THE NEW AUDI Q9 is a powerful blow to the Mercedes GLS and BMW X7

Audi is gearing up full throttle for the release of the new Q9 and continues to leak information about the upcoming model—and of course I couldn’t pass by without telling you all about it. Let’s start with the basics. The new model is meant to fill a critical gap in the German brand’s lineup and stop the outflow of customers to competitors. In the U.S. professional community, this car has already earned an unofficial nickname: the “soccer mom vehicle” that Audi has been sorely missing. The current Q7, despite all its strengths, simply can’t offer enough space for large families, especially in the rear of the cabin—and for the U.S. market, that’s a big deal.