Audi Q9 Flagship SUV in Pipeline; Will Compete Mercedes-Benz GLS, Lexus LX, BMW X7

• Published On: 12 January 2024
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Audi is expected to launch a full-sized SUV as Q9 and might replace the brand’s flagship model Q8.

Audi is purportedly working on a brand-new SUV that will be positioned on the top of its entire Q-series lineup. Slated to be christened as Auto Q9, the forthcoming newest flagship from the German car maker will contend against the rival cars like BMW X7, Lexus LX, and Mercedes-Benz GLS. The car might replace the brand's exisiting SUV Q8 in the lineup. Jeff Mannering, Director, Audi, Australia has supposedly spoke to CarSales in an official interview that a brand-new full-size flagship SUV is anticipated to land in the market by the year 2026. 

Mannering in regard to a question asked as a front in regards to having launched a more large and extremely expensive Q series model would make sense in its entire product range and as of now Audi is not dealing in some car segment where other auto giants are already dealing. Evidently, the car maker was indicating at the models Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7, which are already in the business lineup since 2006 and 2018, respectively. 

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Mannering also slightly gave a strong hint that the auto giant may develop the Q9 within the period of next 24 months. “If you just look at volume versus different brands, we’re not in some segments that others are in. Let’s see what happens in the next 24 months,” he said. Along with it, when further asked to speak about the forthcoming SUV’s name, he supposedly said that Q9 is quite a catchy name. 

The Audi Q9 might be developed as a 7-seater SUV with enough legroom for the 3rd-row passengers. The car maker would target China and the US as the primary markets for the SUV segment. Taking into account the fact that the lavish auto makers are experiencing a huge boom in the overall demand and sales in the country for their premium models, expect the Audi Q9 super-sized SUV to come to India as well. Mercedes-Benz has recently launched the GLS facelift model in the country, whereas the BMW X7 too as of now is present in the country. 

Though, Audi has made any official comment or revealed any details about the prospective powertrain of the Q9 SUV. Furthermore, considering the auto giant's objective to go completely electric, the Q9 could be offered in both internal combustion engines and all-electric avatars. Possible customer-base can expect to see more details revealed about the car soon in the upcoming months.