Big Audi meets Big Apple — the Q9 in NYC
It’s just after 6:30 a.m. on Brooklyn Bridge in New York City. The tops of Manhattan’s skyscrapers are shrouded by dense fog. An Audi Q9 crosses the East River toward downtown, the soft morning light falling gently across its body. At the wheel sits Gernot Döllner, Audi CEO, with Vito Paladino, who has been President of Audi of America since January 2026, in the passenger seat.
Just a few hours ago, they were both standing on the roof of a hotel beside Brooklyn Bridge Park, where Audi unveiled the Q9 to the public for the first time. At 5.31 meters long, 2.21 meters wide (including door mirrors), and with a wheelbase of 3.14 meters, the largest Audi to date is now making its way through the streets of a metropolis that, more than any other, epitomizes grandeur, dynamism, and ambition. The traffic is getting heavier. Yellow taxis drive by, delivery trucks double-park, and people pour into the streets. The Q9 fits right in. Here, it becomes clear why this vehicle was created.
Designed for one market, made for many
In the U.S., large SUVs have been a common sight on the roads for years. Families take them on long trips, and businesspeople use them as comfortable companions in their daily lives. At the same time, expectations have risen: more space, more comfort, more technical features. With the Q9, Audi is entering the large full-size SUV segment for the first time. The model is specifically tailored to the needs of U.S. customers — but it extends far beyond a single market.
“The Audi Q9 is the new flagship of the Audi portfolio. With our first large full-size SUV, we are elevating our brand’s premium positioning.”
— Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG
A sanctuary in the heart of the city
The pace of the city is slowly picking up, but the street sounds fade into the background. A business-class atmosphere, tailored to the preferences of U.S. customers. Thanks to the largest panoramic sunroof Audi has ever installed in a production vehicle, the open sky is visible between the tops of the buildings. The Q9 seats up to seven people — and creates an atmosphere more reminiscent of a lounge than a vehicle. Especially on long trips, the interior becomes a key part of the experience. It’s not just the destination that counts, but also the time spent along the way. The Q9 becomes a sanctuary in which to explore cities and roads, work, relax, or make phone calls.
“The Q9 is a powerful statement about Audi’s future, our commitment to this market, and our ambitions in the U.S. For the first time, we are unveiling an all-new Audi designed to appeal to people across all markets, while being developed specifically with the needs and expectations of American customers in mind.”
— Vito Paladino, President of Audi of America and Head of Audi North America Region
Driving through New York’s urban canyons, the Q9 provides support with a wide range of driver assist systems. Outside the city — on approved highway and Autobahn segments in the U.S., Canada, and Germany — adaptive driving assistant plus takes over hands-free, partial automated driving for the first time. At speeds of up to 130 km/h or 85 mph in the U.S., drivers can take their hands off the wheel while the system handles steering, acceleration, and braking. The system is classified as “partial automated driving” under SAE Level 2: the driver remains responsible and must stay alert at all times.
At the rear, the Q9 features a world first: the digital OLED panels are an important safety feature in the hectic New York traffic. Their curved shape ensures that other road users can see the rear lights from a wider angle. As design highlight, they blend seamlessly into the curve of the body.
A look that turns heads
The fog is slowly clearing from the Manhattan skyline. Gernot Döllner and Vito Paladino stop for a cup of coffee on the way to their next engagement. The vehicle, which made its debut the night before, is already attracting curious glances on the streets of Brooklyn. Passersby stop for a moment and pull out their smartphones. New York has new attractions to offer every day. Today, one of them is an Audi.
The Audi Q9 can be configured now. Deliveries will start in November 2026.
