Why is the Audi Q9 design controversial?

Many users feel the large grille and split headlights resemble generic Chinese or Korean SUVs, making the vehicle lose its unique Audi identity. The illuminated rear logo is also widely considered tacky.

Is the Audi Q9 interior considered luxurious?

Reactions are mixed. Some criticize the heavy use of screens and touch controls, noting the dashboard display looks identical to the cheaper A3 and Q3 models. However, others find the seats and rear styling appealing.

How big is the Audi Q9?

It measures 5.31 meters long and 2.21 meters wide. This size is a major point of contention in Europe due to parking and maneuverability concerns, though all-wheel-steer helps.

Who is the target market for the Audi Q9?

The size and design primarily target the US, Middle Eastern, and Chinese markets where larger SUVs are more popular.

Audi Q9 Design Flaws and Size Controversy Explained

The Audi Q9 is a full-size flagship SUV aimed at the American, Middle Eastern, and Chinese markets, competing with the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS.

Users generally dislike the exterior design, comparing its large grille and split headlights to generic Chinese and Korean SUVs rather than traditional Audi styling.

The interior is criticized for being overloaded with screens and sharing dashboard displays with cheaper Audi models, though some praise the seats.

Its massive dimensions draw complaints, especially in Europe, as many question the need for such a large vehicle when the third row seems no roomier than the smaller Q7.

Audi Q9 Design Flaws and Size Controversy Explained — infographic

The Audi Q9 is a new full-size flagship SUV designed to compete with vehicles like the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS, primarily targeting the American, Middle Eastern, and Chinese markets. Users generally find its design polarizing, often describing it as overly large and lacking traditional Audi elegance.

Design and Aesthetics

Controversial Exterior: Many Users criticize the Audi Q9's exterior design, especially its large grille and split headlights, comparing it unfavorably to other brands. "I'm not gonna lie, I really thought this was another Chinese SUV because so many of them do the vertical grille thing that it's hard to tell them apart anymore."

"Chinese Car" Resemblance: A significant number of users feel the Q9's design mimics that of Chinese and Korean SUVs, suggesting Audi has lost its unique design identity. "I can barely tell which SUV is Chinese and which isn't anymore."

Disliked Illuminated Logos: The illuminated rear logo is widely disliked, with many finding it cheap and tacky. "Am I the only one who hates the new rear logo being luminated in led? It looks so cheap and Chinese."

Interior and Technology

Screen-Heavy Interior: The interior is characterized by numerous screens and touch-sensitive controls, which some Users find unappealing and a departure from Audi's previous design philosophy. "I hate the screenfest. Yuck"

Perceived Cheapness: Some users feel the interior, despite its technology, appears cheapened, especially with dashboard displays similar to those in smaller Audi models. "The dashboard is again cheapened by the skateboard display that is exactly the same as in the A3/Q3 so what is the luxury in that??"

Debate on Interior Quality: While some criticize the interior for being generic, a few Users find elements like the seats appealing. "edit: you know what I take it back those seats look sick and the rear and side are gorgeous."

Size and Practicality

Excessive Size: The Q9's dimensions (5.31 meters long, 2.21 meters wide) are a major point of contention, particularly in European markets where parking and navigating city streets are concerns. "5.3 metres is seriously long for the UK - but all-wheel-steer helps massively with manoeuvrability."

Questionable Need for Size: Many question the necessity of such a large vehicle, especially given the perceived limited interior space compared to its exterior dimensions. "These xl suvs are strange, they are suppose to have loads of room, but the third row looks as roomy as what you would get in a q7 so its abit pointless."

Target Market Focus: The general consensus is that the Q9's size and design are primarily aimed at the US, Middle Eastern, and Chinese markets, where larger SUVs are more popular. "The target market is likely to be the USA."

Are you interested in exploring specific features or criticisms of the Audi Q9 in more detail?

Best for: Buyers in the US, Middle East, or China who want a full-size luxury SUV and do not mind a screen-heavy interior or polarizing exterior.