It looks like Audi is finally about to enter the segment of full-size SUVs. After years of rumors and speculation, the company has finally trademarked the Q9 name, which means we may expect it in the near future. Key rivals are already present in this segment. The GLS has been around for years, while the Bavarian rive came up with the brand-new X7 last year. Therefore, it’s about time to see something similar with four rings on the grille. That model will come as the 2021 Audi Q9, if we can trust the latest reports.
At this point, the company is still quiet about this model, so official details are still unavailable. On the other side, we definitely can make some predictions about base design characteristics and similar things. This refers to things like size, engine lineup and overall aesthetics. Still, make sure to take the following paragraphs with a reserve. If we can trust the latest reports, the new model could arrive already in the first half of next year.
2021 Audi Q9 Design
When it comes to base design characteristics, most of the details are quite easy to predict. This particularly refers to the platform. Of course, we are thinking of a well-known MLB architecture, which underprints pretty much everything from the VW Group that has a premium badge on the hood or grille. Still, this modular platform mostly underprints mid-size crossovers, as the VW still hasn’t come up with such a vehicle with full-size dimensions. Therefore, there is no doubt we are about to see some notable stretching. For example, the current mid-size players Q7 and Q8 feature a little bit under 118 inches in wheelbase. We presume that the 2021 Audi Q9 would be good for about 122/123 inches between the wheels, as those are typical numbers in the segment.
Exterior
In terms of the exterior design, we presume that the company from Ingolstadt won’t make too many experiments. We count on typical SUV proportions and shape, similar to the Q7 model, just in a bigger package. Sloping roofs and coupe layouts are something we don’t expect to see on this model. However, the front end will probably have most things in common with the Q8. We count on the same face, which includes a long of sharp lines and angles.
Of course, we count on a lot of exclusive details as well. After all, we are talking about the future flagship model, so there is no doubt that the company will tend to offer a lot of details that would emphasize that. More details should be known once we spot a test mule on the road.
Interior
When it comes to interior design, Audi has always been doing a great job, whether it’s about quality, aesthetics or functionality. Therefore, we have no doubt that the 2021 Audi Q9 will come in the same fashion. We count on the super-high overall quality, with conventional aesthetics in a combination with loads of hi-tech goodies. If talk about influences, there is no doubt that models like Q8 and A8 would serve as inspiration.
Besides the impressive level of luxury and a full load of standard and available equipment, the new 2021 Audi Q9 should also offer plenty of room. When it comes to the passenger space, this model will come standard with three rows of seats and all three should be very generous in terms of head and legroom. All three will be adult-friendly. We count on some respectable numbers in terms of cargo volume as well, even behind the third row.
2021 Audi Q9 Engines
When it comes to the powertrain, we count on all kinds of engines in the offer. Base models will probably come with a familiar 3.0-liter V6, which puts around 335 horsepower. Of course, we count on a 4.0-liter V8 as well, which should come in a couple of output variants, which could include the RS version too, with over 600 horsepower.
In Europe and some other parts of the world that aren’t North America, the new SUV should also come with diesel engines in the offer. We count on both V6 and V8 TDI units, in a variety of versions. Finally, we should see some forms of electrification as well.
2021 Audi Q9 Release Date and Price
We expect to see the 2021 Audi Q9 sometime in the next year. Base models will probably go around 75.000 dollars, roughly.