Audi has a new flagship designed with the US in mind: The 2027 Q9

MUNICH—It has taken Audi a little longer than its rivals, but with the debut of the 2027 Q9 this evening, the company has joined them in offering a range-topping full-size SUV. No, not the Q7, although a third-generation version of that vehicle broke cover in June. The car was designed first and foremost for Europe, with a third row of seats that’s fine for small children or occasional use. But in America, there’s a segment one size larger, pioneered by the Cadillac Escalade, and it’s here we find the new Audi. With no concrete plans to replace the A8 sedan yet, the Q9 SUV becomes the brand’s new flagship. At 209 inches (5,309 mm) long, 79.2 inches (2,012 mm) wide, and 71.4 inches (1,814 mm) tall, it’s definitely not diminutive, although parked next to the aforementioned Caddy, you’ll find the American SUV exceeds this one by a few inches here and there. The 123.5-inch wheelbase (3,137 mm) is 5.6 inches (142 mm) longer than the Q7’s, much of which translates to more room for the third row. As we have previously covered, Audi will finally bring its active-matrix LED headlights to the US with the Q9’s arrival in the last quarter of the year. The advanced headlights can selectively dim portions of their beam to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers or subjecting the Q9 driver to undue glare while projecting driving aids like lane markers onto the road ahead. The Q9 (and the Q7) also get new turn signals that project indicators onto the roadway to make them more visible for other road users like cyclists and pedestrians.