# Flagship Luxury SUVs The Audi Q9 and SQ9 Introduce a New Three-Row Flagship Platform By Amy Duong | Published 2026-07-29 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/q9 References: [audi](https://www.audi.com/en/press-releases/audi-q9-audis-first-large-full-size-suv-tops-the-lineup-18158)  The [Audi](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/q8-55-etron) Q9 and SQ9 mark the brand's first full-size three-row flagship SUVs, developed for the U.S. market with a 208.9-inch body and a 123.5-inch wheelbase. Both models feature a raised shoulder line, monolithic front fascia, and straight window profile, while Digital Matrix LED headlights make their U.S. debut with micro-LED technology that selectively adjusts light output to reduce glare. At the rear, third-generation curved digital OLED taillights introduce customizable light signatures, complemented by turn signals that project directional indicators onto the pavement at night. The Q9 is powered by a 2.9-liter V6 producing 429 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque, while the SQ9 receives a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 generating 591 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 0–60 mph time of 3.8 seconds through an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive with an electronically controlled rear differential. The cabin accommodates up to seven occupants, with optional second-row captain's chairs featuring removable armrests and access to the third row. Image Credit: Audi ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 7.1/10 - Popularity: 79% | Activity: 50% | Freshness: 84% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Digital Lighting Signatures:** Customizable OLED taillights and micro-LED headlights create new premium differentiation through safety, personalization, and road-communication features. - **Performance Three-row Suvs:** High-output powertrains in family-sized luxury vehicles are reshaping expectations around utility, speed, and flagship status. - **U.s.-focused Flagship Platforms:** Market-specific full-size SUV development reflects opportunities in localized luxury design, larger cabin formats, and regionally tailored mobility preferences. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Luxury Automotive:** Premium automakers are using design scale, advanced lighting, and performance hardware to extend brand prestige into larger family-oriented segments. - **Automotive Lighting:** Micro-LED and digital OLED systems are expanding vehicle lighting into adaptive safety, visual identity, and interactive signaling applications. - **Passenger Mobility:** Three-row cabin layouts with flexible seating configurations support evolving demand for upscale shared travel, family transport, and executive comfort. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Inflatable Camping Tents](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-puffer.md) - [Industrial Machined Coupe Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/audi-zer-cup.md) - [Die-Cast Car Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nissan-gtr.md) - [Branded Electric Rally Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beware-of-the-crocodile.md) - [Fast-Food Drive-Thru Locations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drive-thru-location.md) - [Portable Furniture Collection](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kompishng.md) - [Contemporary Portable Car Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-took.md) - [Competitive Dealer Bidding Marketplaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Multiple-Dealerships.md) - [Bold Graphic Streetwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tokyo-drive-car-club-ss26.md)