Description
The 2027 Audi Q9 and SQ9 have a bigger second row than the BMW X7 or Mercedes GLS, but they cost less and deliver better performance. They also have some of the best headlights on sale in America and hands-free driving tech standard. Is this the Q7 that should have been? Well, no because the Q7 is also new this year focusing on a smaller and easier to park form factor and lower sticker price.
The Q9 starts at $87,700 and the 591-hp twin-turbo V8 SQ9 at $118,000 (as tested $128,045). That undercuts the GLS 63, the Alpina, and many Escalade trims, yet the SQ9 still runs 0-60 in 3.8 seconds. We also cover cargo space, interior tech, ride and handling, fuel economy, and the November 2026 on-sale date.
Here's why we don't talk about reliability much: https://youtu.be/WicesuUvTXo
And resale value? Same thing: https://youtu.be/635cX7A3E_Y
Join this channel to get access to perks! https://www.youtube.com/@AAutoBuyersGuide/membership
Support on Patreon: patreon.com/autobuyersguide
Buy Merch! http://aoamerch.com
The Pod: https://www.youtube.com/c/AutoBuyersGuidePodcast
EV Buyers Guide: https://www.youtube.com/c/evbuyersguide
The Mountain Garden: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheMountainGarden
Follow us on Facebook: http://fb.me/theautobuyersguide/
00:00 Intro – Audi's new three-row flagship
00:35 Styling, grille & Digital Matrix LED headlights
02:06 Q9 vs Q7 size, wheels & air suspension
03:31 Rear design & OLED tail lights
04:51 Cargo space & towing
06:17 Engines: 2.9L V6 vs 4.0L twin-turbo V8
06:48 Front seats & massage
07:41 Second row & child seat room
10:14 Third row access & space
11:48 Interior, screens & infotainment tech
17:35 Driving impressions, 0-60 & ride/handling
23:44 Pricing, availability & verdict