Hopefully, Audi is coming out of its self-imposed lethargy and will bring a bundle of interesting models in America to better face off with the more popular BMW and Mercedes-Benz brands.
Already, we have heard good news coming from the sports car department because Audi's R8 production just got extended through March to meet the high demand for the V10-powered supercar, and we sincerely hope the Audi RS 6 Avant GT comes to America – at least a few of its 660 examples, that is. Audi Sport also promised to keep churning out high-performance station wagons.
Alas, we all know that for North America, the only way to sway away some of the BMW, Mercedes-Benz, or Cadillac clients is to offer a proper flagship crossover SUV. Well, the Ingolstadt-based company recently updated the Q7 for a second time – but it's still not enough when Americans roam around in traditional Cadillac Escalade SUVs or Mercedes-Benz GLS models, as well as the quirky BMW X7.
No worries, times are finally changing at Audi, and the company will finally arrive (fashionably) late at the large premium crossover party with the upcoming Q9 flagship CUV. Twinned with the refreshed Q7 and hence its other platform siblings (VW Touareg, Porsche Cayenne, Bentley Bentayga, and Lamborghini Urus), the all-new first-ever Q9 will feature additional interior space for a proper, adult-sized third row, a longer wheelbase, and some additional inches to the overall length.
It's also scheduled to inaugurate the split-headlight era at Audi if we are to believe the rumor mill, the spied prototypes, and the imaginative realm of digital car content creators. Speaking of the latter, the good folks over at the AutoYa info channel on YouTube have a satellite venue dubbed AutoYa Interior, and that's where all the (CGI) Q9 action occurs in their latest video feature.
The channel's pixel master spared no digital expenses to make this Audi Q9 seem more closely related to the upcoming real deal – but do take all this with a healthy dose of salt until everything becomes clear in the real world. Until then, the host believes that Audi will treat its first-ever Q9 to an additional six inches (15 cm) of length compared to the Q7 to ensure it competes with the Mercedes GLS and BMW X7.
Additionally, the resident CGI expert painted the hypothetical Audi Q9 in many exterior colors, just for good virtual measure. But that is not all, as we also get to catch a glimpse of the unofficial high-tech cockpit, which features a big panel for the digital instrument cluster and central infotainment system's screen, as well as an auxiliary display unit for the passenger. Just as many ritzy color options adorn the interior and exterior, so we should have plenty of choice.
Alas, there's a question that nags us – would you sacrifice top dollar for a quirky-looking Audi flagship when already there's an excellent choice to be had between the awkward 2024 BMW X7, the classic Mercedes-Benz GLS, and the eternally-satisfying Cadillac Escalade?
Aurel has aimed high all his life (literally, at 16 he was flying gliders all by himself) so in 2006 he switched careers and got hired as a writer at his favorite magazine. Since then, his work has been published both by print and online outlets, most recently right here, on autoevolution. Full profile
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