2027 Audi SQ9 Brings V8 Muscle to Three Rows
Audi has gone a long time without a true full-size SUV, but it is making up for the delay with two closely related flagships. The 2027 Audi SQ9 sits at the top of that new hierarchy, pairing seating for six or seven with a 591-horsepower twin-turbocharged V8, rear-biased quattro all-wheel drive, standard air suspension, and a claimed 3.8-second sprint to 60 mph. U.S. pricing starts at $118,000, and deliveries are scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026.
The SQ9 serves as the performance companion to the new Audi Q9, which starts at $87,700 with a 429-hp twin-turbo V6. Both models address the considerable gap above the smaller Q7, but the 2027 SQ9 does more than add power and an S badge. Its wider rear tires, locking rear differential, sportier chassis calibration, and optional performance suspension give the large SUV its own mechanical identity.
A 591-HP V8 Leads the Specification Sheet
A revised 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 produces 591 hp and 590 pound-feet of torque in the Audi SQ9. An eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission handles gear changes, while a new quattro system distributes power between the axles through an electromechanical clutch.
Audi claims the 2027 SQ9 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, making it the quickest three-row SUV in its class by the company’s measurement. That is seven-tenths quicker than the 429-hp Q9, which reaches 60 mph in a claimed 4.9 seconds. Audi has not announced the SQ9’s top speed, curb weight, payload rating, or EPA fuel-economy estimates.
The all-wheel-drive system places a greater emphasis on the rear axle than the configurations used in many large SUVs. Under suitable conditions, it can send nearly all available torque rearward. The system moves output toward the front axle when traction deteriorates, preserving the security expected from quattro without making the SQ9 feel permanently front-driven.
An electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential divides torque between the left and right wheels. During cornering, it can direct more power toward the outside rear wheel to help the SUV rotate. Brake-based torque vectoring provides another layer of control, particularly as the driver enters a bend or accelerates away from it.
Audi supports that rearward power distribution with staggered-width wheels and tires. Standard 22-inch wheels measure 10 inches wide at the front and 11.5 inches at the back. They carry 285/40 front and 305/35 rear all-season tires. Optional 23-inch wheels use 285/35 front and 315/30 rear summer tires, giving the rear axle a substantial amount of rubber to manage the V8’s torque.
All 22- and 23-inch tires contain acoustic foam intended to reduce road noise. Audi even coordinates the wheel weights, valve stems, and valve caps with the selected wheel finish. It is a remarkably fussy detail, although one that suits a six-figure flagship better than mismatched hardware would.
Air Springs and Rear Steering Manage the Size
Adaptive air suspension comes standard on every 2027 Audi SQ9. Continuously adjustable dampers respond to speed, road conditions, and vehicle load, while the air springs provide approximately 3.5 inches of total height adjustment between the lowest Highway setting and the highest Lift position. Maximum ground clearance reaches 10 inches.
The optional S sport package adds a firmer, performance-focused version of the adaptive air suspension along with red brake calipers. Audi says the revised setup makes the SQ9 more agile, although buyers who prioritize ride comfort over appearance and response may find the standard suspension better suited to a full-size family SUV.
Standard rear-wheel steering helps compensate for the 123.5-inch wheelbase. At lower speeds, the rear wheels turn opposite the fronts to tighten the turning circle. At highway speeds, they move in the same direction as the front wheels, improving stability during lane changes and quick avoidance maneuvers. The system also helps the Audi SQ9 feel less cumbersome in parking lots, where its 208.9-inch overall length cannot be ignored.
Progressive steering operates at the front axle. Its variable ratio provides quicker response during low-speed maneuvering and becomes more gradual at higher speeds. Audi gives the SQ9 a sharper calibration than the regular Q9, with additional feedback and a more immediate response around center.
Drivers can choose among balanced, comfort, dynamic, offroad, individual, and assistant modes. Each program can alter accelerator response, transmission behavior, steering effort, damper settings, ride height, and all-wheel-drive torque distribution. The assistant mode selects settings based on the road and the driver’s behavior, while the fixed modes offer more predictable responses.
An optional integrated hitch gives the 2027 SQ9 a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. The hitch hides behind a removable cover when not in use. That rating gives the SUV enough capacity for many boats, horse trailers, and multipurpose recreational trailers, though Audi has not yet published payload or tongue-weight details.
Large Proportions Without a Coupe Disguise
The Audi SQ9 measures 208.9 inches long and rides on a 123.5-inch wheelbase. Audi has not attempted to visually shrink it with a steeply falling roof or pinched rear quarter. Instead, the straight window line, long rear doors, substantial rear overhang, and subtly rising roof acknowledge the amount of cabin behind the driver.
The shape looks formal and deliberately heavy. A tall hood meets a broad black panel that joins the headlamps and Singleframe grille into one visual unit. The grille reaches farther down the front fascia than it does on Audi’s smaller SUVs, giving the SQ9 a nearly vertical face. A hexagonal insert, pronounced inlays, and aluminum-finish accents distinguish the S model from the regular Q9.
Audi has kept the body sides relatively calm. Softly modeled fenders and a raised shoulder replace the deep creases used by some competitors. That restraint helps because the SQ9 already has enough visual weight. The front end is imposing rather than graceful, and an optional illuminated grille may be one flourish too many for buyers who prefer Audi’s traditionally understated approach.
The SQ9’s broader rear track and flared fenders accommodate the staggered tires and create a more planted stance. Aluminum-finish exterior trim returns as a familiar S-model cue. At the back, four exhaust outlets leave little doubt about which engine sits under the hood, while a larger roof spoiler has two raised outer sections.
Audi places the license plate low in the rear bumper, leaving the tailgate largely free of interruption. A full-width lighting element connects the taillamps and illuminated Audi rings. The clean sheet metal works well on such a broad rear surface, though glowing badges inevitably add some nighttime theater.
The SQ9 wheel catalog includes a 22-inch, five-double-spoke design with a two-tone finish and two 23-inch Multispoke-S choices. One of the larger designs has a two-tone treatment, while the other comes in black metallic. All are appropriately scaled for the vehicle, but the standard 22s leave more tire sidewall between the wheel and damaged pavement.
Six or Seven Seats With Family Details
The 2027 Audi SQ9 comes standard with seven seats. Its second-row bench uses a 35/30/35 arrangement, and all three positions include LATCH child-seat mounting points. The third row adds two more LATCH locations, making the SQ9 unusually flexible for families that need to carry several child seats at once.
Optional second-row captain’s chairs reduce capacity to six while creating a more spacious passage between the seats. Both second-row configurations receive electric adjustment. The outboard seats can slide and tilt forward without requiring the removal of an unoccupied, forward-facing child seat, and occupants can activate the function through the MMI interface or physical buttons near the rear doors.
Audi describes all three rows as adult-usable, helped by the long wheelbase, upright roof, extended rear doors, and rearward positioning of the second-row seats. The company has not released individual headroom or legroom measurements, so the precise advantage over competing full-size SUVs remains difficult to quantify from the specification sheet alone.
The SQ9 includes heated front seats, heated second-row outboard positions, heated third-row seats, and heated armrests. Deeply bolstered Sport Seats Plus come standard in front, along with ventilation and massage functions for the driver and passenger. Welcome lighting built into the seats adds another visual cue when the doors unlock.
Fine Nappa leather covers the seats, and Audi fits a full-leather interior rather than confining hide to the primary contact surfaces. Black comes standard, while Arras Red and Pastel Silver are optional. The Audi exclusive program also offers a Baikal Blue leather package for buyers seeking a less conventional cabin.
Five-zone automatic climate control gives the third row its own temperature zone. Audi integrates the power-operated dashboard vents into the MMI system, which keeps the dashboard tidy but places another basic adjustment inside the digital interface. Eight USB ports spread charging access across the cabin.
Available electric-assisted doors can open and close automatically. Radar monitors approaching traffic and can prevent a door from swinging into a cyclist, pedestrian, or passing vehicle. Interior warning lights, audible alerts, and exterior ground projections reinforce the warning. This is useful protection for rear-seat passengers, particularly children, even if powered doors add complexity to a task that normally requires little thought.
The Largest Glass Roof Audi Has Used
A panoramic roof measuring more than 16 square feet stretches over the three-row cabin. It is the largest glass roof fitted to a production Audi, and unlike many modern panoramic panels, it can open rather than remaining fixed.
An optional switchable layer divides the glass into nine sections. Occupants can independently change each segment between transparent and opaque, creating an electronic substitute for a fabric sunshade. The roof can also turn opaque while the vehicle is parked, reducing heat buildup and limiting views into the cabin.
Audi plans to offer an illuminated version of the panoramic roof after the SQ9’s initial launch. Combined with the standard full-color contour and surface lighting, the illuminated glass will extend the cabin’s ambient-light display overhead. It is visually ambitious, if not especially necessary.
Acoustic measures extend beyond the roof. Dual-pane glass comes standard on every side window, while revised door seals and foam-lined tires reduce wind and road noise. The SQ9 shares its basic sound insulation with the comfort-oriented Q9 rather than sacrificing isolation for a louder performance character.
Nearly 88 Cubic Feet at Maximum Capacity
The Audi SQ9 provides 19.3 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the third row. Folding the rear seats expands the space substantially, with maximum capacity reaching 87.7 cubic feet behind the front row. The Q9 family also provides approximately 50 cubic feet behind the second row when only the third row is lowered.
Switches in the cargo area can lower the second and third rows sequentially. In the seven-seat configuration, the rear seats fold flat through buttons positioned in the trunk and near the rear doors. Easy-entry controls provide quicker access to the third row without requiring occupants to wrestle with heavy seatbacks.
An aluminum rail system runs along the sides of the luggage compartment. Sliding hooks and adjustable anchors let owners secure smaller items at different points rather than allowing them to move around the broad cargo floor. The luggage cover can store beneath the floor when it is not needed.
Three Screens and Fewer Glossy Surfaces
Audi’s Digital Stage dominates the SQ9 dashboard. The panoramic arrangement combines the Virtual Cockpit Plus instrument display with a 14.5-inch central MMI touchscreen. A head-up display comes standard, reducing the need for the driver to look away from the road for speed and navigation information.
A separate 12.3-inch display faces the front passenger. It can handle media, navigation, and vehicle information while an active privacy layer blocks distracting content from the driver’s viewing angle. The software integrates Amazon Alexa, and the shared Q9 infotainment platform uses Android Automotive OS with access to downloadable applications.
Audi’s voice assistant can route general information requests through ChatGPT when an Audi connect NAV subscription is active. The system determines whether a spoken command concerns a vehicle function, destination, weather request, or outside information before selecting the appropriate service. Audi has not fully detailed which connected functions will require payment after any introductory subscription expires.
The center console includes two magnetic Qi2.2 wireless charging pads, allowing two compatible phones to charge at once. Two oversized cupholders accommodate the large insulated tumblers favored by many American drivers. Audi also reduces the amount of reflective piano-black trim and adds a padded center armrest for longer trips.
The mix of Fine Nappa leather, carbon trim, and matte surfaces give the SQ9’s cabin a richer and less fingerprint-prone appearance than a dashboard covered in glossy plastic. Carbon-fiber detailing, S badges, and performance-specific digital graphics distinguish this interior from the more luxury-focused Q9. A carbon-basalt structured inlay provides another textured surface that should hide smudges.
Full-color ambient lighting runs across the dashboard and into the doors, coordinating contour and surface illumination throughout the cabin. Audi gives the lighting a functional role as well, using it for selected vehicle alerts and entry sequences rather than limiting it to decoration.
A factory-integrated dashcam comes standard beneath the rearview mirror. It records forward-facing footage when the owner installs a microSD card, avoiding the wiring and windshield clutter of an aftermarket camera. The auto-dimming mirror also contains a digital compass and three programmable HomeLink buttons.
Optional Audio Adds Physical Bass
The available Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System uses a 1,360-watt, 24-channel amplifier to power 22 speakers and two front-seat actuators. Fraunhofer Symphoria processing distributes sound throughout all three rows, while a dedicated center speaker, tweeters, midrange drivers, and a subwoofer handle the conventional audio work.
Speakers in the driver and front-passenger headrests can isolate phone calls, navigation instructions, or music instead of broadcasting them throughout the cabin. The two seat actuators reproduce low frequencies as physical vibrations, allowing occupants to feel bass through the front seats.
Owners can control the effect through a separate bass-immersion setting or select listening modes such as Concert and Podcast. The physical response can also be switched off, an important choice for occupants who do not want their seat participating in the music.
Digital Matrix Headlights Reach the U.S.
The SQ9 brings Audi’s Digital Matrix LED headlights with adaptive driving-beam functionality to the U.S. market. They come standard on the performance model and will be optional on versions of the regular Q9.
Instead of moving between conventional low and high beams as one unit, the system selectively dims individual portions of the light pattern around vehicles and vulnerable road users. That allows the SQ9 to maintain stronger illumination elsewhere without directing the full beam into oncoming traffic or the mirrors of a vehicle ahead. Audi developed the American version to meet Department of Transportation glare requirements.
Each micro-LED chip measures 13 millimeters across and contains 25,600 individual light elements. Each element measures approximately 40 micrometers, thinner than a human hair. The dense array allows the system to produce sharply defined dark and illuminated zones.
An all-weather function uses steering input and navigation information to direct additional light through curves. It can also illuminate intersections and side roads as the driver turns. The daytime running lights contain 68 segments per side, and owners can select as many as eight lighting signatures through the MMI. Matching arrival and departure animations coordinate the front and rear lamps.
Illuminated Audi rings come standard at both ends of the 2027 SQ9. An available exterior lighting package adds illumination to the Singleframe grille and projects light beside the doors. On the SQ9, LEDs mounted along the top of the hexagonal grille cast light downward, and the feature operates at night with the headlights.
Curved OLED Taillights Carry Warnings
Available third-generation digital OLED taillights use curved panels that follow the bodywork rather than remaining flat. Audi identifies this as the first production use of curved OLED automotive taillamps. The glass backing measures only 0.1 millimeter thick and can bend to a radius of 200 millimeters.
Six large OLED panels contain 512 individually controlled segments. Their curved shape allows the lamps to emit light across a broader viewing angle, while the expanded segment count produces more detailed graphics. Owners can choose from as many as eight rear signatures, coordinated with the available daytime-running-light designs.
The OLED lamps also communicate selected warnings. They can display a triangular symbol when the hazard lights operate, provide a proximity alert when another vehicle or pedestrian approaches, and indicate when the SQ9 is using an automated parking function. These graphics do more useful work than an illuminated badge, even if the long menu of lighting signatures still feels a bit theatrical.
A light built into the rear spoiler projects an additional brake indication onto the rear window when the driver slows. Following traffic can see the added warning, but the driver does not see a distracting reflection in the rearview mirror.
Advanced turn signals add another outward-facing safety feature. At night, the SQ9 can project a stylized directional indicator onto the pavement in synchronization with the front and rear turn signals. The ground graphic gives pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists another indication of the driver’s intention when they cannot clearly see the conventional lamps.
Hands-Free Highway Assistance Comes Standard
Every Audi SQ9 includes Adaptive Cruise Assist Plus with hands-free operation on approved divided highways. The system can control steering, acceleration, and braking at speeds up to 85 mph. Activating a turn signal prompts the vehicle to assist with a lane change when conditions permit.
A long-range front radar, side radar sensors, a windshield camera, and navigation map data identify eligible roads and surrounding traffic. The instrument display then offers hands-free operation when the SUV reaches a compatible section.
Despite Audi’s Level 2+ description, the system remains SAE Level 2 partial automation. The driver stays responsible for the vehicle and must monitor the road. A camera mounted on the steering column watches eye position and head movement. If the driver stops paying attention, the SQ9 delivers escalating visual, audible, and haptic warnings.
If the driver does not respond, emergency assist can slow the vehicle and bring it to a controlled stop. The system does not make the SQ9 autonomous, but it adds a meaningful fatigue-reduction feature for long highway trips without obscuring where responsibility remains.
Collision, Parking, and Trailer Systems
Standard automatic emergency braking operates while traveling forward or in reverse and can identify vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. Blind-spot monitoring provides visual and haptic warnings when another vehicle occupies an adjacent lane, while rear cross-traffic assist watches for approaching traffic as the driver backs out of a space.
A 360-degree camera system supplies multiple exterior views for parking and low-speed maneuvering. Standard Park Assist Plus can control steering, acceleration, and braking during parallel or perpendicular parking.
Exit warning uses rear radar to detect approaching vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians when an occupant prepares to open a door. With the powered doors fitted, the system can block or halt the door. It also produces an audible warning, illuminates an alert inside the door, and projects a white diamond onto the ground beneath the sill for approaching road users.
The optional trailer hitch enables Trailer Maneuvering Assist. The driver selects the desired reversing direction on the MMI display while the vehicle manages steering. Trailer Stability Assist can detect sway and apply individual brakes to settle the combination. The latter system comes standard but naturally requires a trailer and hitch to provide any benefit.
Five Packages and Several Standalone Choices
Audi plans five principal option packages for the 2027 SQ9. A 23-inch wheel package adds Audi Sport wheels and summer tires, while a separate Black Optic package darkens exterior trim. Buyers can combine those themes through a 23-inch Black Optic wheel package that includes black-finish wheels and summer rubber.
The S sport package adds the more assertive adaptive air suspension and red brake calipers. The Luxury package bundles eight daytime-running-light signatures, digital OLED taillights with eight matching rear designs, upgraded air-quality equipment, automatic doors, a Dinamica headliner, and illumination for the front grille.
Standalone options include second-row captain’s chairs, the integrated trailer hitch with intelligent trailer assistance, a selection of paint colors, and the Bang & Olufsen 4D sound system. Audi has not released prices for the packages or individual equipment, and the $118,000 base figure does not include a published destination fee.
Order books for the 2027 Audi SQ9 and Q9 are scheduled to open in July 2026. U.S. deliveries begin in the fourth quarter. The SQ9 starts $30,300 above the standard Q9, before destination charges and options.
Speed Serves the Space
The 2027 Audi SQ9 combines two vehicle types that do not naturally align: a genuine three-row family SUV and a performance model capable of reaching 60 mph in less than four seconds. Audi supports that acceleration figure with meaningful hardware, including wider rear tires, active rear torque distribution, a locking differential, rear steering, and standard air suspension. It is not merely an appearance package attached to the Q9.
The more practical elements may matter just as much. Five LATCH locations, a child-seat-friendly second-row access function, 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, a 7,700-pound towing rating, and heating across all three rows address how American buyers actually use large SUVs.
Some of the lighting animations, vibrating audio seats, illuminated emblems, and automatic doors drift toward spectacle. That comes with the territory in the flagship luxury segment. Beneath those distractions, however, the Audi SQ9 2027 model has a clear purpose: it gives Audi buyers the size of a full-scale three-row SUV without asking them to give up V8 performance or the brand’s rear-biased interpretation of quattro.
-Ed
2027 Audi SQ9
