# Audi Q9 and SQ9 Enter Luxury-SUV Market

> Audi launches 2027 Q9 and SQ9 luxury SUVs targeting North American buyers with premium features and performance.
- Title: Audi Q9 and SQ9 Enter Luxury-SUV Market · Car and Driver
- Summary: Audi launches 2027 Q9 and SQ9 luxury SUVs targeting North American buyers with premium features and performance. Audi introduces 2027 Q9 and SQ9 luxury SUVs…
- Keywords: audi, sq9, 2027, luxury-suv, north america, mercedes-benz, bmw, cadillac, lincoln, wheelbase, power output, Enter
- Source: Car and Driver — https://caranddriver.com/reviews/a74233484/2027-audi-q9-sq9-drive
- Published: 2026-10-27T13:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: audi, q9, sq9, 2027, luxury-suv, north america, mercedes-benz, bmw, cadillac, lincoln, wheelbase, power output
## Audi Enters Luxury-SUV Market
Audi launches 2027 Q9 and SQ9 luxury SUVs to compete with Mercedes-Benz and BMW in North America.
## North American Focus
Audi expects 65 percent of Q9 sales to occur in North America, targeting Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator competitors.
## Q9 and SQ9 Dimensions
Q9 has a 123.5-inch wheelbase, 208.9- to 209.0-inch length, and outpaces BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS by several inches.
## Interior Features
Q9 offers captain’s chairs, 16 square foot sunroof, oversized cupholders, and power-adjustable seats with removable armrests.
## Third-Row Seating
Third-row seats provide more headroom than Mercedes or BMW but have flat bases and limited legroom for passengers.
## Front Passenger Experience
Front seats offer comfortable support for long drives, with SQ9’s sportier seats providing more aggressive bolstering.
## Engine Performance
Q9 features a 429-hp twin-turbo 2.9-liter V-6, while SQ9 has a 591-hp twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 engine.
## SQ9 Performance
SQ9 accelerates to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and features rear-wheel steering for improved maneuverability.
## Advanced Technology
Q9 and SQ9 include adaptive cruise control with hands-free driving up to 85 mph and 4D sound reproduction.
## Headlights and Safety
Q9 and SQ9 use adaptive digital matrix led headlights that create dark shadows around approaching vehicles.
## Pricing and Options
Q9 starts at $89,095 with optional towing up to 7,700 pounds; SQ9 starts at $119,395.
## Market Position
Audi aims to capture North American luxury SUV market with Q9 and SQ9 as first foray into large luxury segment.
## Performance Claims
Q9 V-6 claims 4.9-second 60 mph time, SQ9 V-8 claims 3.8-second 60 mph time.
## Quattro All-Wheel Drive
SQ9 features electronically controlled locking rear differential and all-wheel-drive clutch for improved traction.
## Rear-Wheel Steering
SQ9 includes rear-wheel steering that reduces turning radius by up to five degrees.
## Final Verdict
Audi’s Q9 and SQ9 combine strong performance, quiet ride, and advanced tech but may not stand out in crowded luxury SUV market.
## Key takeaway

Audi introduces 2027 Q9 and SQ9 luxury SUVs with 429 hp V-6 and 591 hp V-8 engines, targeting North American luxury SUV buyers.