Rumors revolving around the Audi Q9 have swirled for years, and now, we finally have confirmation that it will debut next year.
For years, rumors surrounding a new model called the Audi Q9 have swirled, though initially, that model was thought to be the next all-electric SUV in the brand’s lineup. The Q9 was purportedly set to become Audi’s new EV flagship, in fact, but today’s market has obviously changed quite a lot compared to five years ago. What hasn’t changed is the fact that the Audi Q9 is now set to become a reality, and its existence has officially been confirmed by the automaker itself, to boot.
According to Automotive News, the Audi Q9 was confirmed during the brand’s recent financial update, during which it laid out a new global product initiative. That consists of a number of new models set to debut in 2026, with a focus on high-performance RS variants, smaller EVs, and more fuel-efficient large SUVs. However, the most enticing prospect here is the Audi Q9, whose name appeared in the briefing sandwiched in between the new Q7 (pictured here) and an “entry-level BEV” as a combustion engine SUV set to debut next year.
Audi said the Q9 will be “the brand’s first SUV in the prestigious D segment,” meaning that it will be larger than the Q7 – a popular model within the current lineup, but one that doesn’t offer up a lot in terms of passenger space – particularly in the third row. Presumably, the Audi Q9 will rectify that issue with a larger cabin that will hopefully offer up enough leg room in all three rows to accommodate adults of all sizes.
To date, what most believed to be the Audi Q9 has been spied in prototype form on multiple occasions, wearing heavy camo each time. However, there are also rumors that Audi will utilize the “Horch” name on an ultra-luxurious variant of the Q9 in the future, too. Paying homage to one of the four manufacturers that joined together to form Auto Union – which later became Audi as we know it today – Horch has thus far adorned a number of super luxurious Audi models in certain parts of the world – but not an SUV.
That’s seemingly set to change as well, starting with what most believe to be the Audi Q9 Horch. Recent spy shots (which can be viewed here, at AutoEvolution) seem to indicate that the Q9 Horch will pay homage to vintage models from that brand with vertical bars contained in a large front grille, along with two-tone paint, three rows of captain’s chairs, and a bevy of customization options – making for a truly top-tier luxury product.
It’s believed that the Audi Q9 Horch will debut alongside the regular Q9 for the 2027 model year, though for now at least, these are merely rumors. What we do know is that a properly large, family-hauling Audi SUV is going to debut soon, which should appease U.S.-based dealers and consumers, who have been asking for such a thing for quite some time now.
Photos: Audi
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