As it stands, the Audi SUV portfolio consists of the Q2, Q3, Q4, Q5, Q6, Q7, and what was the most recent addition to the list of SUVs in the lineup, the Q8. Now, though, in a spirit of too much is not enough, Audi has been planning to add an even larger full-size seven-seater SUV to its lineup for what has been eight years now. The Q9 is coming, and we have just been let in on what the interior of the vehicle will be like.
But, why another SUV haven't the got enough already?
According to several reports and from the horse's mouth, Audi, the Q9 is being added to its SUV lineup as a new flagship "first large full-size SUV," designed to meet the high demand for luxurious, spacious vehicles in the North American and Chinese markets, which are kind of bossing the game right now - ask BMW, who is currently active in the Chinese market. Even though we may just be an afterthought in why the car came to be, one might certainly hope that the Q9 does make its way into South Africa's SUV-obsessed market.
Name a cooler way to enter your premium SUV
Whether with a key, the myAudi app, the MMI, the brake pedal, or the seatbelt buckle, the doors will now either open automatically when you lightly tug the door handles or close automatically when you push the brake pedal because you deserve the best from a car of this magnitude ; Audi certainly thinks so. Once inside, you have the option of being seated in the front lounge-like setup that affords you ventilation, heated, and massage functions-available all around, mind you.
You can either opt for the six-seat layout, which gets you captain's chairs. Here, the middle row comprises two electrically adjustable seats, but if you are a family person, then, of course, you can have the normal bench seating arrangement, which includes ISOFIX points and can be partially power-adjustable, with the option of folding down the third row completely at the push of a button.
The interior of the Audi seems to be both an adaption of what currently exists and a departure
Three screens? Oh yes, of course. The interior of the Q9 seems to already be in line with the current layout of the interiors we have seen in the newer Audi models, as the setup comprises an infotainment screen, a driver's display, and an optional passenger display. The center console has seen a change, like the recently revealed Audi Q3 ; that little gear lever has moved locations and is now mounted right behind the steering wheel, leaving space for a cleaner area and two wireless charging pads that enable fast charging of two smartphones simultaneously. There is even a classic pop-to-open cup holder cover that evokes some nostalgia from the Audis of old.
"Space is the defining feature of the Q9"
The car, being a seven-seater, means that there will be more people in the vehicle, so Audi has put together some practicality and smart storage spaces for usability and seating comfort. "Audi's largest SUV offers generous, thoughtfully integrated storage solutions." In the cabin, one will find ample USB-C charging ports delivering up to 100 watts, and a new aluminum rail system integrated into the sides of the trunk that has adjustable anchors, leaving the floor space free for larger luggage.
To make the interior space even more roomy, Audi has fitted a panoramic sunroof that measures approximately 1.5 square meters. Rest assured that you can either make the panoramic roof opaque or transparent, all with the flick of a button to individually control one or more of the nine controllable segments of the glass. So get this : when the car is parked, the roof automatically turns opaque to prevent people from looking in from outside. When the car is started again, the most recent setting is automatically restored. Going all out, the panoramic roof can illuminate 84 LEDs to light up the glass with the option of 30 colors-matching the selected ambient lighting.
Still on the topic of lighting, the car has contour lighting in the dashboard, doors, beneath the Audi MMI panoramic display, and in the center console, panoramic roof, and even behind the headrest. One can even opt for dynamic interaction lighting (IAL), which syncs the ambient lighting to the music being pumped through your 4D Bang & Olufsen premium sound system.
Bye bye Piano Black accents we guess..
Audi has heard our slight cries about the easily stainable piano black accents that cover, well, every part of the interior and has decided to give us a new material to enjoy. That's right; there are smarter uses of color-coordinated trim elements with minimal hints of piano accents here and there, like matte and textured materials, "ensuring a premium aesthetic and minimizing fingerprints." As far as plush materials to cover your cabin go, Audi will give you the option to choose alpaca fiber, Dinamica microfiber, leather and leatherette blends, and fine Nappa leather, or decorative elements like fine grain ash natural, silk beige; lime structure natural, or carbon fiber weave with basalt gray accents.