Inovev forecasts 20,000 units per year for the new Audi Q9 SUV
- Despite having two high-end SUVs in its lineup—the Q7 (5.07 m long) and the Q8 (4.99 m long)—Audi has decided to launch an even more imposing SUV: the Q9 (5.31 m long). It now sits at the pinnacle of the manufacturer’s range, especially as the Audi A8 luxury sedan is expected to be discontinued soon without a direct replacement.
- The exceptional dimensions of the Audi Q9 could make it very difficult to market in Europe; however, the model may find a customer base in China, the United States, and the Middle East.
- Inovev estimates that, given these markets, the Audi Q9 could see an annual production volume of 20,000 units during the first phase of its lifecycle (2027–2030), dropping to 10,000 units per year during the second phase (2030–2033)—a period when the rise of fully electric SUVs could potentially marginalize it.
- Indeed, the Audi Q9 will not be offered with an electric powertrain; it will be available exclusively with an internal combustion engine. This large SUV will feature a 3.0-liter, mild-hybrid V6 diesel engine producing 299 hp—the same unit already found in the Q7 and A6 Allroad.
- The Audi Q9 will compete against the Mercedes-Benz GLS (5.21 m long) and the BMW X7 (5.12 m long), as well as some of the largest American SUVs, such as the Cadillac Escalade (5.38 m long).