Audi’s largest new SUV is out testing as soon as once more. This time, the CarBuzz spy photographers have snapped the SQ9 testing someplace a bit bit hotter. Swedish spring has arrived, so testing has moved to Germany. The mannequin that may sit above the Q7 in Audi’s lineup is within the city of Nürburg, about to go out to show what it’s able to on essentially the most treacherous racetrack on the planet. The Inexperienced Hell, AKA the Nürburgring.
Nurburgring
- Location
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Nürburg, Germany
- Size
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12.944 miles / 20.832 km
- No. of Corners
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73
- Lowest Level
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Breidscheid, 1,050 ft. above sea stage
- Highest Level
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Hohe Acht, 2,024 ft. above sea stage
- Elevation Change
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974 ft.
- Manufacturing Lap File
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6:29.09
This Audi appears to have been in growth loads longer than most. We first noticed it as a stretched Q7 method again in 2021. Since then, it has developed into what’s extra clearly its personal mannequin, however our newest look comes because it lastly appears to be getting close to to its actual reveal.
Audi Wants One thing That is As Large As Its Opponents
Audi’s three-row Q7 is giant, however, frankly, it is not giant sufficient for its section. The 199-inch Q7 is considerably shorter on the surface than its rivals: the 204-inch BMW X7 and the 205-inch Mercedes-Benz GLS. Each of these fashions have considerably extra space. Not only for passengers, the place the Audi comes up 4 inches shy of both for third-row legroom, however for cargo, the place the X7 has a 3rd extra space behind the seats than the Audi.
Our spies say that is SQ9 round seven inches longer than the Q7. That is not going to place it into Escalade territory, but it surely ought to put it forward of its abovementioned compatriot rivals in relation to cabin house.
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Audi Q9 Spied Carrying Outsized Q7 SUV Garments
The Audi Q9 continues to be coming, and it is going to be significantly extra spacious than the prevailing Q7 three-row SUV.
If Audi is attempting to one-up the X7 and GLS on house, it would probably should do the identical for luxurious. The Q7 is round $25k cheaper than the Merc or Bimmer, and if the Q9 prices the identical, it should be loads nicer. Anticipate extra extravagant options, presumably together with a restricted self-driving perform like these provided by Benz and BMW on their very own fashions.
Energy Not Confirmed, However It Will Be Gasoline
As a result of that is an SQ mannequin, it is going to be extra highly effective than the usual Q9. Not that we all know what is going to energy the Q9, simply that this will probably be extra. The Q7, for reference, is on the market with a 2.0-liter 4 making 261 horsepower or a 3.0-liter V6 making 335. The SQ7 makes 500 horsepower from its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. Anticipate the V6 and V8, however do not count on something this massive to be bought within the US with the four-cylinder.
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You May Be Ready For Your Subsequent Audi
Trump’s tariffs have precipitated one other automaker to pause all imports.
The SQ9 is clearly not an EV, which is smart each due to its bulk and since Audi has been backtracking on its EV plans. Porsche’s personal deliberate huge SUV, codenamed the K1, was deliberate to be an EV, and now stories say Porsche is working as rapidly as attainable to reverse course. Porsche may find yourself with a model of this Q9 with its personal styling and crests as a substitute of the 4 rings.
