2009 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI Road Test Video

By Edmunds Video Productions | Published October 13, 2009

3:1 min

When we got behind the wheel of the pre production Audi Q7 TDI, we had just one thing in mind � find out how little fuel the big SUV could sip. After a full day of low cruising speed and no air conditioning we can say the Q7�s potential for being frugal is real. We were able to average more than 30 miles per gallon with an average speed of 50 miles per hour. We�ll call that experiment a success, but once we�re done trying to hyper mile the big Audi, we turned our focus to performance. And it was then that we quickly came to appreciate the authoritative punch of the TDI. 0-60 8.3 secThe V6 turbo diesel is good for 221 hp and a stunning 406 lb-ft of torque. 0-60 comes up in 8.3 seconds, but at lower speeds the TDI Q7 feels quicker and delivers more urgency than a gasoline powered V8 Q7. Above 45 miles per hour, the diesel loses some of its punch. As expected, our fuel economy dropped a bit once we stopped babying the Q7. Audi says the Q7 TDI should get about 19 mpg in the city and 25 on the highway. That sounds about right. In normal everyday driving we averaged 22.7 mpg To make the most of the diesel�s fuel economy, Audi uses somewhat narrow low-rolling- resistance tires. They deliver a smooth, quiet ride but we noticed lower limits when really pushing the Q7. 60-0 132 ftA full stop from 60 miles per hour takes 132 feet, 9 feet longer that a V8 powered Q7 with wider tires. Slalom 57.9 mph It�s a similar story on the Slalom. Our best run was 57.9 miles per hour � down from 60.2 mph with the V8. Decent numbers for sure but it's clear the TDI-powered Q7 SUV gives up some performance in the name of fuel economy. The options list on the TDI is identical to the 2009 Q7 Premium with aV6. The interior has the same high level of fit and finish, and the MMI system is about as easy to use as any in-car information system. The diesel powered Q7 runs about $2,000 to $2,500 more than that similarly equipped V6 � however, you should make your money back on fuel savings within four years. So the TDI Q7 is clearly a winner but it does leave us asking one important question � when can we get more diesel powered Audis? Look for the Audi Q7 TDI to go on sale later next year.