Audi’s Coming For Maybach With New Q9 Horch

Just as Audi confirmed three new models set for 2026 (more on that in a bit), our spies caught one of them testing on public roads. This isn’t the first sighting of the upcoming Audi Q9, though this particular prototype appears to be the range-topping Horch edition.

The flagship model is expected to follow the path established by the A8 L Horch and compete directly with the Mercedes-Maybach GLS, serving as Audi’s definitive showcase of luxury.

More: New Audi A8 L Horch Founders Edition Unveiled In China To Rival Maybach

So what makes this model so special? Not much from the outside as the only telltale cues are a modified front bumper and a revised grille with vertical bars.

However, we can expect the production model will have additional changes including extra chrome and Horch emblems on the rear pillars. The crossover could also echo the A8 L Horch by offering a two-tone paint job as well as “H crown” wheels.

While the exterior isn’t much to get excited about, the cabin should be an ultra-luxury cocoon of comfort. Spy photographers didn’t get a look inside, but we wouldn’t be surprised to find two individual rear seats that are separated by a wide center console. They’ll presumably offer heating, ventilation, and massage functions.

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Other highlights should include a rear seat entertainment system, diamond quilting, and deep-pile floor mats. Customers may also find additional wood trim and Horch accents.

Rear passengers might take center stage, but front seat occupants won’t be forgotten as they’ll likely find an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.5-inch infotainment system, and a 10.9-inch front passenger display.

Engine options remain a mystery, but the standard Q9 is expected to be offered with an assortment of conventional and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The Horch will presumably have only the most powerful of these, which could mean the model will have a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8.

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Three New Models For 2026

While plenty of questions remain about the Q9, it’s coming next year as part of the “largest product initiative” in Audi’s history. It will be joined by the redesigned Q7 as well as “high-performance RS models.” Next year will also see the introduction of an entry-level EV, expected to be called the A2 or Q2 e-tron that we’ve already spied testing.

These new models can’t come soon enough as Audi deliveries have fallen 4.8%, to 1,175,765 units, in the first nine months of the year. This disappointing result was driven by a 9% drop in China as well as a 5% decline in the United States and Canada.

While deliveries were down, Audi Group revenues were up 4.6% to €48.4 ($55.6) billion. Despite this, their operating profit fell from €2.1 ($2.4) billion to €1.6 ($1.8) billion.

Part of this can be blamed on US tariffs, restructuring measures, and the “financial strain” from the “rescheduling of an electric platform to be developed jointly within the Group for the D segment.”