Audi has unveiled the interior of its incoming Q9 flagship, which it claims "sets a new standard for space and exclusivity”.

The luxury SUV will be fully unveiled on 29 July and serve as an indirect successor to the A8 limousine, which recently went out of production. 

The Q9 will be the German firm’s largest and most luxurious model to date when it goes on sale later this year. While prices have yet to be announced, expect them to start close to or slightly above £100,000.

The Q9 is intended to take on the A8’s role as an upmarket executive car, which is why its primary focus will be on rear passengers' comfort.

The first official pictures released by Audi of the roomy cabin and plush executive seats clearly demonstrate this intent.

According to Audi, the standout features of the Q9 include automatic opening and closing doors, a 1.5m3 panoramic roof with switchable transparency, luxury materials such as alpaca fibre and nappa leather and, when the six-seat layout is optioned, a set of electronically adjustable, heated and ventilated seats.

Those up front aren’t forgotten about, though, getting three digital screens (an 11.9in instrument panel, a 14.5in central touchscreen and a 10.9in passenger touchscreen) and an all-new centre console that incorporates two wireless charging pads and cupholders big enough for a one-litre bottle.

“Cars have long been much more than just a means of transportation; they are mobile living spaces for our customers,” said Audi CEO Gernot Döllner. “Premium materials, variable seating with individual electric seats in the second row and automatic doors underscore the commitment to quality in our new, large full-size SUV.”

While it will be offered in the UK, the Q9 is primarily intended to grow Audi’s sales in the American, Chinese and Middle Eastern markets. 

Audi has given few technical details of the Q9 yet, but recent spy shots show that it will have a large bonnet and a new version of Audi’s 'single-frame' grille.

The upcoming Q9 is expected to use an extended version of parent Volkswagen Group's Premium Platform Combustion (PPC), with engines including a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre petrol V8 for the sporty SQ9.

The Q9 will also underpin sibling Porsche's new flagship SUV, internally named K1. Both the Q9 and the Porsche K1 (slated for a 2028 UK launch) are expected to be produced on the same line at Bratislava, Slovakia.