Audi Q9: First Images of the Technological “Sanctuary” of the Future Flagship. Automatic Doors and Alpaca Wool Interior
Audi is preparing to redefine luxury in the large SUV segment. The Ingolstadt-based manufacturer today released the first official images of the interior of the upcoming Audi Q9, a model that promises to become the brand's new standard of comfort. The vehicle's world premiere is scheduled for July 29, 2026.
Here are the main innovations and details that make the Q9 a fortress of technology and refinement:
An Absolute First: 90-Degree Opening Doors
For the first time in the history of the German brand, Audi is introducing fully automatic opening doors. This feature is not just a show-stopper, but one of extreme utility, as the doors can pivot up to an angle of 90 degrees.
The system is intelligently integrated into the car's ecosystem and can be operated in five different modes:
- Through the car key;
- From the myAudi app;
- Through the multimedia system menu;
- Automatically, by simply pressing the brake pedal or fastening the seat belt.
Safety remains a priority: proximity sensors constantly monitor the environment. If the system detects an obstacle, a pedestrian or a cyclist, the opening is instantly blocked to prevent accidents.
Family and Business Class Configurations
The new Q9 was designed with a major focus on space and modularity. In the standard version, the SUV offers 7 seats, with an important peculiarity: the seats in the last row are all compatible with the installation of child seats. Furthermore, their backrests fold electrically to expand the volume of the luggage compartment.
For those looking for an exclusive experience, Audi offers the optional 6-seat configuration. In this case, the middle row is equipped with two individual "Captain's chairs" with complex electrical adjustments and a ventilation function.
Cutting-edge Technology: 9-Segment Panoramic Roof
The cabin is dominated by a generous 1.5 square meter panoramic roof. It uses PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal) technology, which allows for control of opacity at the touch of a button. Users can choose to make the roof opaque in sections or in its entirety, protecting passengers from over 99.5% of UV radiation.
The top-of-the-line equipment adds an ambient lighting system integrated directly into the roof glass, composed of 84
LEDs capable of displaying 30 different colors.
Exotic Materials and “Qi2.2” Connectivity
Inside, Audi is making the transition to sustainable and ultra-premium materials. In addition to Nappa leather and Dinamica microfiber, the Q9 introduces Alpaca wool upholstery, offering a unique texture and superior thermal comfort. The trim can be customized with inserts made of:
- Natural ash wood;
- Carbon fiber with basalt accents;
- Matt aluminum finishes.
The center console has been completely redesigned, integrating two wireless charging zones that comply with the latest Qi2.2 standard, offering a combined power of 100 W. The sensory experience is completed by a Bang & Olufsen 4D audio system, which transforms the cabin into a true concert hall.
Price and Availability: When will the new "king" of SUVs arrive in Romania?
Although Audi is still keeping the official price list under wraps until the July 29th event, the positioning of the new Q9 at the top of the brand's hierarchy gives us clear indications about the segment it will operate in. Being designed to compete directly with established models such as the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS, we expect the new Audi Q9 to have a starting price that will exceed the psychological threshold of 105,000 - 115,000 euros on the Romanian market.
The top versions, equipped with high-power plug-in hybrid (PHEV) engines and the exclusive Alpaca wool finishes mentioned above, could quickly climb to 150,000 euros, especially if we check off optional features such as the Bang & Olufsen 4D audio system or the adaptive lighting roof.
Local market launch schedule:
- World Premiere: July 29, 2026.
- Opening of orders: It is estimated that authorized Audi dealers in Romania (such as those in the Porsche Romania network) will start taking orders in the last quarter of 2026.
- First deliveries: Given the group's strategy to prioritize large markets, the first Audi Q9 units are expected to roll on Romanian roads in early 2027.
In Romania, interest in large luxury SUVs remains extremely high, and the Q9 fills a historic gap in the Ingolstadt manufacturer's range. For local customers looking for an Audi alternative to the A8 sedan, but with the versatility of an off-road vehicle, the Q9 promises to be the most sophisticated option yet.
