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By Jonathan Crouch

Audi's biggest SUV, the Q9, aims to be the brand's most exclusive luxury car yet. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 42

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.

Backgroundword count: 125

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 Specword count: 261

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.

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