Most people shopping in the full-size luxury SUV segment have had two choices for nearly 20 years: the BMW X7 or the Mercedes GLS. Audi watched from the sidelines. That changes now. The Audi Q9 interior has just been officially previewed, and it answers almost every criticism the brand has faced about cheap materials and screen-heavy cabins.
Here are the 5 things you need to know fast:
- It is Audi’s first-ever full-size flagship SUV, sitting above the Q7 and Q8
- Automatic electric doors on all four sides, a first for any Audi
- 6-seat or 7-seat configurations, with proper captain’s chairs optional
- Bang & Olufsen 4D sound with seat actuators that let you feel the bass
- Full reveal: July 2026 | US deliveries: Q4 2026
What is the 2027 Audi Q9, Exactly?
The 2027 Audi Q9 is Audi’s answer to a gap that has existed in their lineup for two decades. The Q9 marks Audi’s entry into the full-size flagship SUV segment, taking direct aim at the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS. The Q7 always had a third row, but anyone over five feet tall knew how uncomfortable it was back there. The Q9 fixes that.
Audi CEO Gernot Döllner confirmed the summer 2026 launch, calling it critical for the brand’s recovery in North America specifically. Audi US sales have been sliding, and the Q9 is their biggest bet to turn that around.
First Look: What the Audi Q9 Interior Actually Feels Like
Walk into the Audi Q9 interior and the first thing you notice is what is not there. No glossy black piano trim plastered across every surface. Inside, there is basically no shiny piano black plastic anywhere. Trim on the center console ranges from open-pore wood to carbon fiber weave. Most plastics are matte instead of shiny to minimize fingerprints, like the old days.
Audi has faced real criticism for its recent interiors feeling cheaper than they should at these price points. The Q9 is a course correction.
Colors like tamarind brown and stone beige have never before appeared in an Audi interior. The overall feel is calm, almost lounge-like. Compared to the BMW X7’s tech-forward cockpit, the Mercedes GLS’s softer comfort, and the Range Rover’s minimalist prestige, the Q9 sits in its own lane: quiet, futuristic, and tactile.
Automatic Electric Doors
The Q9 is the first Audi to feature electrically operated doors. They can be opened or closed using the vehicle key or a smartphone app, and they also operate automatically depending on the brake pedal and seatbelt buckle status. The doors open up to 90 degrees for easy entry and exit.
Sensors detect nearby obstacles, stopping the door if a cyclist or object is in the way.
For families loading children into a third-row SUV in a tight parking spot, this is genuinely useful. For chauffeur-driven buyers, it feels appropriately premium. The rear doors open a full 90 degrees.
Is the Audi Q9 a 7-Seater? Seating Options Explained
Yes. The Q9 comes standard with seven seats, three in the second row and two in the third row. The second-row seats can be fitted with child safety seats, or swapped out for captain’s chairs in a six-seat configuration with what Audi calls “maximum business-class comfort.”
Quick breakdown:
| Config | Row 2 | Row 3 | Best For |
| 7-seat | Bench (3) | 2 seats | Families, school runs |
| 6-seat | Captain’s chairs (2) | 2 seats | Business travelers, comfort |
All three rows have power switches, and the third row folds down or raises with a button push. Front seats include ventilation, with massagers optional. Headrest speakers and seat-back actuators are also available for the front seats.
The third row is adult-sized with enough room for a 5-foot-10 person to sit comfortably, albeit with knees slightly raised, even behind a 6-foot-5 adult in the second row. That is a genuine improvement over the Q7.
The Bang & Olufsen 4D Sound System
The Audi Q9 Bang & Olufsen 4D sound system is the standout tech feature. The available system has 24 channels, 22 speakers, and 2 actuators built into the front seats. With the base audio system, you get over 1,300 watts of power. Step to the 4D premium system and you add transducers in the seats which complement the bassier sections of your music.
The ambient lighting even integrates with the Bang & Olufsen system to change color and ambiance to match the music’s cover art. Headrest speakers isolate driver-specific sound, like phone calls and navigation prompts, without broadcasting them to the whole cabin.
One thing Audi did differently here: in the past, the automaker was proud to highlight its Bang & Olufsen setup via dramatically rising tweeters. Now, the sound stage is well hidden but also quite well done. A mature choice.
Triple Screens, Wireless Charging & Digital Cockpit
The front console features up to three screens, driver display, center infotainment, and a passenger screen, as well as dual Qi 2.2 wireless charging pads and 100-watt USB-C ports that charge significantly faster than previous models.
The new Qi standard also improves cooling so your phone does not overheat on long drives. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, and the system supports over-the-air software updates.
Panoramic Sunroof: 1.5 Square Meters of Sky
The Audi Q9 panoramic sunroof is standard across all trims. The glass panel measures 1.5 square meters and consists of nine individually controllable segments, allowing occupants to switch between transparent and opaque at the press of a button.
The glass blocks more than 99.5% of UV radiation. When parked, the roof automatically goes fully opaque so the cabin does not bake in the sun. Opt for the top trim and you get 84 LEDs with 30 selectable colors, or set it to adjust automatically to different drive modes.
Audi Q9 vs BMW X7 vs Mercedes GLS: Interior Comparison
| Audi Q9 | BMW X7 | Mercedes GLS | |
| Electric doors | All 4 | No | No |
| 4D seat actuators | Yes | No | No |
| Panoramic roof size | 1.5 sqm, opens | Fixed (standard) | Fixed (standard) |
| Seat options | 6 or 7 | 6 or 7 | 7 |
| UV-blocking glass | 99.50% | Standard | Standard |
| Ambient light synced to music | Yes | No | Partial |
The Audi Q9 vs BMW X7 interior comparison leans clearly toward the Q9 for sensory experience. The Audi Q9 vs Mercedes GLS interior battle is closer on comfort, but the Q9 wins on technology.
What Audi Got Right and What Still Needs Work
What works well:
- Materials feel genuinely premium, not just expensive-looking
- Third row is finally adult-usable
- Electric doors are practical, not just gimmicky
- Matte surfaces throughout reduce the “plasticky” feel of recent Audis
What to watch:
- Climate controls are still largely touchscreen-dependent
- No confirmed powertrain or official pricing yet
- A screen-heavy dashboard may feel dated in five years
Audi Q9 Launch Date, Price & Availability
Following its full debut in late July 2026, the Q9 will first go on sale in the United States later this year. The full reveal is set for July 28, with US deliveries arriving near the end of 2026.
How much will the Audi Q9 cost? Audi has not released official pricing. Based on competitive positioning against the BMW X7 (starting around $87,000) and Mercedes GLS (around $92,000), analysts expect the Q9 to start somewhere between $85,000 and $100,000 in the US. Fully loaded, expect well above $120,000.
Final Verdict: Worth the Wait?
The new Audi Q9 flagship SUV is not just a bigger Q7. It is a completely different statement about what Audi thinks a luxury SUV should feel like in 2026. The Q9 flagship SUV drops the flashy tweeters, reduces the glossy plastic, and focuses on material quality and sensory experience.
For families, the third-row practicality and child seat compatibility make it a serious daily driver. For executive buyers, the captain’s chair option and headrest-isolated audio make long trips genuinely comfortable.
The Q9 SUV interior is the most considered cabin Audi has ever built. Whether the powertrain and driving experience match it, we will find out fully on July 28, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Audi really coming out with a Q9? Yes. Full reveal is July 2026, with US deliveries starting Q4 2026.
Is the Audi Q9 a 7-seater? Yes, seven seats is the standard layout. A six-seat captain’s chair option is also available.
Will the Audi Q9 have captain seats? Yes, as an optional second-row configuration replacing the standard bench.
How much will the Audi Q9 cost? Pricing has not been confirmed. Expect a starting price between $85,000 and $100,000 based on segment positioning.
