Audi has unveiled the Q9, its largest SUV to date, which becomes the company's flagship model. The vehicle combines spaciousness, precise dynamics, and technological innovations in a single package, according to the manufacturer.
Seven seats and advanced features
The new Q9 seats seven passengers as standard. All three seats in the second row feature mounting points for child seats. The SUV is optionally available with six seats, delivering extra space and a business-class atmosphere. All six seats are partially power-adjustable with a standard heating function.
The two electrically adjustable individual seats in the second row are a particular highlight. In the third row, each seatback folds down individually at the push of a button. In the first row, the sports seat plus adds ventilation and massage functions.
For the first time, automatic doors offer increased comfort when entering and exiting the vehicle. Extensive surround sensors protect against collisions: an obstacle detection system stops the door if it cannot be opened fully. An electric soft-close mechanism ensures the doors shut gently. The power doors can be opened and closed from multiple control points and remotely via the myAudi app.
Largest panoramic sunroof and lighting innovations
Another highlight of the Q9 interior is the largest-ever panoramic sunroof in an Audi, fitted as standard. It features a glass surface of more than 1.5 square metres that can be opened wide or tilted. Optional features include switchable transparency and, for the first time, illumination of the glass roof whose colour adapts to the personalised ambient lighting.
Measuring 5.31m long, 2.21m wide, and 1.81m tall, with a wheelbase of 3.14m, it is the largest Audi of all time. Alloy wheels of up to 23 inches amplify the presence of the new Q9, while design elements such as the roof rails, bold rear overhang, and upright cabin emphasise the utility and generous proportions of the SUV.
The third-generation digital OLED rear lights set new standards for form, function, and safety. The outer digital OLED panels, a world first, are curved in three dimensions thanks to ultra-thin glass. A second innovation in lighting technology boosts road safety: the advanced turn signals. At night, this feature projects a stylized turn signal onto the ground in sync with the dynamic signals at the front and rear, ensuring high visibility for other road users. Digital Matrix LED headlights with a micro-LED module provide excellent range.
Powertrain and availability
At launch, the Q9 will be available with a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine delivering 299ps and 630 Nm of torque. The engine features MHEV plus technology with an electric-powered compressor for direct throttle response. The Q9 is equipped with a fast-shifting eight-speed tiptronic and quattro permanent all-wheel drive as standard.
The Q9 is manufactured in Bratislava and will be available to order at the end of the month, when full UK pricing and spec will be announced, with deliveries to commence by the end of the year. Two interior variants with distinct equipment packages will offer customers numerous options for personalisation.
VW T-Roc Match trim added
Meanwhile, Volkswagen is adding a Match trim to its popular T-Roc UK line-up. It will be available with a choice of two frugal 1.5 eTSI mild-hybrid engines - 116ps and 150ps - paired with a seven-speed automatic direct-shift gearbox. Prices for the two T-Roc Match variants are £32,135 and £34,200.
Volkswagen's Match trims offer generous levels of equipment at great-value prices, and these new T-Rocs are no exception. They cost just £500 more than entry-level T-Roc Life variants - both of which have the same engines and transmission - but benefit from enhancements including heated front seats, heated leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel with shift paddles, rear privacy glass, Digital Cockpit Pro, a navigation system and the IDA voice assistant.
The second-generation T-Roc is now available in the UK with Life, Match, Style and R-Line trims, with prices starting from £31,635. It builds on the major success of its predecessor with expressive design details, bold new colours, a high-quality interior and even more space for luggage and passengers. Assist systems and technologies from higher vehicle classes are included and, in the future, it will feature a completely new full hybrid powertrain.
The T-Roc is one of the most popular models in the Volkswagen range. More than two million have been sold so far globally since the model made its debut in 2017 - making it Volkswagen's most successful SUV after the Tiguan - and it has an impressive list of awards under its belt.
