While the DNA is obviously Audi, even a quick look over the new Q9 reveals a new direction for the brand in its large, luxury SUV offerings. Just as the model designation suggests – the Q9 is a physically larger vehicle than its siblings in Audi’s Q ranks, but its overall styling is also quite a departure form the original ‘G’ model the Q7 and the Audi Q8, with its more coupe-like design. A more upright design than both of its contemporaries, its also boasts a very clean, linear design that seems to enhance its impressive physical presence.

The new treatment of the Singleframe front grille represents quite a departure, obviously drawing on the new design language unveiled with the Audi Concept C and more recently the Audi Nuvolari supercar. Lighting and technology play a significant role in the all-new model but perhaps the most significant developments have taken place inside the Q9, with the voluminous interior able to be tailored to perfectly suit business needs or those of larger family groups. With seven  seats as standard or an option to refine that number to six and capitalise on the additional space, the Audi Q9 showcases a new concept in interior design for the brand in a series production model.

The appeal of a vehicle like this in Australia goes without saying. Australian customers embraced the Q7 from its first arrival in 2006 and all subsequent iterations of that original large, luxury SUV. The arrival of the Audi Q8 likewise struck a chord – its completely different styling and luxury emphasis giving the brand two top performers in class. The arrival of the Audi Q9 only builds on that, and at time of writing, the new model is under close evaluation for an Australian release.