The cabin of Audi's inaugural Q9 full-size SUV has been showcased prior to its European debut planned for July 2026.

Set to reach Australian dealerships toward the end of 2027, this Q9 positions Audi to challenge the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS with comparable dimensions, generous interior room, and premium pricing.

Spotted during testing earlier, the Q9 shares evident design cues inside and outside with fresh Audi offerings such as the latest A5 and A6 generations.

Following the A8 sedan's discontinuation in Australia by late 2025 - with no replacement imminent for years - the Q9 could claim flagship status for the brand Down Under.

Highlighting innovation, it introduces Audi's pioneering automatic doors that open and close seamlessly, equipped with obstacle-detection sensors to ease entry into the marque's most expansive SUV passenger zone yet.

Expansive displays command the front seats: a digital driver's cluster pairs with a central touchscreen and a separate passenger screen, though specific measurements remain under wraps.

The flat-bottom, three-spoke steering wheel retains tactile buttons, matched by physical controls on the center console; climate settings are managed through a fixed touchscreen band at the base of the primary screen.

Subdued illumination creates a 'floating' illusion for the central display, complemented by a continuous LED ambient light bar spanning the full cabin width.

The 'dynamic interaction light' synchronizes with rhythms from the Bang & Olufsen audio setup, featuring 4D sound technology. Headrest-integrated speakers double for calls, while the console houses wireless chargers and dual USB-C outlets.

Though exact measurements are pending, Audi confirms a 1.5 square meter panoramic glass roof resistant to UV fading across all models - complete with opening function - plus standard roof rails bearing integrated racks for enhanced load capacity.

Boot space includes adjustable aluminum rails with anchors for securing cargo.

The six-seat variant mirrors the front and rear rows but swaps the second-row bench for power-adjustable captain's chairs.

Third-row seats offer electric backrest reclining.

Seating choices span leather and synthetic leathers like Nappa, with novel fabrics such as alpaca wool and microfiber accented in 'ash natural', silk beige, or carbon twill patterns.

Audi minimized glossy finishes prone to smudges, favoring matte and tactile surfaces in hues like tamarind brown and stone beige.

The Q9 shares roots with Porsche's forthcoming top SUV, 'K1', under the Volkswagen Group umbrella.

Both leverage the Platform Premium Combustion (PPC) chassis - an upgrade from MLB, seen in the A5, Q5, and A6 - optimized for extended-range plug-in hybrids.

Engine lineup details are forthcoming.

This launch signals Audi's strategic shift amid softening worldwide demand.

"In 2025, Audi embarked on a fresh trajectory - with a distinct design language ... the new Q9 bolsters our US foothold and crowns our lineup," declared CEO Gernot Döllner at the March 2026 annual meeting.

"Our 2030 growth ambitions are achievable yet bold - we are honing our stance in key markets: Europe, the US, and China."