Many automakers abandoned their diesel plans in recent years as new-car sales tanked and diesel prices rose. Audi, however, has kept its diesel promises, which include a TDI clean-diesel version of its Q7 SUV, introduced in 2009.
The Q7 is a great fit for a diesel power plant; its excellent highway mileage is far above that of the gasoline Q7, plus the hefty SUV gets around easily with its massive amounts of diesel torque.
That said, though, while Audi has executed the Q7 diesel well, I'm not 100 percent convinced that diesel power is the way to go for every suburban family looking for a luxury SUV.
For 2010, the Q7 has Audi's signature, eye-catching LED running lights available. As previous-model-year Q7 drivers passed me going the opposite direction, most gazed jealously at the 2010. Yes, the lights are that noticeable, and yes, they look that cool.
TDI Pros and Cons
So why offer a diesel engine in a family SUV? The TDI has the highest mileage ratings in the Q7 lineup at 17/25 mpg city/highway. That's better than the gasoline six-cylinder (14/19 mpg) and eight-cylinder (13/18) offerings, but it's not tops among luxury SUVs. The 2010 BMW X5 with a diesel engine is rated higher, at 19/26 mpg, and Mercedes-Benz's ML 350 BlueTEC is comparable at 18/25 mpg. Mercedes' larger GL 350 BlueTEC rates lower, at 17/23 mpg.
Diesel engines typically log their best fuel economy during highway driving. I pulled off higher-than-advertised mileage while cruising at around 45-55 mph, when 30 mpg was a familiar sight on the trip computer's instantaneous mileage readout.
For those who don't drive on the highway, the Q7 diesel's appeal seems limited, considering its city mileage was never really impressive. Also, at 6,600 pounds, the maximum towing capacity isn't any higher with the diesel than with a gasoline engine, though I suspect the towing experience would be different — possibly easier — with the diesel's generous torque.
At the time I tested the Q7, diesel wasn't any cheaper than gasoline. In fact, it was 25 cents more per gallon than regular, and equal to filling up with premium. The gasoline six-cylinder Q7 takes premium. Fueleconomy.gov estimates the annual fuel cost of the diesel Q7 to be $2,235 per year; the gasoline six-cylinder will cost $2,794 per year to fill up; and the eight-cylinder is projected to cost $2,981.
When it was time to fill up in my area — a large Chicago suburb — diesel stations weren't along my normal commute. Having to go out of my way for go-go juice was another knock against the TDI. Again, this is situational; if you have a diesel station around the corner, then going diesel may be an easier transition. Even though I was driving in familiar areas, I quickly discovered I had no idea which stations carried diesel. Thankfully, Q7s equipped with the optional navigation system simplify the process with a diesel-station locator.
Then there are the little things about diesel ownership to consider — like, once you get to the station, you may be forced to sit in line behind a string of heavy-duty landscaping trucks, like I did. Oh, and you should also carry moist towelettes with you because diesel is very oily, and filling up often means leaving the pump a little dirtier than you were when you pulled in. And you don't want to bring nozzle grease back into the Q7's nice interior.
Loading...
Comments