Ishita Sharma 2026-05-22
The Audi Q9 is more than just impressive performance figures — its true character lies in the experience it offers inside. As Audi’s first large full-size SUV, the new Q9 centers around a refined and spacious cabin designed for families, business travel, and long-distance comfort. For the first time, it features electrically operated doors, while offering seating for up to seven passengers, convenient access to the third row, and a wide panoramic sunroof with adjustable transparency and ambient lighting. A state-of-the-art 4D sound system creates a deeply immersive audio atmosphere. Although the Q9 is set to arrive in about two months, one thing is already certain: every journey starts the moment you enter the cabin.
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“With the Q9, ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ is increasingly defined by the in-car experience,” says Audi CEO Gernot Döllner. “Cars have long been much more than just a means of transportation; they are mobile living spaces for our customers. Premium materials, variable seating with individual electric seats in the second row, and automatic doors underscore the commitment to quality in our new, large full-size SUV.”

Spaciousness defines the Audi Q9 from the very first glance at its seating concept. For an even more luxurious, business-class experience, buyers can opt for the available six-seat configuration. In this setup, the second row features two individually powered seats with active ventilation integrated into both the seat cushions and backrests, delivering a premium level of comfort usually associated with business-class travel.
At the front of the Audi Q9, the relaxing lounge-inspired ambiance is elevated by the sports seat plus, which includes both ventilation and massage features for enhanced comfort. For larger families, the seven-seat version offers added practicality, with all three seats in the second row capable of accommodating child seats — a thoughtful detail that simplifies daily life for parents. Every seat comes with partial electric adjustment as standard, while the third-row backrests can be folded down individually at the touch of a button, making it easy to alternate between passenger seating and additional cargo space.

For the first time in an Audi, every door in the Audi Q9 can be operated electronically — a convenience that quickly becomes indispensable. The doors can be opened and closed effortlessly using the key, the myAudi app, the MMI system, the brake pedal, or even the seatbelt buckle, making the experience both seamless and intuitive. Their wide opening range also makes entry and exit easier, especially when handling bulky shopping bags or a stroller. In addition, a comprehensive network of surround sensors with obstacle detection prevents the doors from opening if space is limited, which is particularly helpful in narrow parking spots. The system can also contribute to greater road safety by recognizing nearby cyclists or other approaching road users.

The panoramic sunroof of the Audi Q9 enhances the cabin with a bright and open atmosphere. Measuring around 1.5 square meters, the standard roof can be opened generously to deliver a true open-air feeling. For greater comfort on sunny days, passengers can switch any of the nine individually controlled sections of the laminated safety glass from transparent to opaque at the touch of a button, providing effective protection from glare. The specially coated glass also reflects infrared heat and blocks over 99.5 percent of UV rays, eliminating the need for a traditional sunshade. When the vehicle is parked, the roof automatically changes to opaque mode to shield the interior from outside view, and once the car is restarted, the previous setting is restored automatically. On the highest trim level, the panoramic roof also becomes a design feature, illuminated by 84 LEDs that can glow in any of 30 selectable colors to match the ambient interior lighting.

Lighting plays a key role in shaping the atmosphere inside the Audi Q9. In every model, contour lighting integrated into the dashboard and doors highlights the cabin’s impressive width, while comprehensive ambient illumination comes standard for the front doors and is optionally available for the rear. Soft indirect lighting beneath the Audi MMI panoramic display and around the center console creates an elegant floating appearance. Adding to the experience, the dynamic interaction light (IAL) included in the ambient light package plus features a continuous LED strip running across the entire interior, enhancing communication and interaction between the vehicle and its occupants.
Audi seamlessly integrates the interaction light system with the upgraded Bang & Olufsen premium 4D sound system to create a deeply immersive in-car experience in the Audi Q9. Through its “experiences” function, the dynamic interaction light synchronizes with the rhythm of the music, while the interior lighting adapts its colors to reflect the artwork of the track being played. Building on the existing 3D audio technology, the system also includes speakers integrated into the headrests, allowing occupants to enjoy private phone calls, navigation instructions, and surround sound without disturbing other passengers. To make the experience even more engaging, actuators built into the front seats add tactile feedback, transforming music from something you simply hear into something you can physically feel.
The Audi Q9 showcases a carefully curated blend of colors and materials designed to create a refined and harmonious interior atmosphere. For the Q9, Audi has expanded its range of cabin finishes with new fabric and wood trim options. Luxurious materials such as alpaca wool upholstery, Dinamica microfiber, combinations of leather and leatherette, and premium fine Nappa leather all enhance the SUV’s upscale character. Decorative inlays in natural fine-grain ash with a silk beige finish, natural lime structure wood, and carbon fiber weave accented in basalt gray add further sophistication to the cabin. Coordinated trim details throughout the interior, along with a greater emphasis on matte and textured surfaces over glossy finishes, create an elegant appearance while also reducing visible fingerprints. New interior shades like tamarind brown and stone beige complete the extensive customization choices, resulting in a cabin that feels both serene and exceptionally sophisticated.
The Audi Q9 combines spaciousness with smartly designed storage solutions throughout the cabin. Its newly developed multifunctional center console offers enhanced practicality along with advanced charging technology, including two wireless charging pads compatible with the Qi2.2 standard and USB-C ports capable of delivering up to 100 watts of power. The dual wireless charger allows two smartphones to be fast-charged at the same time with ease. In the luggage compartment, a newly introduced aluminum rail system mounted along the sides of the trunk enables cargo to be secured in multiple directions using movable hooks and adjustable anchors, while keeping the floor area clear for larger items. As an added convenience, Audi also supplies a roof rack for the standard roof rails with every new Q9.