As a result of there aren’t sufficient jumbo-sized SUVs on the market already, Audi is getting ready its largest Q mannequin to this point. In 2026, the Q9 will lastly be part of the lineup after years of rumors a few luxobarge from Ingolstadt to tackle the BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS. The 4 Rings have definitely taken their time to enter the full-size SUV section, however because the saying goes, higher late than by no means.
Audi’s growth boss, Geoffrey Bouquot, informed Automobilwoche the Q9 will arrive subsequent 12 months alongside a brand new Q7. The latter has been round for a decade, present process two facelifts to remain recent in opposition to the X5 and GLE. Each newcomers will share the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) with the newest A5, Q5, and A6. The identical underpinnings are anticipated for Porsche’s new gas-powered Macan substitute, due in 2028.
Whereas Bouquot didn’t go into element in regards to the new fashions, PPC has been engineered to accommodate gasoline, diesel, mild-hybrid, and plug-in hybrid drivetrains. The {hardware} additionally helps vary extenders, although Audi hasn’t stated whether or not the Q7 or Q9 will undertake this expertise. Curiously, there are rumors that BMW’s future X5 will revive the range-extender setup as soon as used within the odball i3 hatchback.
The Q9 received’t be the one new luxurious lounge on wheels within the Volkswagen Group portfolio. Porsche can be engaged on a three-row SUV that was initially deliberate as a pure EV, however Zuffenhausen needed to rethink the undertaking and add combustion engines with plug-in hybrid choices into the combination. Positioned above the Cayenne, the newcomer will launch with fuel engines first, whereas the EV model has been delayed.
Photograph by: Jeff Perez / Motor1
Each Audi and Porsche have backpedaled from their lofty electrical ambitions. Combustion engines will proceed nicely into the following decade. Audi has deserted its purpose of going EV-only from 2032, whereas Porsche has confirmed its dedication to the V-8 will lengthen into the 2030s.
That’s to not say Audi and Porsche are reverting to conventionally powered vehicles altogether. Even area of interest merchandise like Audi’s Idea C and Porsche’s subsequent 718 might be EVs, although prime Boxster and Cayman trims will nonetheless supply fuel engines. The technique now’s to diversify slightly than wager on a single drivetrain sort. Managing such complicated portfolios isn’t simple, however it’s the sensible transfer contemplating how various buyer calls for are.
Betting on combustion engines once more might show sensible if the European Union decides to loosen the 2035 ban. Because it stands, no new fuel or diesel vehicles might be offered from the center of the following decade. Nonetheless, the ruling might be reviewed earlier than the top of the 12 months, and studies counsel that plug-in hybrids might proceed previous the deadline.
Audi’s archrivals are urging the EU to scrap the ban. Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius lately warned that Europe’s automotive business is heading “at full velocity in opposition to a wall” and will finally “collapse.” His BMW counterpart, Oliver Zipse, cautioned that the ban “can kill an business.”
Hopefully, the EU is listening.
Be aware: The highest picture reveals Motor1’s 2027 Audi Q7 rendering.
