Audi has debuted the SQ9, the performance version of its new 2027 Q9 full-size three-row SUV and the first model to carry the SQ9 name. Pricing starts at $118,000 for the SQ9 and $87,700 for the Q9, with order books opening in July 2026 and US deliveries beginning in the fourth quarter of 2026. Both models are built primarily around North American requirements and slot above the Q7 as the brand’s largest SUVs to date.
Power comes from a revised 4.0-liter twin turbo V8 producing 591 hp and 590 lb-ft, paired with an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic. Audi quotes 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and claims the SQ9 is the quickest-accelerating three-row SUV to 60 mph in its class. The drivetrain uses a new rear-biased quattro layout in which an electromechanical clutch modulates torque between the axles and can send nearly all available torque rearward, backed by an electronically controlled rear differential lock, brake torque vectoring, and standard rear-axle steering. Adaptive air suspension is standard with roughly 3.5 inches of total ride-height adjustment and a maximum ground clearance of 10 inches, while an optional sport adaptive air suspension and red brake calipers come as part of the S sport package. Towing capacity is 7,700 pounds with the optional integrated hitch.
The SQ9 runs a staggered setup with 10-inch-wide front and 11.5-inch-wide rear wheels, offered in a standard 22-inch diameter with 285/40 front and 305/35 rear all-season tires or an optional 23-inch diameter with 285/35 front and 315/30 rear summer tires. All 22-inch and 23-inch tires ship with acoustic foam absorbers from the factory. The body measures 208.9 inches long on a 123.5-inch wheelbase, with 19.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and 87.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. Flared fenders and a wider rear track accommodate the staggered tires, and the SQ9 gets quad exhaust outlets and a two-section rear spoiler.
Digital Matrix LED headlights are standard on the SQ9 and mark the first US application of Audi’s adaptive driving beam, using a 13-millimeter micro-LED chip housing 25,600 individual emitters and meeting Department of Transportation glare regulations. The third-generation curved digital OLED taillights are a production first, built on 0.1-millimeter glass bent to a radius of up to 200 millimeters, with 512 individually controlled segments across six panels. Inside, carbon fiber trim is exclusive to the SQ9, along with sport seats plus, a 14.5-inch MMI touch display, a 12.3-inch front passenger display, and a panoramic sunroof spanning more than 16 square feet with nine switchable transparency segments. Adaptive cruise assist plus with hands-free highway driving is standard, operating at up to 85 mph on approved highway segments under SAE Level 2 supervision.
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