2022 Audi 'Q9' spied testing in Austria

Audi’s new large SUV has been spotted testing in Austria, with its size and front end design hinting this could be the Q9.

Undergoing brake testing in the Alps, the camouflaged Audi Q9 is based on the same platform as the North American and Chinese market Volkswagen Atlas, as is evident in its identical rear styling to its VW Group sibling.

While it’s larger than the existing Q7 and Q8 in its exterior dimensions, the single-frame front grille design is unmistakably Audi, with the headlights and side air dams also offering a strong resemblance to the current Ingolstadt range.

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Aiming to take on its German rivals such as the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS, the Q9’s rear exterior design suggests the model could fit up to seven seats with enough boot space for a family haul of luggage.

Despite being based on the transverse-mounted engine MQB platform rather than the longitudinally-mounted MLB base of the Q7 and Q8, the Q9 could borrow powertrains from its smaller siblings such as the 3.0-litre V6 petrol or even a 4.0-litre V8, although the Atlas upon which it is based only uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder and two V6s.

An electrified variant can’t be ruled out either, with plenty of plug-in hybrid options already existing within the VW Group line-up, potentially giving the Q6 an electric-only driving range of up to 50 kilometres depending on motor spec.

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It’s unclear as to whether the Q9 could ever land in Australia given we don’t get the Atlas, although rumours have suggested the camouflage used on this example resembles that of Audi’s previous models, which have been aimed at the Chinese market.

If this is the case, Audi may bypass its native European market entirely and just produce the Q9 for China, potentially just with a facelift and equipment change over the Atlas.