Having already introduced a third-generation Q7 earlier this year, Audi has now unveiled its flagship SUV called the Q9. It will naturally sit above the Q7 in the range and is a true rival to other luxury SUVs such as the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7.
At 5.31 metres in length, the Q9 eclipses even a long-wheelbase Range Rover and its 2.21-metre width gives it a lot of presence. The design isn't a huge departure from that of the recently revealed Audi Q7, but there are some changes beyond it being longer.
At the front there is a different take on the company's signature 'Singleframe' grille, which is enclosed in a gloss black surround that also takes in the main headlight units.
Vertical strakes can be illuminated to give it a very distinctive appearance, while the lower bumper has a more upright appearance than the smaller Q7's.
Sitting above these are the daytime running lights, made up of a collection of pixel-like LEDs which can display a selection of pre-programmed signatures.
Optional Digital Matrix LED headlights comprise 25,600 micro-LEDs in each unit, each measuring a mere 40 microns across - or half the thickness of a human hair.
Combined, these can create one of the most dynamic and versatile curtains of illumination available on a vehicle to dynamically shade other vehicles on the move. The system can also detect pedestrians at night and specifically highlight them with light to ensure the driver sees them.
There will be a choice of wheel sizes from 20 inches up to 23 inches in diameter and the car's wheelbase at 3.14 metres is the longest ever to feature on an Audi.
The Q9 has a longer roofline than the Q7 that slopes less to ensure headroom for the third-row occupants is maximised.
Around the rear, Audi once again sets new standards for vehicle lighting with the fitment of curved OLED panels. With a total of 512 segments in six panels, the back lights follow the curve of the Q9's bodywork and give it a highly technical and modern appearance.
Aside from aesthetics, Audi is also implementing light as a safety feature with the introduction of 'Advanced Turn Signals'. Available in conjunction with the Digital Matrix LED headlights, this system projects arrows onto the road surface around the side of the vehicle when the driver indicates to give a clearer signal that it is turning.
It also works when changing lanes on the motorway, and Audi anticipates that it will help to reduce the number of accidents.
What's it like inside the Audi Q9?
The dashboard layout of the Audi Q7 follows the look of the smaller Q7, with the 'MMI Panoramic Display' curving around in front of the driver. This panel combines a 12.3-inch digital instrument display with a 14.5-inch touchscreen for the native infotainment system. That is highly detailed and can also run Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
A third touchscreen, also measuring 12.3 inches, is in front of the passenger, and it enables them to use the infotainment system independently. When there isn't a passenger in the front, the screen displays a simple placeholder.
There are wireless charging pads on the centre console and USB-C ports, while cupholder sizes have been increased to accommodate larger drinks bottles.
How practical is the Audi Q9?
Audi has added a new function of automatic doors which are electrically operated and can be controlled either via a smartphone app or through the key.
Alternatively, just pulling on the door handle will initiate the function and each door gently glides open while an array of sensors checks to ensure it won't collide with anything or anyone. Any or all the doors can be controlled via the infotainment system too, so the driver can easily open or close a rear door if needed.
As standard, the Q9 comes with seven seats, with the middle row getting a three-seat bench layout. This can tilt and slide to allow easier access to the rearmost row. All seats in the Q9 are controlled electronically as standard to make it easier to configure.
All seats bar the driver's are also equipped with ISOFIX mounting points, and due to how the second-row seats slide forward, there is no need to remove child seats when providing access to the third row, which is sure to be a boon to parents.
Optionally, buyers can specify a six-seat layout that uses two captain's chairs in the second row, which offer yet more comfort and provide a walk-through in the middle of the cabin to get to the third row.
The Audi Q9 has 280 litres of boot space when all seats are in use. Fold down the third-row seats, and that luggage space swells to between 700 and 850 litres depending on the position and type of the seats in row two.
What engines does the Audi Q9 get?
From launch, the Audi Q9 will be offered with a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 diesel, producing 299hp and driving all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission with permanent quattro four-wheel drive.
Audi intends to expand the range with a 245hp version of the same engine after the car's introduction. In time, the lineup is set to include a plug-in hybrid which will suit the Irish market as it will have notably lower CO2 emissions.
Every version of the Q9 will come with adaptive air suspension as standard. Designed to work with continuously variable damping and enabling an adjustable ride height, it's claimed to provide the best response to the driving conditions at any given moment.
In addition to driving modes, drivers can also manually adjust the Q9's height via the Drive Select function through a total of 90 millimetres and, for added convenience, it is possible to lower the Q9 by 62mm to ease ingress and egress.
Taking this one step further is the optional adaptive air suspension 'sport' function, which is designed to provide a more agile and dynamic driving experience.
Its rear-wheel steering can add to the Q9's agility by turning the rear wheels by up to five degrees at low speeds in the opposite direction to the front axle to decrease the turning circle. The opposite happens at higher speeds as they turn in phase to produce more stable direction changes.
Will there be other versions of the Audi Q9?
Audi has already created a performance variant called the SQ9. This receives the usual 'S' visual treatment such as brushed aluminium door mirrors and sportier front and rear bumpers, but the SQ9 also gets more bulging wheel arches.
Under the bonnet is a 4.0-litre TFSI V8 that produces 591hp and the suspension setup adopts a more performance-themed setup. It has not yet been confirmed that the SQ9 will be available to the European market due to its higher emissions.
How much does the Audi Q9 cost in Ireland?
There is no official pricing yet for the Audi Q9 on the Irish market, but it will certainly carry a premium over the latest Q7, which has a starting price of €117,900.