unveils-q9-flagship-three-row-suv --- Cite as: Audi Q9 flagship SUV launch and global rollout. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/audi-flagship-suv-launch