Diesel engines have been on the decline in Europe, with their market share plummeting to just 6.5 percent in the first half of the year, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA). However, Audi is still committed to its diesel lineup, particularly the 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine that will power the new Q9 in Europe. This engine produces 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, and features a mild-hybrid setup.
The Q9 will be available in the United States with a choice of V6 and V8 gasoline engines. However, the diesel engine will not be offered in the US market. Audi has announced that two additional powertrains will be added to the Q9 lineup in Europe next year: a gasoline V6 and a plug-in hybrid.
View Price on AmazonAudi has not ruled out the possibility of introducing a high-performance SQ9 variant in Europe, which would compete with the BMW X7 M60i and the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 S. The company is evaluating the potential for such a model, but no official announcement has been made.
The Q9 is set to become the de facto flagship of the Audi lineup, following the discontinuation of the A8. However, the company has hinted that a new range-topper may be introduced near the end of the decade. The future of the Audi lineup is uncertain, with the company slashing its lineup in half and axing models such as the A1 and Q2.
Despite the decline of diesel engines in Europe, Audi remains committed to its diesel lineup. The company believes that the 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine will be the most popular powertrain option for the Q9, despite the engine's decline in popularity in recent years.
Source: motor1.com
