Audi’s New SQ9 Is a 591-HP Monster That Actually Seats Seven

Audi just dropped a proper performance SUV into its lineup, and it’s a statement of intent: the 2027 SQ9 is a full-size, three-row family hauler powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 that cranks out 591 horsepower. This isn’t some watered-down crossover pretending to be sporty. It’s a genuine muscle move from a brand that’s been tiptoeing around electrification.

The SQ9 slots into a crowded segment occupied by the BMW X7 M60i and the Mercedes-AMG GLS63, but Audi’s newcomer matches the BMW’s claimed 0–60 time of 3.8 seconds on paper. That’s genuinely quick for something this large. Whether it holds up in real-world testing remains to be seen, but the spec sheet doesn’t lie—this is performance-first engineering applied to an SUV platform.

The Engine and What It Means

Let’s talk about what makes this thing tick. The V-8 is the real story here, especially coming from Audi in 2027. While most luxury brands are pivoting hard toward electrification, Audi is leaning into what works: a naturally charismatic twin-turbo V-8 mated to an eight-speed automatic, all-wheel drive as standard, and even a rear-wheel steering system that can turn the rear wheels up to five degrees.

That rear-axle steering is the kind of tech that usually gets reserved for six-figure sports cars. Here, it’s standard on a family SUV. The SQ9 also gets an electronically controlled locking rear differential and air-spring suspension with adjustable ride height and roll stiffness—basically, Audi engineered this thing like a sports car that happens to fit three rows of people.

There’s something refreshing about this approach in a market obsessed with electrification timelines. The SQ9 says: we know what people actually want to drive, and right now, that’s still a screaming V-8. Whether that calculus changes in three years is Audi’s problem, not yours.

Three Rows, But With Caveats

The SQ9’s trump card is practicality. You get three rows of seats as standard, which matters if you need to haul a family plus a few friends. The first and second rows are genuinely spacious, with power-adjustable second-row captain’s chairs available as an option. The outboard second-row seats are heated, and there’s a five-zone automatic climate control system to keep everyone comfortable.

The third row is where reality hits. With the second row fully reclined, third-row legroom is tight—you’re really looking at kids or very patient adults on a short trip. But if second-row passengers compromise by sliding forward, it becomes livable. Cargo capacity behind the third row is minimal, which is why Audi designed the seats to fold flat for road trips. When we get a test unit, we’ll measure exactly how many carry-ons fit, but expect to sacrifice passenger count for luggage.

Compared to rivals, this trade-off is pretty standard for the segment. The SQ9 isn’t breaking new ground here—it’s just executing the formula that the BMW X7 established years ago.

The Interior Tech Story

Inside, the SQ9 leans hard into the digital-first philosophy. You’re staring at a 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, an 11.9-inch digital gauge cluster, and a 12.3-inch passenger display—basically, the dashboard is a sea of glass. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, along with an on-board Wi-Fi hotspot and in-dash navigation.

The audio system is a collaboration with Bang & Olufsen, available in either a 16-speaker or 22-speaker configuration. If you’re the type who cares about premium audio, that’s a legitimate selling point. For everyone else, it’s just more stuff to potentially break down the line.

Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Optional trailer maneuvering assist suggests Audi knows some SQ9 buyers will tow—though whether you want to rely on electronic towing assistance in a $100K+ vehicle is a question each buyer has to answer themselves.

The Styling and Persona

Visually, the SQ9 differentiates itself from the standard Q9 with sportier cues—think sharper lines, more aggressive stance, and interior trim choices that scream performance over luxury. Carbon-fiber interior trim is exclusive to the SQ9, and leather upholstery comes standard in multiple color options including Baikal Blue, which is a nice touch if you want to make a statement beyond just the horsepower number.

The design language is unmistakably Audi: clean, modern, and slightly anonymous if you’re not paying attention. It won’t turn heads the way a Range Rover or an overstyled German luxury barge might, but that restraint is exactly what some buyers want. You’re paying for performance and prestige, not for loud styling.

Price and the Elephant in the Room

Here’s where the SQ9 gets uncomfortable: it starts “well north of $100,000,” which is Audi’s way of saying the base price is probably somewhere between $105,000 and $110,000. Options will push it higher fast. When you’re spending that kind of money on an SUV, you’re making a statement about priorities—and the SQ9 is Audi’s bet that enough people still prioritize a naturally aspirated experience over EV range.

For context, a BMW X7 M60i sits in the same ballpark, as does the Mercedes-AMG GLS63. Audi’s warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles on the powertrain, with three years of complimentary maintenance included—not revolutionary, but at least they’re not pretending the maintenance will be free forever.

The Real Take

The 2027 SQ9 is a fascinating artifact of a transitional moment in automotive history. Here’s Audi, a brand increasingly serious about electric vehicles, releasing a new flagship performance SUV with a V-8. It’s not a cash grab—the engineering is legitimate, the performance is real, and the execution looks solid. But it’s also a swan song, a final hurrah for a type of car that will be obsolete in another five years.

That’s not necessarily bad. Some of the best cars ever made were built at the tail end of their respective technology eras, when engineers still cared deeply about making the last one count. The SQ9 feels like that kind of car. If you’ve got $110K and you want a three-row SUV that still sounds like a proper machine, Audi just handed you the keys. Just don’t expect to find another one like it by 2030.

Sources: Car and Driver