Audi may have a large three-row SUV in the Q7, but it doesn’t have anything quite as large as the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS. That appears to be about to change.
Spy photos have been snapped of what could be the rumoured Q9, set to slot in atop the Audi lineup as the brand’s largest SUV yet.
While this spied SUV looks very similar to a previously spied prototype that was understood to be the next Q7, this vehicle features what appears to be a different rear-end design.
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The rear overhang appears longer, while the licence plate sits in the bumper instead of between the tail lights.
Otherwise, the design of the two prototypes is almost identical, with Audi’s new-generation design language featuring.
There are split-level lighting elements up front, as well as a grille with a protruding appearance.
The sportier-looking wheels and grille treatment suggest this could be an SQ9.
Should Audi launch new Q7 and Q9 SUVs, these could have a similar relationship to the BMW X5 and X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLS.
The current Q7 measures 5066mm long and 2018mm wide on a 3005mm wheelbase, quite a bit shorter than the X7 which measures 5181mm long and 2000mm wide on a 3105mm wheelbase and the GLS which measures 5215mm long and 2030mm wide on a 3135mm wheelbase.
Audi does offer an SUV exclusively in China that’s longer than the Q7, but only fractionally so. The petrol-powered Q6 measures 5099mm long and 2014mm wide but on a shorter 2980mm wheelbase.
A Q9, therefore, would give Audi an SUV with a more accommodating third row. The new flagship is expected to be 150-200mm longer than the Q7.
As for what will power it, it could mirror the Q7’s powertrain lineup. In the current Q7, this includes turbo-petrol four- and six-cylinder engines, a twin-turbo petrol V8, and turbo-diesel V6 options.
There’s also a turbo V6 plug-in hybrid, which isn’t offered in Australia as it can’t be specified with a third row of seating.
It’s unlikely electric power will be offered.
MORE: Everything Audi Q7
