Why the Audi Q9 Is the Best All-Round Choice
The Audi Q9 is a full-size three-row luxury SUV that combines advanced driver assistance technology, strong performance, and generous space, positioning itself as a compelling alternative to established flagship crossovers from rival brands in the premium segment. For most buyers, the standard Audi Q9 is the best all-round choice: it delivers serious speed, comfort for six or seven passengers, and a long list of luxury features without the price jump of the high-performance SQ9. At launch, the Audi Q9 luxury SUV uses a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 making 429 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed Tiptronic and standard quattro all-wheel drive, and Audi lists its 0–60 mph time of 4.9 seconds as best-in-class among direct rivals. Priced from USD 87,700 (approx. RM414,000) before destination charges, it undercuts many similarly powerful competitors while offering more cutting-edge tech.
SQ9 Performance Variant vs. BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS
If outright speed and sportier dynamics matter more than price, the SQ9 performance variant is the one to buy. Both the Q9 and SQ9 are powered by twin-turbocharged engines, but the SQ9 steps up to a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 591 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, good for 0–60 mph in 3.8 seconds. Audi describes this rear-biased quattro setup with an electronically controlled rear-axle differential lock, brake torque vectoring, and standard rear-axle steering as delivering “a very dynamic driving experience.” According to Audi of America’s Filip Brabec, “with 591 horsepower and 3.80 seconds to 60 mph, you're basically like near-RS level… you're basically getting an RS performance for an S price.” At USD 118,000 (approx. RM557,000) before destination, the SQ9 lines up against high-output versions of the BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS and feels every bit as quick, with distinctly performance-focused tuning.
| Spec | Audi Q9 | Audi SQ9 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.9L twin-turbo V6 | 4.0L twin-turbo V8 |
| Horsepower | 429 hp | 591 hp |
| Torque | 442 lb-ft | 590 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph | 4.9 seconds | 3.8 seconds |
| Drivetrain | quattro all-wheel drive | rear-biased quattro with rear differential lock |
| Starting price | USD 87,700 (approx. RM414,000) | USD 118,000 (approx. RM557,000) |
Space, Technology and Everyday Usability
Audi built the Q9 for buyers who make no compromises on size and capability, equipping both Q9 and SQ9 with generous seating layouts, a 7700-pound towing capacity, and strong powertrains. You can choose six or seven seats in three rows, with individual power-adjustable second-row seats and massaging, ventilated front seats, making the Q9 feel like a “mobile living space” in daily use. The Q9 rides on Audi’s Premium Platform Combustion shared with the Q5 and Q7, and sits within inches of the BMW X7, Mercedes GLS, and Cadillac Escalade in most dimensions, placing it squarely in the established full-size luxury SUV comparison set. Tech highlights include digital matrix LED headlights, automatic doors, and the latest adaptive cruise assist that allows hands-off driving on approved roads while handling steering, acceleration, and braking at speeds up to 85 mph, with driver monitoring to keep you engaged.
RS Q9 and Future Performance, Plus How Rivals Stack Up
For now, Audi is clear that an RS Q9 is not in development, even though the SQ9’s figures already sit near traditional RS levels. Filip Brabec notes, “It's not the focus. You know, never say never. We can always reconsider. But I think in this space, I think we feel that this is sort of exactly the right balance.” Audi already sells one RS-style SUV, the RS Q8, using a similar 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with slightly higher output and a price tag over USD 20,000 (approx. RM94,000) above the SQ9. Against rivals, the Q9’s base engine compares well: BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS base models use six-cylinder engines with 375 hp, with the X7 reaching 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and the GLS in 5.4 seconds, while the Cadillac Escalade hits 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, yet Audi still lists its 4.9-second Q9 as best-in-class among direct luxury competitors. That balance of speed, tech, and price is why the Q9, not the SQ9, is the go-to recommendation for most shoppers.
Buy if / Skip if
- Buy the Audi Q9 if you want a three-row luxury crossover that balances strong V6 performance, advanced driver assistance, and a lower starting price than the SQ9 while still competing directly with BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS.
- Skip the Audi Q9 if you care more about maximum horsepower and the quickest 0–60 mph times than overall value, and are prepared to pay for the SQ9 instead.
- Buy the Audi SQ9 if you want a flagship SUV with 591 hp, 590 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.8-second 0–60 mph time that delivers near-RS performance with rear-biased quattro dynamics.
- Skip the Audi SQ9 if you rarely exploit high-performance capability, mainly drive in comfort mode, and would rather save money with the still-quick standard Q9.
- Buy the Audi Q9 or SQ9 if you need three rows, generous towing capacity of 7700 pounds, and a premium cabin that feels like a mobile living space for family use.
- Skip the Audi Q9 family if you prefer body-on-frame SUVs or off-road-focused models like traditional large trucks, rather than refined full-size luxury SUV comparison options.
