The new Audi Q9 has been previewed as the brand’s largest-ever luxury SUV ahead of its unveiling this summer.

Revealed in camouflaged form, the new flagship from the Ingolstadt brand is designed to tower over the Q7 and directly challenge the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS with a huge three-row cabin.

Due to launch late 2026, it’s an indirect successor to the A8 limousine and will be available with up to seven seats.

The interior centres around a spacious, exclusive cabin – “conceived as a sanctuary for family, business and long journeys” and offering premium materials, variable seating with individual electric seats in the second row and an airy panoramic sunroof that can be opened wide and turned opaque to keep out the sun or prying eyes. The top trim level also features illumination: 84 LEDs bathe the roof in one of 30 colours – matching the selected ambient lighting.

It will also feature automatic opening and closing doors in a brand-first. The carmaker says entering the vehicle will be an experience in itself.

The interior additionally gets a triple screen setup, a new Bang & Olufsen premium sound system with 4D sound, and dual wireless charging pads.

Audi CEO Gernot Döllner said: “With the Q9, ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ is increasingly defined by the in-car experience.”

Audi promises a “particularly harmonious and high-quality selection of materials and colours” and the Q9 will also deliver generous storage and ample luggage space, complemented by a new aluminium rail system in the boot and a roof rack for the standard roof rails with all versions.

The powertrain line-up for Europe is yet to be announced but is expected to include diesel, petrol and plug-in hybrid power.

UK specifications will be revealed closer to the Q9’s launch late 2026.