Audi Q9 flagship SUV interior revealed with North American focus
Featuring a Bang & Olufsen 4D sound system and matte finishes inspired by the Grandsphere concept, the vehicle is set for a formal unveiling later this summer.
Audi has disclosed the interior specifications of the Q9, its inaugural full-size SUV designed specifically for the North American market. This new model marks a strategic shift for the brand, effectively replacing the Audi A8 as the flagship vehicle in response to changing consumer preferences toward SUVs. The vehicle is scheduled for a formal unveiling later in summer 2026, with production models expected to arrive in the US in the fourth quarter of that year.
The cabin design draws inspiration from the 2021 Grandsphere concept, utilising matte finishes over glossy ones and incorporating an open-grain olive wood alternative to carbon fibre. Audi designer Chris Koelle explained that the goal was to create a calming, luxury environment where everything feels controlled and in its place. The dashboard layout curves around the driver, retaining a moving map view option on the main instrument display, a feature previously pioneered by the Virtual Cockpit but absent from several recent models.
Technological inclusions comprise a Bang & Olufsen 4D sound system with 22 speakers and low-frequency actuators under the front seats. These actuators synchronise with bass notes and cover art via an interaction light that runs along the base of the windshield and changes colour to match the media being played. The main instrument display and infotainment screens curve around the driver, though they are not particularly tall, ensuring a clear view down the hood over the interaction light.
Seating configurations offer six or seven seats, utilising motorised captain's chairs for third-row access. If the middle seat is pushed, it whirs up and out of the way to allow entry, though the floor height remains a noted limitation for foot placement in that row. The Q9 and the smaller Q3 share non-stalk controls for turn signals, wipers, and gear selection, indicating a trend in Audi's recent SUV range.
Specific design changes highlight the redesign of cupholders to accommodate large insulated mugs, reflecting a focus on American consumer preferences. The vehicle will be available with either a bench or two captain's chairs, all of which are motorised to create a cavernous lay-flat cargo area when folded. From the inside, push buttons operate the doors, and a light push from the outside is sufficient to signal the car to close them again.
