It took a surprisingly long time for BMW to get into the three-row SUV game. While Mercedes-Benz had its GL-Class (now the GLS-Class), Lexus has its GX series and Cadillac had its Escalade, BMW sat idly by, watching the segment compete. Now, though, it’s finally competing alongside the others with the BMW X7. However, there’s still one more mainstream premium brand that’s yet to throw its hat in the ring — Audi.
Audi has actually had a three-row SUV for awhile but it’s really X5-sized, just with more interior space. However, there’s a possibility that Audi now wants to develop something similar in size to the BMW X7, called the Audi Q9.
According to German publication Auto Bild, Audi is working on a Q9 SUV to take on the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class directly. It would be considerably larger than the current Q7 and have a third row that could actually fit adults, just like the other two. While there are no other details about such a car, Auto Bild claims the Audi Q9 could come between now and 2022.
To be honest, I’m actually surprised it’s taken this long for a rumor like this to come out. These monster luxury SUVs sell like crazy and make boatloads of cash for the brands that sell them. Plus, both of Audi’s main two competitors, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, compete in the segment. Sure, BMW is new to it but Mercedes-Benz isn’t. So it’s odd that it’s taken Audi so long to even consider making such a car.
There’s also some speculation about a potential performance version, an Audi RS Q9, similar to the BMW X7 M50i. It’s said that it could pack the same 600 hp twin-turbocharged V8 as the new RS6. Though, that seems unlikely. Plus, there’s not even any confirmation that a standard Q9 will exist. It’s worth noting, though, that the BMW X7 might gain some new competition from its Bavarian neighbor.
Thing is, both generations of Q7 always looked vastly bigger than their contemporary X5s, how much bigger (and more pointless) would a Q9 be compared to the X7?
So another permutation of the corporate MLBevo platform that already hosts a dozen different models from A4 to Bengayta to Uranus – no engineering required but boy are those VAG rebadging marketers busy!
The Q9 could be close to the size of an X7, don’t see it going bigger than that
Supposedly no new 928 because it could encroach on Continental, most recent rumour is it will return as Panamera Coupe & Cabrio – platform engineering is so complicated, esp. when spread over 10 brands. Any larger Audi SUV could compete against Bentayga & Urus. Why BMW were smart to use Rolls platform & drivetrain for Cullinan, no X7 comparison possible.
Doubt anyone cross-shops Audi SUV with Bentayga or Urus. Different markets, buyers, demographics etc. Bit crafty though of VAG with their platform sharing moves. Ideally, it should be Porsche and higher brands sharing one platform, with another platform for Audi and brands below it. That said, there remains a huge gap between RR products and BMW products eg, Cullinan @ £350k compared with X7 @ £70k to £130k. Leaves that particular market segment of £140k – £280k luxury SUVs unaddressed by BMW Group, hence the reason they could do well to buy Aston Martin, McLaren, Land Rover now whilst they’re in the bargain price range.
They’re moving upmarket & get hate for replacing 6er with 8. BMW are a full range manufacturer, they don’t need other labels (as X7 demonstrates). Porsche were a sports car label that now sell VAG SUV.