2009 Audi Q7 TDI priced at $50,900
2009 Audi Q7 TDI – Click above for high-res image gallery
Touted as the world's cleanest diesel SUV, Audi has announced pricing on its 2009 Audi Q7 TDI will start at $50,900 (plus $825 for destination charges). Dropped under the hood of the 50-state model is a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 diesel that is rated at 221 horsepower. While that may sound a bit low for a seven-passenger SUV, the oil-burner pumps out 406 lb-ft of torque. That's enough to move 6,600 pounds of trailer, says Audi. According to the EPA, the Q7 TDI is rated at 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, giving it a theoretical 600-mile range on a road trip. The Q7 TDI is set to arrive in U.S. dealerships later this month. Hit the jump for the press release.
Gallery: Audi Q7 3.0 TDI
PRESS RELEASE
Audi sets prices on the 2009 Q7 TDI, the world's cleanest diesel SUV
- Audi TDI clean diesel technology meets emissions standards in all 50 states
- The Q7 TDI offers 600 miles of driving range and 25% better fuel economy
- TDI technology has been proven by dominant Audi Le Mans racing teams
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices for the Audi Q7 TDI Premium start at $50,900. Prices do not include a destination charge of $825, taxes, title or dealer charges. Buyers of the 2009 Audi Q7 TDI also qualify for a $1,150 Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit, according to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
Audi TDI technology marks its 20th anniversary this year with the distinction of offering U.S. consumers the world's cleanest diesel system. It is a technology certified as meeting emissions regulations in all 50 U.S. states. That includes the California ULEV II (Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle) standards that also apply to conventional gasoline vehicles and represent one of the world's most rigorous motor vehicle emission requirements.
Audi accomplished this without sacrificing the outstanding performance that TDI has brought to European motoring and in racing competitions worldwide. The most recent TDI-powered championship came last month when the all-new Audi R15 TDI race car won first and third place in the 12 Hours of Sebring competition.
In the 2009 Audi Q7 TDI, efficiency and performance will combine with styling and luxurious appointments to open up the discussion over America's alternative fuels options.
"The moment has arrived for clean diesel to be seen as an immediate answer to America's energy challenges," said Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America. "With the Q7 TDI, Audi is clearly demonstrating that luxury car buyers do not need to sacrifice progressive styling, comfort or performance to see fuel economy gains."
The clean diesel technology found in the 2009 Q7 TDI provides 30% better fuel economy than gasoline engines of similar size. That means the Q7 TDI offers the efficiency of 25 mpg in highway driving and a range of more than 600 miles on a full tank. The Q7 TDI also gets an EPA-rated 17 mpg in city driving and combined fuel economy of 20 mpg.
But getting more miles out of each gallon of fuel isn't the only advantage of the Audi TDI clean diesel technology. The engine in the Audi Q7 TDI also delivers substantially more torque than a comparable gasoline engine – at least 50% more, in fact. That added torque gives the Audi Q7 TDI more power from a start as well as the force to handle tasks like towing or climbing steep slopes.
The Q7 TDI achieves 406 lb-ft of torque, compared to 266 lb-ft of torque for a similar V6 gasoline engine. Its towing capacity is a hefty 6,600 pounds.
The advanced TDI clean diesel engine in the 2009 Audi Q7 TDI is significantly less intrusive on the environment than past diesel engines. The 3.0-liter V6 engine in the Audi Q7 TDI produces about 25% less carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, than traditional gasoline engines. The advanced exhaust emission control system found in the Q7 TDI reduces smog-causing nitrogen oxides by up to 90% when compared with past generations of diesel technologies sold in the U.S.
With the filters used in the 2009 Audi Q7 TDI, the exhaust that comes out of the tailpipe can contain less particulate matter – or soot – than the ambient air that went into the engine. And the ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel available at U.S. filling stations contains 97 percent less sulfur than diesel fuel sold in 1993. Over 42% of the nation's filling stations now carry ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel.
What's more, the diesel engine in the Q7 TDI is expected to last longer than a comparable gasoline engine. That's leading to better resale value projections, which affect leasing rates and longer-term ownership value.
The 2009 Audi Q7 TDI offers plenty of amenities to go with its technological advances. The exterior of the new Q7 TDI features sporty S line styling upgrades, including S line front and rear bumpers, S line badging, headlight washers and 19-inch five-spoke wheels.
Inside, the 2009 Q7 TDI includes power 12-way heated front seats with leather seating surfaces throughout, seven passenger seating, dual zone climate control, wood decorative inlays, power tailgate, Audi Multi Media Interface (MMI), Audi Music Interface with iPod® cable, premium sound w/ 6-disc CD changer, garage door opener (HomeLink®), Parktronic, preparation for mobile phone (Bluetooth®) and SIRIUS® satellite radio.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Tang 4:43PM (4/09/2009)
Doesn't look too bad, and it gets about as good of mileage as most mid-size and large sedans, and some small SUVs too
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Vetmstr 4:44PM (4/09/2009)
Whats the point if it doesnt even get at least 20 in the city??
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I3ziko 5:08PM (4/09/2009)
did you read the press release?
just a few:
...30% better fuel economy than gasoline engines of similar size
...more torque than a comparable gasoline engine – at least 50%
...about 25% less carbon dioxide
...diesel engine in the Q7 TDI is expected to last longer than a comparable gasoline engine
seanleeforever 5:33PM (4/09/2009)
what it doesn't say in the press release:
...more torque than a comparable gasoline engine – at least 50%, AND 25% less in hourspower.
...about 25% less carbon dioxide, BUT 25% more for NOx
Max 4:54PM (4/09/2009)
What I wanna know is how MB is getting 369ft./lbs of torque out of a 2.2L 4-cylinder when Audi can barely top that with a 3L V6. Combined fuel economy of 20mpg isn't that impressive.
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Danny 5:12PM (4/09/2009)
the engine you talk about is going on a 2011 SLK
This is a SUV thats 2009
Noah 8:02PM (4/09/2009)
Well, that 2.2 from MB is performance-tuned. Around 200hp and 370lb-ft from that little engine is huge. This 3.0 TDI is tuned for more low-end grunt and fuel economy, not performance. See BMW's 535D for what a higher-tuned 6-cylinder diesel can do (~285hp/425tq).
Phil 8:39PM (4/09/2009)
I don't know, but in my world 406 ft lbs > 369 ft lbs. Audi went for fuel economy rather than power output with this engine. We know if power is what they wanted, they could do it. Recognize their 8 out of 9 Le Mans wins and domination of the ALMS.
If you've never seen a Q7, it is a beast. A definite Land Yacht and one of the largest SUVs on the road today - for it to grab 25mpg is damn impressive..
MikeW 6:16PM (4/11/2009)
Mercedes uses the serial-sequential turbocharger arrangement that BMW has been using for a while.
This only has one turbo, has to use crap US diesel fuel, and meet nearly unrealistic emission standards.
Danny 4:59PM (4/09/2009)
hmm we got a Audi Q7 V6 is rated at 14/20 mpg. I get 21(24 hypermileing :O ) Highway with some hard acceleration to get on and Avg speed is 70-74mph. Usually any ware from 14-16mpg city.
So its a bit better gas mileage but not by a lot
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MikeW 6:30PM (4/11/2009)
But this has over 50% greater torque than the VR6.
and then try driving at altitude, you will be familiar with downshifting & 5-4-3rd gears
B 5:04PM (4/09/2009)
I'm an Audi fan boy and owner, but my wife's GMC Acadia has ~300hp and gets 17/24 out of the 3.6L V6 running on the cheap stuff. Seats 7 with the captains chairs in the middle row. Yes, there are differences in curb weight due to quattro and luxury items....but this just doesn't seem to be that impressive.
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Jay 5:33PM (4/09/2009)
Yeah and how much can that Acadia tow again? What, 3000lbs? This tows 6600lbs and has over 400ft/lbs of torque. Plus the engine will last 250k+ miles.
Noah 8:13PM (4/09/2009)
B- What is your own personal fuel mileage in the Acadia? From what I've read in the magazines and on fueleconomy.gov, its difficult to attain 17mpg in the city, people seem to average less than the epa numbers.
However, on diesels, people seem to get better than epa numbers. It might also be that the Q7 is geared much more aggressively, I dunno. C&D got 26-27mpg at 75mph...not bad at all, and 29-31 with some light hyper-miling techniques.
Jay- the Acadia can tow between 4500 and 5200 lbs depending on equipment and year. It won't be as nice as towing 6000 lbs in the torque-monster Q7 diesel, and I think that these lambdas could benefit from GM's euro 2.9 V6 diesel. Or a 5 cylinder diesel....
OM617 8:36PM (4/09/2009)
My good friend took part in the Audi Mileage Marathon and recorded 34mpg highway in this over a 200 mile stint. What does this mean? Once again, EPA rating on diesel aren't to be taken to heart.
Slicano 1:00PM (4/10/2009)
In Europe the Q7 V6 TDI is rated at 17/28 mpg, it might be more realistic.
Even the Q7 V8 TDI with 322hp and 760Nm of torque gets 17/26 mpg. But it's not available in the US. Neither is the much more expensive V12 TDI with 500hp and it's Veyron-like torque of 1000Nm.
MikeW 6:36PM (4/11/2009)
The 3.6 V6 isn't at 300hp in the Acadia.
GM will have to bore the engine out to 3.8 liters for that.
The gearing/axle ratio is too tall. (Where is the 3.39?)
http://media.gm.com/us/gmc/en/product_services/r_cars/r_c_acadia/09index.html
and there is no center differential available for the Acadia.
zamafir 5:04PM (4/09/2009)
DO. NOT. CARE.
Q5 3.0TDI please, i'll buy one in a heart beat. 0-60 in 6, 38mpg, gobs of torque. Thanks.
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Swede 7:28PM (4/09/2009)
It's a lovely car the Q5, the Q7 is... large. That's all it's good at.
Rick 5:08PM (4/09/2009)
Damn that's a hot front end. But I too call for the TDI Q5!!!
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