News The new Audi Q7 and Q9 open a new chapter for the Q family

Audi Q7 holds a special place in the brand’s history. When it entered the market in 2005, it became Audi’s first SUV and laid the foundations for today’s extensive Q model family. Over the past two decades, the range has continued to evolve and expand, with numerous new models joining the Q7, including the more sportily designed Audi Q8.

Audi is now preparing for the next major step. The new generation of the Q7 continues the story of the model that started it all, while the new Q9 takes its place at the very top of Audi’s SUV range for the first time. Both models point towards a new direction for the brand’s largest vehicles, with a strong focus on space, comfort, modern technology and Audi’s signature quattro all wheel drive.

Q7, Where the Q Family Began

In 2005, the Q7 became Audi’s first production SUV. From the very beginning, it was designed as a large and spacious vehicle that combined the practicality of an SUV with the comfort and technology expected from a premium model.

The new generation continues this philosophy while adapting it to modern expectations. A spacious seven seat interior remains one of its key strengths, while greater emphasis is placed on long distance comfort, digitalisation and advanced driver assistance systems.

The Q7 therefore remains, above all, a versatile large SUV. It is aimed at drivers who need plenty of space for family and luggage, but who are not willing to compromise on comfort, performance or the refined feel of a premium vehicle.

The Next Generation of Powertrain Technology

Powertrains are also an important part of the new generation. In its largest models, Audi continues to develop electrified engines that combine strong performance with improved efficiency. Alongside conventional combustion engines, mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems are playing an increasingly important role.

quattro all wheel drive remains one of the defining features of Audi’s large SUVs. The system helps transfer power to the road efficiently while providing additional stability in a wide range of driving conditions, which is especially important in a large SUV.

It is precisely this combination of a powerful drivetrain, all wheel drive and a comfortable chassis that continues to connect the Q7 with the other larger models in the Q family.

Q9 Takes Its Place at the Top of the Range

The biggest new addition is the Audi Q9. For the first time, the number nine appears in Audi’s SUV family, positioning the model above the Q7 and Q8 as the new flagship of the range.

At more than 5.3 metres long and with a wheelbase of 3.14 metres, the Q9 is the largest SUV Audi has ever introduced. With the arrival of the Q9, Audi also enters the segment of the largest luxury SUVs, where the Mercedes-Benz GLS has long been an established contender. The similarities between the two models go beyond their size. Both aim to bring the comfort of a luxury saloon to a spacious seven-seat SUV designed primarily for long-distance travel.

Particular attention has been paid to the second row of seats. In the six-seat configuration, the conventional rear bench can be replaced by two individual seats, bringing the Q9 closer to the comfort offered by luxury saloons. This makes it particularly appealing for long journeys, where the comfort of passengers is just as important as the experience behind the wheel.

A Large SUV That Still Wants to Feel Agile

In a vehicle measuring more than five metres in length, size can quickly become a challenge. Audi therefore equips the Q9 with technologies designed to make its dimensions feel less noticeable and everyday driving easier.

Four wheel steering plays an important role. At lower speeds, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels, reducing the turning circle and making manoeuvring easier. At higher speeds, they turn in the same direction as the front wheels, improving stability.

The driver can also adapt the character of the vehicle using the different Audi drive select modes. This allows the Q9 to switch from a highly comfortable long distance cruiser to a more dynamically configured large SUV.

Comfort Takes an Even Greater Role

While the Q7 has always combined spaciousness with versatility, the Q9 takes comfort a step further. Audi has not designed it simply as a larger version of the Q7, but as the new flagship of its SUV range.

More interior space, advanced suspension and a strong focus on sound insulation are all aimed at making long distance travel more relaxing. The panoramic roof adds to the sense of openness, while a wide range of seat adjustment options allows passengers to tailor the cabin to their needs.

The Q9 shows how the largest SUVs are moving ever closer to luxury saloons. The main difference is that they offer comparable levels of comfort while adding more space, a higher seating position and greater everyday practicality.

The New Generation of Digital Technology

Digitalisation plays an important role in Audi’s new models. Key information is presented to the driver through digital displays, while numerous vehicle functions are integrated into a single, intuitive user interface.

Driver assistance systems have also evolved, supporting motorway driving, lane keeping, speed adjustment and parking. In vehicles the size of the Q7 and Q9, these systems are particularly valuable, making urban driving and manoeuvring in tight spaces considerably easier.

The new generation of the Q family therefore brings more than just design changes. Much of its progress lies in technology that may be less noticeable while driving, but significantly improves comfort, convenience and everyday usability.

Conclusion

The Audi Q7 remains an important part of both the history and the future of the Q family, while the new Q9 opens an entirely new class above it for the first time. While the Q7 is primarily a versatile luxury SUV, the Q9 builds on the same philosophy with even more space, comfort and technology.

The character of Audi’s largest SUVs can already be experienced today. The Audi Q8 is also available from Actinia, giving drivers the opportunity to experience quattro all-wheel drive, comfort and technology in real-world conditions. For those looking for even more space and comfort, the Mercedes-Benz GLS is also available from Actinia, representing one of the most recognisable models in the full-size luxury SUV segment.