Audi Q9 revealed as £103,900 flagship seven-seat SUV

• Prices start at £103,900 and it’s on sale now

• V6 diesel power and quattro all-wheel drive standard

• Full-size SUV rivals Mercedes GLS and BMW X7

Audi has unveiled the new Q9, a seven-seat luxury SUV that becomes the biggest and most expensive SUV in the brand’s range. On sale now from £103,900, the new flagship sits above the Q7 and takes aim at the BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS.

At more than 5.3 metres long, the Q9 is the biggest production car Audi has ever made. Its substantial dimensions translate into three rows of seating and plenty of luggage space, although they also make it one of the largest SUVs you’ll encounter on UK roads.

Audi has packed the Q9 with some of its latest luxury and technology, including its biggest-ever panoramic glass roof, heated seats across all three rows and, on Vorsprung models, automatic closing doors. There’s also a six-seat Lounge Pack, while new curved Digital OLED rear lights make their production-car debut.

Despite its high-tech billing, the UK Q9 launches with a 299PS 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine, supported by mild-hybrid technology. An eight-speed automatic gearbox and quattro all-wheel drive are standard across the range.

Audi Q9 price and release date

If you’re in the market for one of the most luxurious seven-seater SUVs, then you’re in luck as the Audi Q9 is now on sale, with the first cars reaching customers by November.

The range starts at £103,900 for a Q9 Edition 1, while the Vorsprung model starts at £113,250. All are seven-seaters as standard, but Vorsprung buyers can opt for the £5000 Lounge Pack, which includes six seats across three rows, with ventilated and massage seats and a heated leather centre console armrest in the second row.

New Audi Q9 engines, performance and fuel economy

At launch in the UK the Q9 will be available with a 299PS 3.0 V6 diesel. The mild hybrid engine includes advanced fuel-saving features like an electric powertrain generator that adds 24PS of power when setting off and overtaking. It also allows electric-only driving.

An electric-powered compressor is fitted which builds boost pressure quickly even at low engine speeds - it's designed to sharpen engine response and improve fuel economy. Audi says the Q9 achieves 36mpg on WLTP tests, although given its size, and the fact it tips the scales at over 2.5 tonnes, reaching those heights in normal driving may prove tricky.

Audi Q9 design, interior and space

The Q9’s front is dominated by a large front grille – illuminated on Vorsprung models – and high-set Matrix LED headlights. Huge doors, which open up to 90 degrees and a squared-off rear ensure space for people and luggage is maximised. Alloy 22-inch wheels are standard while Vorsprung models get 23-inch rims. At the rear, visibility-boosting curved digital OLED rear lights make their production-car debut, linked by an LED lightbar and illuminated four-ring logo.

Seven seats are standard, electrically folding, adjustable and heated in all three rows along with heated armrests in the front and rear doors. The Lounge Pack swaps the centre seat in the second row for a heated armrest.

Boot space starts at 280 litres with the third row in place, increasing to 850 litres with the rear two seats folded and a van-like 2,308 litres with all rear seats electrically dropped into the floor. Automatic doors on Vorsprung models motor open and closed electronically at the touch of a button, for easy access.

Audi Q9 technology, equipment and infotainment

In addition to Audi’s very latest Digital Matrix LED lights, the Q9 gets advanced turn signals. These add projections on the ground synced to the indicators to further increase visibility for other road users.

The dashboard has 11.9 inch digital dials and 14.5-inch infotainment screens joined into one display that curves towards the driver, while a 12.3-inch passenger display is standard. This can't be seen by the driver when you're on the move, and displays an image when there's no-one in the passenger seat.

Ambient lighting is standard, while Vorsprung models get an upgraded Bang & Olufsen 4D Premium sound system. This features 22 speakers, including a pair in each of the front-seat headrests, and actuators that vibrate the front seats in time to the tunes.

Audi Q9 trim levels

The Q9 range begins with Edition 1 trim. This includes 22-inch alloys, a black styling package and Matrix LED lights, plus all-wheel steering, air suspension and quattro all-wheel drive.

Heated seats on all rows, a panoramic roof and a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system are included for your £103,900. Step up to Vorsprung models, which start at £113,250, and you get 23-inch rims, Digital Matrix LED headlights and those world-first curved Digital OLED rear lights.

Inside you get the 4D version of the B&O stereo, including the headrest speakers, plus driver assistance tech like Park Assist Pro, Adaptive Cruise Assist Plus, 3D surround-view cameras and automatic doors. The six-seat Lounge Pack is £5000 extra.

Audi Q9 rivals

The Q9 need look no further than its home country for its two most-obvious rivals. Full-size three-row SUVs are offered by BMW in the form of the X7 and the Mercedes GLS. The BMW is a great car if you want to waft away mile after mile in serene comfort, while the luxurious GLS has been offered in the UK longer, so there are more used options.

If you don’t need seven seats but want a luxury SUV, the long-wheelbase Range Rover is highly capable new or used.