BMW surprised the premium car market when it launched the full-size X7. With three rows of seats, plenty of in-car features, and a choice between gas or diesel-hybrid engines, the BMW X7 showed that the German automaker can indeed make a three-row crossover SUV.

Well, that particular segment is about to become more crowded, as Audi recently released the first pictures (and details) of the Q9. That's right, the Audi Q9 has officially been confirmed, and it will serve as Ingolstadt's first large full-size crossover SUV, and it also has three rows of seats.

“With the Q9, ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ is increasingly defined by the in-car experience. Cars have long been much more than just a means of transportation; they are mobile living spaces for our customers. Premium materials, variable seating with individual electric seats in the second row, and automatic doors underscore the commitment to quality in our new, large full-size SUV,” said Gernot Döllner, CEO of Audi.

Despite being covered in a camouflage livery, the Audi Q9's large size is immediately apparent. With massive rear doors, a huge tailgate, large alloy wheels, and bold LED taillights, the Q9 will be one of the largest Audi vehicles to come from Ingolstadt.

With huge size comes generous space, and the Audi Q9 will not disappoint. In fact, the three-row crossover SUV will be available with the optional six-seat layout. Here, the second row will come with electrically-adjustable seats, complete with active ventilation in the center panels for extra comfort. If you need to haul the family in the Q9, customers can opt for the standard seven-seat version, which comes with ISOFIX anchors for child seats. Need to haul cargo with ease? Besides having one of the largest luggage spaces in the segment, the third-row seats can be folded electronically to make additional cargo space.

For the first time in an Audi, all doors can be operated electronically. Whether using a key, the MyAudi app, the MMI system, the brake pedal, or the seatbelt buckle, the doors can be opened and closed remotely and effortlessly. Combined with their wider opening angle, getting in and out of the vehicle with baggage in tow will be easier in the Q9. Last but not least, a set of sensors surrounds the doors, which can automatically stop the doors if there is not enough space or if there's an approaching cyclist.

In signature Audi quality, the Q9 will come with a wide selection of high-quality materials and colors. There will be new fabric and wood trims, while premium upholstery such as wool, alpaca fiber, Dinamica microfiber, leather, and leatherette blends, including Nappa, will be available to customers. Decorative elements like fine-grain ash, silk beige, lime structure, and carbon fiber weave will also be available, depending on customer preference.

Other features that will be available in the Q9 include a panoramic sunroof with a laminated safety glass that can be set to opaque to keep prying eyes out, ambient lighting, MMI panoramic display, a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system with 4D sound, 100W USB-C charging ports, and a pair of wireless charging pads.

Audi will fully reveal the Q9 at its world premiere, which will take place in the summer of 2026. This likely means it will be revealed first in Europe in Q3 2026.