2027 Audi Q9 Review: The Biggest, Craziest Audi Luxury SUV Ever
Doug DeMuro · 2026-10-27
💡 Quick Take
1. Buy the standard Audi Q9 over the high-performance SQ9 to get a smoother ride and save around $30,000.
2. Skip the 590-horsepower SQ9 model because its massive power and $120,000 price tag are unnecessary overkill for a family hauler.
3. Pick the standard 430-horsepower turbocharged V6 engine since it delivers plenty of speed for daily driving.
4. Cross-shop this ahead of aging rivals like the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS if you want the newest cabin tech.
5. Choose this unibody Audi over truck-based competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lexus LX for superior ride comfort.
📊 Detailed Explanation
According to Doug DeMuro, Audi finally built a true full-size three-row SUV to fight the market heavyweights. The Q9 measures roughly 209 inches long. That makes it longer than both the BMW X7 and the Mercedes-Benz GLS, landing it close to a Cadillac Escalade. Doug notes that the exterior styling stays clean and understated rather than flashy. Underneath, four-wheel steering (rear wheels turning slightly with the fronts) helps this giant rig turn tightly in city parking lots. Standard all-wheel drive comes across the entire lineup, giving the massive body confident traction in all weather conditions.
When it comes to trim choice, Doug recommends buying the standard Q9 over the sporty SQ9. The regular Q9 starts around $90,000 and features a 430-horsepower turbocharged V6. In contrast, the SQ9 costs around $120,000 and packs a twin-turbo V8 pumping out 590 horsepower. While the SQ9 accelerates like a missile, Doug says that extreme speed is totally unnecessary for a luxury family cruiser. The sportier suspension setup on the SQ9 also lets a bit more road impact into the cabin. The base V6 provides more than enough power while delivering a gentler, more relaxing highway float.
Doug highlights a massive list of clever technology inside and outside the vehicle. The exterior features digital matrix headlights that darken only the section aimed at oncoming cars to prevent blinding them. The doors open and shut fully automatically with handle tugs, key fob presses, or a ceiling button in the rear. Inside, an electrochromic panoramic sunroof (glass that turns opaque electronically) switches from clear to frosted at the tap of a screen. However, Doug points out one ergonomic misstep: the fixed turn signal stalk has a tiny, awkward wiper dial that feels clumsy to use while driving.
On the road, the Q9 proves that modern unibody luxury SUVs ride far better than truck-based competitors. Doug points out that the Cadillac Escalade and Lexus LX never completely hide their truck chassis over rough pavement. The Audi glides quietly with virtually no wind or tire noise penetrating the glass. The third row comfortably fits kids and even includes heated seat cushions, while the cargo hold easily swallows luggage behind all rows. With a Doug Score of 64 out of 100, Doug crowns the new Q9 as the top luxury three-row SUV in the entire segment.
🎯 Automotive Expert Opinion
Doug DeMuro hits the target with his assessment of the 2027 Audi Q9. European luxury brands dominated mid-size luxury for decades, but Audi left the true full-size three-row space open to the Mercedes GLS and BMW X7. Entering late gave Audi a clear technical advantage. By engineering the Q9 around unibody construction and active rear-axle steering, Audi built a machine that swallows seven passengers without handling like a commercial box truck. The whisper-quiet cabin and advanced lighting tech make the competition feel suddenly dated.
However, prospective buyers must consider long-term electronic complexity. Audi loaded this vehicle with automatic opening doors, electrochromic roof glass, and an all-digital dashboard that removes almost every mechanical switch. If you keep your luxury SUVs well past their factory warranty, these motorized door latches and complex multiplexed screens can turn into expensive repair headaches. Additionally, the awkward wiper dial on the fixed stalk highlights the downside of fixing things that were never broken.
The definitive buying advice here is to buy the regular Audi Q9 and leave the $120,000 SQ9 on the showroom floor. A $30,000 premium for a 590-horsepower V8 is wasted money in a school-run vehicle that trades away ride softness for track-day acceleration. Stick to the 430-horsepower base turbo V6 with standard air suspension. It delivers the supreme comfort, space, and modern presence that full-size luxury buyers actually need.
Kanal: Doug DeMuro