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The Drive’s first-drive review says Audi’s 2027 Q9 and SQ9 bring adult-friendly third-row seating and more cargo space behind all three rows than the BMW X7 or Mercedes-Benz GLS. The Q9 starts at $89,095, while the V8-powered SQ9 starts at $119,395; the report also notes that no hybrid version is offered.
Audi is entering the full-size luxury three-row SUV market with its 2027 Q9 and performance-oriented SQ9, and a first-drive review by The Drive says the new models stand out for adult-friendly seating and cargo space. Starting prices are listed at $89,095 for the Q9 and $119,395 for the SQ9, putting Audi against the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS.
The review identifies the Q9 as Audi’s largest vehicle and describes it as a larger, roomier counterpart to the Q7. The two models share underpinnings, according to the report. Audi offers a turbocharged V6 in the Q9 and a V8 in the SQ9. The source says both have substantial towing capacity but does not provide towing figures. It also reports no hybrid model is available.
Passenger space is the review’s central finding. The second-row seats slide and tilt, which the reviewer says can allow access to the third row without removing a child seat. The reviewer, who is 6 feet 5 inches tall, reports being able to sit comfortably in the third row with a similarly tall passenger in the second row. The report says all second- and third-row seats have LATCH child-seat anchors.
The review lists 19.3 cubic feet of cargo space with all three rows in use. It describes that as 1.9 cubic feet more than the GLS and 6.5 cubic feet more than the X7. With the third row folded, the reported range is 43.8 to 60 cubic feet; the source excerpt does not explain the difference between those measurements. Features include a triple-screen dashboard, cooled smartphone chargers and an available Bang & Olufsen 4D audio system. Prices include a $1,395 destination charge, according to the report.
Room for Families in Every Row
The Q9 gives Audi a larger option for buyers who find the Q7’s third row and remaining luggage space insufficient. That matters for families who regularly carry passengers in all three rows, rather than using the rearmost seats only occasionally. The review’s reported cargo figures and adult-friendly third row speak directly to those practical needs, while the sliding second-row seats offer a way to reach the back without first removing a child seat.
The launch also gives buyers another choice in a segment already served by the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS. The Q9’s listed cargo advantage over those rivals is specific to space behind the third row; it does not, by itself, establish that the Audi is better overall. The report’s positive assessment is the reviewer’s judgment from a first drive, not a comparative test of every trim, seating layout or ownership cost.
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Audi’s Move Beyond the Q7
Audi has previously offered the Q7 as its three-row SUV, but The Drive says its third row is not well suited to adults and using it leaves little room for luggage. The Q9 is positioned as the brand’s larger answer, with three rows intended for regular use. The new model shares underpinnings with the Q7, according to the review, while adding a longer, roomier package.
The Q9 and SQ9 are pitched against established luxury rivals rather than as replacements for the Q7. The review describes the exterior as recognizably Audi and notes available lighting features, large wheels and an upright rear pillar. Inside, the screens and controls borrow elements the reviewer found familiar from other recent Audi models. Those details provide product context, but the main distinction highlighted in the report is usable passenger and cargo space.
“The third row is adult-friendly.”
— The Drive, in its first-drive review
Details Still Missing From the Drive
The supplied review does not give official towing figures, fuel-economy numbers, engine output, or a full trim-by-trim equipment breakdown. It describes the Q9 and SQ9 as nearing dealer arrival but does not state an exact on-sale date or specify availability by market. The review also says only vehicles with sport bucket seats and power-operated second-row captain’s chairs were available for its test, so its assessment does not cover every seating configuration.
The cargo figure with the third row folded is given as a range of 43.8 to 60 cubic feet, without an explanation of what accounts for the difference. The source reports pricing and compares cargo volume with the GLS and X7, but does not supply a full, like-for-like comparison of performance, safety, running costs or features. The reviewer’s claim that the Q9 beats rivals on family-friendliness should be read as an assessment, not a measured conclusion covering every competing model.
Dealer Arrival and Full Specifications
The 2027 Q9 and SQ9 are expected to reach dealers, according to the supplied review, but a precise date is not provided. Prospective buyers will need the final specifications and availability details to compare trims, seating layouts, powertrains and options. The starting prices are reported as $89,095 and $119,395, respectively; actual prices may vary with equipment and destination charges.
Further reporting or Audi’s final sales information should clarify towing capacity, fuel economy, delivery timing and whether additional powertrain options will be offered. Until then, the first-drive findings offer an early view of passenger space and cabin features, not a complete ownership or head-to-head comparison.
Key Questions
How much do the 2027 Audi Q9 and SQ9 cost?
The Drive reports starting prices of $89,095 for the Q9 and $119,395 for the SQ9, including a $1,395 destination charge.
How much cargo space does the Q9 have behind the third row?
The review lists 19.3 cubic feet with all three rows in use. It says that is 1.9 cubic feet more than the Mercedes-Benz GLS and 6.5 cubic feet more than the BMW X7.
Is the third row suitable for adults?
The reviewer describes it as adult-friendly and says they could sit comfortably there with a 6-foot-5 passenger in the second row. That is the reviewer’s experience, not a measurement for every body type or seating configuration.
Does Audi offer a hybrid Q9?
The supplied review says no hybrid model is offered in the reported Q9 and SQ9 range. It does not say whether Audi may add one later.
When will the 2027 Q9 reach dealerships?
The review says the vehicles are about to reach dealers but gives no specific on-sale date. Availability timing remains unclear in the supplied information.
Source: thedrive.com
