Audi Q9: Large combustion engine SUV officially confirmed for 2026

Because there aren't enough large SUVs yet, Audi is preparing its largest Q model yet. It feels like we've been talking about an XXL high-riding SUV from Ingolstadt for ten years, one that's supposed to compete with the BMW X7 and the Mercedes GLS. In 2026, the time has finally come, and the Audi Q9 will be unleashed upon humanity.

The Four Rings certainly took their time entering the full-size SUV segment, but as the saying goes: better late than never.

Confirmation now comes from Audi's head of development, Geoffrey Bouquot. He told Automobilwoche that the Q9 will be launched next year alongside a new Q7. The latter's current generation has actually been around since 2015. Thanks to two major facelifts, it has held its own quite well against the BMW X5 and Mercedes GLE, but it's really about time for a new version.

Both newcomers will share the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) with the current A5, Q5, and A6. The same basis is also expected for Porsche's new gasoline-powered Macan successor, which will launch in 2028.

While Bouquot didn't elaborate on the new models, PPC has been developed for gasoline, diesel, mild hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The hardware also supports range extenders. Audi hasn't yet said whether it plans to use this technology in the Q7 or Q9. Interestingly, there are rumors that BMW's future X5 will revive the range extender technology once used in the compact i3 .

The Q9 won't be the only new luxury living room on wheels in the Volkswagen Group's portfolio. Porsche is also working on a flagship SUV with three rows of seats. The car, previously known as the K1, was originally planned as a fully electric car, but Zuffenhausen reconsidered the project as part of its major rebranding and now plans to try it with combustion engines and plug-in hybrid options. Positioned above the Cayenne, the newcomer will initially launch with gasoline engines, while the EV version has been delayed.

Image by: Jeff Perez / Motor1

Both Audi and Porsche have significantly moved away from their ambitious electric ambitions. Combustion engines will continue to be used well into the next decade. Audi has abandoned its goal of going all-electric by 2032, while Porsche has confirmed that its commitment to the V8 engine will extend into the 2030s.

But that doesn't mean that Audi and Porsche will return entirely to conventionally powered cars. Even niche products like Audi's Concept C and Porsche's upcoming 718 will be electric cars. However, we recently learned that the top models of the future Boxster and Cayman will continue to rely on gasoline engines .

Returning to combustion engines could prove a wise move if the European Union decides to relax the 2035 ban. Initially, the plan to ban new gasoline or diesel vehicles from the middle of the next decade seemed set in stone. However, the decision has recently met with massive resistance, including from parts of the German government. Negotiations are expected to begin soon, and reports suggest that the sale of new plug-in hybrids could be permitted beyond the deadline.

Audi's premium rivals are urging the EU to lift the ban. Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius recently warned that Europe's auto industry is "heading full speed into a wall" and could ultimately "collapse." His BMW colleague Oliver Zipse warned that the ban "could kill an industry."

Hopefully the EU is listening.

New momentum for Audi

Note: The image above shows Motor1's rendering of the Audi Q7 from 2027.