In Europe, The Audi Q9 Debuts With A Diesel Engine, But More Engines Are On The Way

Diesel engine market share in Europe has plummeted to 6.5% in the first half of the year, down from over 50% in the mid-2010s, according to the ACEA.

Despite Europe’s shift away from diesel, Audi is launching its new flagship SUV with a 3.0-liter V6 mild-hybrid diesel. While the US market exclusively receives gasoline engines, an Audi spokesperson confirmed that European customers will gain V6 gas and plug-in hybrid options next year to expand the model’s powertrain lineup.

Audi is considering bringing the high-performance SQ9 to Europe to compete with the BMW X7 M60i and Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 S. Meanwhile, despite plummeting diesel demand in Europe, Audi expects its V6 TDI to remain the most popular engine for its new flagship SUV, a powertrain that will not be offered in the U.S. market.

With the A8 ending production, the Q9 is the new flagship. However, the VW Group’s lineup cuts leave the future of any higher-tier model uncertain as Audi streamlines its range, including discontinuing the A1 and Q2 while reintroducing the A2 as an entry-level EV.

• Also See: Audi Refreshes The Q3 For The 2027 Model Year