Audi Q9 3.0 TDI Quattro Vorsprung 5dr Tiptronic

Ten Second Review

The Q9 takes Audi into a more exclusive segment than the Ingolstadt brand has ever been in before. This enormous US and Middle East-targeted Range Rover-style SUV redefines the German marque's definition of luxury. And is a powerful signpost to Audi's future.

Background

As a product to epitomise Audi's intended more up-market stance, the Q9 makes a big statement. A very big statement. This is the largest car the brand has ever made, its long-awaited super-large luxury SUV to challenge the BMW X7 and the Mercedes GLS that sets its sights even higher into more exclusive Range Rover territory. It's also an in direct replacement for Ingolstadt's long-running A8 boardroom-level big saloon. And the design starting point for a new era of huge Porsche SUV. As you might guess from the size of the Bratislava-built Q9, Europe isn't the primary market being targeted here, but this car's importance on our continent remains significant as an 'unapologetically high status' flagship for what's intended to become a more exclusive brand.

Engines and Tech Spec

So what exactly might power such a leviathon? If you're guessing at a big twin motor EV drivetrain, well that's not possible because it's not been allowed for by the Premium Platform Combustion platform this Q9 sits on (shared with the A6 and Q7). You might be mildly surprised to learn that what's provided instead, at least from launch anyway, is merely the same 3.0-litre diesel V6 found in the Q7, offered here with a single 299PS output with 630Nm of torque. 0-62mph takes 6.5s en route to 149mph. As usual, this unit is paired with eight-speed torque converter auto gearbox and quattro 4WD. It's a permanent AWD system (smaller quattro models use a clutch pack set-up). This is made possible by the way the chassis mounts the engine longitudinally, enabling the use of a Torsen differential. There's a more exclusive feel to the specified suspension and braking technology. The expected adaptive air suspension system automatically adjusts in height to driving conditions, load and speed over a range of 90mm. When stationary, it drops by 62mm to aid entry. And at speed on twisty stuff, firms up for a sporty feel. The brakes are enormous composite discs 400mm in size at the front (with six-piston calipers) and 350mm at the rear. And there's a standard all-wheel steering system to improve manoeuvrability in town and cornering stability beyond the city limits. Expect a future PHEV model to rival oncoming Chinese competitors in this class. But the high performance 4.0-litre V8 SQ9 model bound for other markets is unlikely to be offered here.

Design and Build

The Q9 is the penultimate model to feature the brand's current design language (the last will be the A2 EV supermini) before the look is shifted to new design head Massimo Frascella's minimalist approach which begins with the Nuvolari supercar. Designer David Caffrey wanted the Q9 to have the kind of 'intimidating presence' that says 'I'm here'. There's certainly nothing subtle about it. Certainly not the mammoth size, 5.3-metres long (lengthier than a Range Rover), 2.2-metres wide and 1.8-metre tall. Which makes it one of the very largest cars you can buy (as customers will find to their cost when trying to get through tighter urban width restrictions). These dimensions make it bigger than obvious rivals like the Mercedes GLS and the BMW X7, though still not quite as large as the enormous Cadillac Escalade this Audi will go up against in the US. Wheel sizes are up to a gigantic 23-inches. Lights are the jewellery of modern luxury cars - particularly this one, which has 25,000 pixels in each headlamp unit. With top spec, there are the world's first curved OLED tail lights, the largest Audi has ever fitted to a car. More shock and awe comes with the availability of full-electric doors, which automatically open or close as you approach and leave the car. Providing access to an interior which will usually have seven seats - though with top spec, there's the option of a more exclusive six-seat layout for the chauffeur market. Up front, there's the three-screen dashboard familiar from the A6 and the Q7 with an 11.9-inch instrument screen, a 14.5-inch curved central touchscreen and a 12.3-inch passenger-side touchscreen. But the trimming around it all feels a lot more exclusive than is usual in a large Audi. The shiny piano black surfaces that usually characterise cabins from the brand have been largely banished in favour of textured and matte services and copious amounts of ambient lighting, some of it used under the 'Digital Stage' band of screens to create a 'floating' effect. It's all supposed to feel like 'an executive lounge' and if you add in the optional wood and Nappa leather Audi can provide, there can be a touch of aristocratic luxury too. Not quite as welcome is the way that physical controls have largely been dispensed with - even the air vents have to be controlled via the centre touchscreen. There's loads of space to stash things of course - including cup holders big enough to take huge Stanley mugs. 'Space is the defining feature of the Q9' says Audi and you can really feel that in the spacious second row, bathed in light by the enormous standard panoramic glass roof. To replace the usual bench, the middle row pews will be two big comfy captain's chairs in the six-seater. And all second row seats have heating, ventilation and massage functions. Less expected is the way that adults can fit so comfortably into the third row - even if they're six-footers. In the boot, folding down the seats can be done at the touch of a button and if you flatten the third row, up to 850-litres of space is freed up (100-litres more than a BMW X7).

Market and Model

There's six-figure pricing here - but maybe you expected that. The asking figures (initially based just around the 299PS 3.0 TDI diesel powertrain) start from around £104,000 for base 'Edition 1' trim; it's just over £113,000 if you want the fully-equipped top 'Vorsprung' version. 'Edition 1' spec includes 22-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels, S line styling, a black styling package and Matrix LED headlights with customisable light signatures. Adaptive air suspension, all-wheel steering and quattro all-wheel drive deliver assured performance and refinement, while the spacious interior features Fine Nappa leather Sport seats plus with ventilation and massage functions in the front row, and heated seating across all three rows. An opening panoramic roof with switchable transparency, Bang & Olufsen 3D premium audio system and comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems further reinforce the Q9's flagship credentials. Top 'Vorsprung' models build on that by bringing together Audi's most advanced technologies and luxury appointments. Distinctive 23-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels are complemented by Digital Matrix LED headlights, world first curved Digital OLED rear lights and illuminated exterior design elements. Inside, the Bang & Olufsen 4D Premium sound system delivers a truly immersive audio experience, while advanced driver assistance features including Park Assist Pro, Adaptive Cruise Assist Plus, 3D surround-view cameras and automatic doors aim to ensure that the Q9 'Vorsprung' model sets the benchmark for sophistication and comfort in its segment.

Cost of Ownership

Obviously, the idea of including the brand's upgraded 'MHEV plus' 48V mild hybrid tech in this Q9's 3.0-litre TDI diesel engine is in pursuit of improved efficiency. But in truth it doesn't make a huge amount of efficiency different. Expect much the same returns as you'd get with this engine in the smaller Q7 - about 36.2mpg on the combined cycle, with up to around 194g/km of CO2. The 'MHEV plus' architecture is based on three core components: the belt alternator starter, the powertrain generator and the lithium iron phosphate battery. It not only enhances performance and the driving experience but also reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The powertrain generator enables short periods of partially electric driving, such as when manoeuvring, parking, or driving in city traffic, and supports starting off and overtaking with up to 24PS of power and 370Nm of torque. The air conditioning system can be operated when the vehicle is stopped at traffic lights and the combustion engine is switched off. With the integrated and blending-capable brake control system, the brake pedal and the brake hydraulics can be completely decoupled. When the Q9 slows, this achieves the necessary deceleration without using the friction brakes thanks to regenerative braking. This means that deceleration is initially achieved solely by recuperation. The friction brakes only kick in when the brake pedal is pressed harder.

Summary

Forget the perception we've had of Audi over the last few decades - as a more up-market, cooler, tech-focused platform for Volkswagen engineering. And look instead at this Q9. A car that within the VW Group arguably shares more in its ethos with Bentley than with Volkswagen. It encapsulates the direction that more accessible new models from the brand will be taking over the next few years. Which makes sense. Ingolstadt can try and fight the premium end of the Chinese model onslaught. Or, more sensibly, it can sell fewer, more up-market cars for more money. Cars like this Q9, which has a streetside presence and status that wannabe Oriental premium brands are still going to struggle to match for the foreseeable future. In short, it makes a big statement. In more ways than one.