Audi to Replace A8 Sedan with Q9 SUV as New Flagship by 2026

Audi will replace its flagship A8 sedan with the all-new Q9 SUV, according to Autocar UK. The Q9 is set to debut globally in late 2026, targeting key markets such as the US, Middle East, and China. This move reflects a shift in consumer preference from luxury sedans to SUVs.

Key Highlights

• Audi will replace the A8 sedan with the Q9 SUV as its flagship model by late 2026
• Q9 will be larger than the Q7 and offer seating for six or seven occupants
• Production of the A8 has ended despite its presence on Audi websites in several markets
• Q9 will use the PPC platform and offer turbo-petrol, mild-hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options
• A Porsche equivalent to the Q9, codenamed K1, will be built at the same Slovakian facility

Market Trends and Sales Data

In 2023, Audi sold 20,442 units of the A8 worldwide. During the same period, the Q8 SUV achieved 47,002 sales. In the US, Audi sold only 1,406 units of the A8 in 2025, compared to 10,881 units of the Q8. These figures highlight the growing demand for SUVs over sedans in the luxury segment.

Despite the A8 still appearing on Audi’s websites in several markets, production of the sedan has ended. The Q9 aims to become Audi’s new flagship, replacing the A8 at the top of the brand’s portfolio.

Design, Features, and Platform

Spy images show the Audi Q9 with the brand’s Single Frame front grille, bumper-integrated headlights, eyebrow-style LED daytime running lights, and flush door handles. The Q9 will be larger than the Q7, which measures just over 5 meters in length and 1.9 meters in width.

The Q9 will offer flexible seating: either seven occupants with a bench-type second row or six with individual captain seats. The second-row configuration will be a priority as Audi positions the Q9 as its flagship model.

Expected features include a panoramic sunroof, multi-zone climate control, heated and ventilated seats with possible massage functions, wireless smartphone connectivity, and advanced driver assistance systems.

The Q9 is likely to use the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) platform, which also supports the new-generation A6L. Powertrain options are expected to include turbo-petrol engines with mild-hybrid technology, and plug-in hybrid variants may be available in select markets. The high-performance SQ9 could feature a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine.

Production and Future Plans

The Audi Q9 will be built in Slovakia and is expected to have a Porsche counterpart, codenamed 'K1', produced at the same facility. Audi CEO Gernot Döllner confirmed, “The Audi Q9 will be the new flagship of the Audi portfolio. This is a particularly important model for the US.”