Audi has impressed me in more ways than one over the last couple of years while testing out some of the best electric cars. From the Tony Stark-worthy Audi RS e-tron GT to the sport-tuned Audi RS Q8, there’s no shortage of impressive vehicles in its stable that balance performance and high-tech features.
While lighting has always been a key pillar of Audi’s identity, the German automaker is taking it to a new level with the 2027 Audi Q9 and SQ9. Not only are they the first three-row, full-size SUVs in the brand's lineup, but they also feature the most comprehensive lighting setup I’ve ever seen in a production vehicle.
From adaptive headlights that selectively block glare for oncoming traffic, to customizable curved OLED taillights and ground-projected turn signals, the Audi Q9 and SQ9 prove that exterior lights aren't just for style anymore — they're active safety tools.
The turn signal finally gets a next-gen upgrade
The basic turn signal hasn’t changed all that much over the decades, but Audi is stepping outside convention by introducing a feature that actually made the jump from a crazy concept car to a real production vehicle.
Audi is stepping outside convention by introducing a feature that actually made the jump from a crazy concept car to a real production vehicle.
While the blinkers on both the Q9 and SQ9 illuminate normally, Audi’s advanced indicator system uses built-in ground projectors to cast dynamic light arrows directly onto the road alongside the SUV — and they aren't just limited to the rear bumper.
In fact, the projections fire from both the front and rear corners to alert everyone nearby. The biggest benefit here is blind-spot safety: if you're changing lanes or turning in dense city traffic, cyclists, pedestrians, and adjacent drivers can immediately see where you’re heading — even if their view of your actual headlights or taillights is blocked by another car.
While the system is undeniably impressive at night, I’m curious to test how well those projected arrows hold up under bright daylight.
High beams without the glare
Another innovative upgrade that accompanies the 2027 Audi Q9 and SQ9 is the Digital Matrix LED headlight system with a micro-LED module. This smart lighting doesn’t just enhance the driving experience at night — it also serves as a protective feature for others on the road.
Much like other vehicles with dynamic lighting, such as the Rivian R1S and Polestar 3, Audi’s new SUVs can detect oncoming traffic or a vehicle cruising ahead in your lane. When it spots them, the system instantly dims only the specific micro-LEDs that would otherwise hit their eyes or side mirrors.
The result is a precise cutout in the beam pattern that prevents glare for surrounding drivers, all while maintaining daylight-bright illumination across the rest of the road ahead. Because the system works proactively, the headlights continuously dim and brighten individual modules to ensure you always have maximum visibility without blinding anyone else.
LED-lined panoramic roof
The exterior isn't the only place Audi is showing off its lighting prowess — the cabin of the 2027 Audi Q9 and SQ9 is an absolute visual treat once the sun goes down. In typical fashion, subtle ambient light strips make for pleasant accents, but the real showstopper is the panoramic sunroof.
It’s the largest glass roof Audi has ever built, offering breathtaking views for passengers across all three rows. What really sets it apart, though, is how it embeds an array of LEDs directly into the glass frame — much like the Sky Lounge setup found in vehicles like the BMW i7 M70 I've tested. These lights sync seamlessly with the cabin's ambient lighting system, casting a soft, customizable glow overhead that turns the glass into a floating illuminated window.
Advancing driving assistant, size, price, and more
These vehicles mark a major milestone for Audi, as they are the brand's very first true full-size, three-row SUVs designed specifically with the U.S. market in mind. They’re noticeably longer than the existing Q7, ensuring that using the third row doesn't completely sacrifice rear trunk space.
Something I’m particularly eager to test out is the updated adaptive driving assistant plus, which enables limited hands-free driving at speeds up to 85 mph on select highways. It’s still technically classified as "partially automated driving" under SAE Level 2 standards, meaning drivers must remain alert and attentive at all times.
All this extra space and forward-thinking tech doesn't come cheap, but Audi has priced both flagships competitively. The base trim for the 2027 Audi Q9 starts at $89,095, while the high-performance, 591-horsepower SQ9 commands $119,395. Both models are scheduled to arrive at dealerships later this year.
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