— The brand’s newly introduced huge SUV, the Audi Q7, is popular (by Audi’s low-volume standards) diesel-powered model.
Direct fuel injection and turbocharging are referred to as TDI. An engine can accelerate more swiftly with turbocharging. Fuel is improved via direct injection, which also reduces pollutants. Direct injection might lessen a diesel’s distinctive rocks-in-a-tin-can sound if it is precisely programmed, as it appears to be in the Q7.
When compared to gas engines of comparable size, diesels can achieve mileage improvements of 25% to 40%. And recently, diesel fuel, which was more expensive than gasoline, has actually decreased in price. The appeal is clear to see.
The diesel Q costs $1,450 more than the equivalent V-6 gasoline model. That is a reasonable premium. The Q7’s gasoline versions were released in the US as 2007 models in 2006.
What you might enjoy about the TDI, which has been available since late April:
- Power. Due to the slug-and-chug driving conditions in America, diesels have the low-speed torque that Americans find appealing. The test car accelerated skillfully from a stop and accelerated fiercely once the turbo (which is now standard on all passenger diesels) engaged fully.
- Smoothness. Under whatever condition, the automatic transmission shifted admirably up or down. Although it had a manual-shift mode, that is essentially useless in a low-revving diesel.
Although firm, the ride wasn’t painful. Controls worked smoothly and intuitively, as one would expect in a luxury car.
- Appearance. Usually beautifully drawn and finished. If an Audi were to be any other way now, it would be news. Keep it the same, as they say in show business. However, reasonable individuals frequently disagree on topics of taste.
Although the TDI looks fairly similar to the gasoline models that have been on the road for three years, the test car nonetheless received a startling number of admiring glances from other drivers, even in areas where Q7s are prevalent. difficult to express
- Route mileage. Diesels excel in this scenario. The Q7 TDI has a 25 mpg rating. Audi claims that during a’mileage marathon’ last year, it achieved 33. Several teams traveled 4,887 miles across the country, with the top average being 33 mpg. The combined average of all teams was 27 mpg.
- Handling. It handled like a sports sedan, which it didn’t, but it was surefooted for a 3-ton SUV.
- Details. With the windows down, there is only a gentle breeze. That test is often failed by automakers.
The narrow beams of the second-row reading lights didn’t bother the driver at night. Another useful function that most automakers botch.
Power tailgates could be raised or lowered to fit different ceiling heights in garages, from wide open to allow tall people.
- Robustness. the sturdy feel you would get from a German brand (though all Qs are made in Slovakia, mainly of Hungarian parts).
From the driver’s seat, the TDI was a darling thanks to all those features. Plus, despite having a full-size SUV footprint, it was easy to park and didn’t intimidate me in confined spaces.
But those faults, which were shared by other Q7s, might be annoying. Here are few things that can put you off, only one of which is related to the diesel engine.
- Stink. Modern diesel engine exhaust doesn’t, but diesel fuel still does.
- Space. According to published specifications, the Q7’s interior is more like a midsize model than other full-size vehicles with a comparable footprint. According to manufacturer standards, the Honda Pilot is 10 inches shorter and 1,200 pounds lighter than the Audi Q7, yet it boasts 15% more passenger roomenough to fit eight passengers instead of the latter’s sevenand more baggage space.
The Q’s third row seats are accessed through a tiny aisle that can only be used by the nimble or the thin.
- Complexity. Simple activities like changing the wipers and tuning the music were frustratingly difficult. The glove-box button itself was a hassle. You can’t find it on the glove box, as a hint. Another clue is that it is designated by a symbol that, unless you already know what it symbolizes, has no meaning.
- urban fuel efficiency. Midteens, which is worse than the 1920 mpg of the (now-discontinued) 2009 Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango full-size hybrid SUVs and not much better than certain gasoline SUVs.
- Tailgate. It can be remotely powered on via the key fob, but not off. To lower the gate, you must press a button on it. That is safer, claims Audi.
Consider that many mainstream SUVs give you as much or more space for people and cargo, are more practical in daily life, don’t consume much more gasoline, and are significantly less expensive if you’re realistic and aren’t enamored by luxury brand names.
But Audi is more than just a brand. It is a sophisticated philosophy. The Q7 TDI has advanced aluminum suspension parts and very huge Brembo-brand disc brakes, for examplethe kind of equipment you’d choose if you were driving on an autobahn with no speed limits. Q7 TDI could satisfy a deep itch if that kind of stuff is more essential to you than pure utility or overall value.
- What? The brand’s huge, four-door, seven-passenger crossover SUV is available with a diesel engine.
- When? In April, the TDI diesel variant went on sale. As 2007 models, gasoline V-6 and V-8 variants were introduced in the United States in 2006.
- Where? produced in Bratislava, Slovakia, with a Japanese transmission and a Hungarian engine.
- Why? Due to the advantages of fuel efficiency and low-pollution tuning, Audi believes that diesel has a future in this area.
In This Article...
Which Audi models are diesels?
“The cetane rating of HVO is roughly 30% higher, increasing the engines’ combustibility. When cold starting, the advantages of this are most obvious. Before approving, we conducted special validation runs to examine the effects on various components, performance, and exhaust emissions “According to Matthias Schober, who oversees powertrain development for Audi’s V-TFSI, TDI, and PHEV vehicles.
HVO fuel is created from leftovers and waste products, such as food industry frying oil and agricultural residues. These oils can be transformed into aliphatic hydrocarbons through the process of hydrogenation, making them suitable for use in motor vehicles. These can be combined with standard diesel fuels or used in place of them.
As of mid-February of this year, only the A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, Q7, and Q8 models will be produced; new Q5 diesel versions will begin to be produced in early March. Therefore, even if they are relatively new, this fuel won’t be officially compatible with earlier V6 Audi cars.
Other Audi diesel vehicles, notably the four-cylinder A3, Q2, and Q3 in Europe, have previously been constructed to accept HVO. Additionally, according to Audi, HVO has been available for the A4, A5, A6, A7, and Q5 models in Italy, Sweden, and Denmark since mid-2021.
Are there diesel Audis?
2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI Premium quattro Gray quattro 8-Speed Automatic with Tiptronic 3.0L V6 TDI DOHC 11 Speakers, 3.27 Axle Ratio, with third-row seats: benc
Audi Q7: Is it a diesel?
A powerful 3.0-liter diesel V6 turbocharged engine with 240 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque powers the Audi Q7 TDI. Additionally, an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive are linked with the diesel engine. EPA estimates the combined fuel efficiency to be a commendable 22 mpg (19 city/28 highway).
Audi stopped producing TDI when?
A stop-sale letter was given to dealers on Tuesday and states that five of Audi’s six diesel models are no longer available for sale.
According to the notification Automotive News received, sales of the 20132015 Q7, 20142016 A6, A7, A8, A8L, and Q5 Audi TDI cars are prohibited. An official statement has not yet been published by the company. The vehicles go beyond the 2016 A6, A7, A8, A8L, and Q5, which were the only ones mentioned in a second EPA violation notice to the Volkswagen Group on Monday. The warning did not mention the new 20152016 A3 TDI or any A3 TDI automobiles from the 20092013 generation. Tuesday also saw the suspension of the 20142016 Porsche Cayenne Diesel and the start of a second inquiry by Volkswagen into the fuel economy of 800,000 additional vehicles.
For the 2014 model year, Audi unveiled a selection of automobiles powered by TDI engines and staged this promotional photo in Washington, D.C.
Has Audi stopped producing diesel?
Audi, a German luxury automaker, has chosen to discontinue producing diesel and gasoline vehicles by 2033, continuing the industry’s shift toward more environmentally friendly electric vehicles. CEO Markus Duesmann stated, “Audi is poised to make its forceful and decisive move into the electric age.
Beginning in 2026, Audi intends to only introduce all-electric vehicle models; until 2033, internal combustion engine production will be gradually phased out. Audi’s local partners in China would still produce combustion engine automobiles after 2033 due to the significant demand for the vehicle there, he noted.
As the world becomes more concerned about climate change, car manufacturers all over the world have been investing significant sums in the transition to battery-powered automobiles. Given the impact of EU pollution restrictions and the 2015 Volkswagen “dieselgate” emissions-cheating scandal, the transition has accelerated in Europe.
A diesel SUV: Is it worthwhile?
When trying to use your car or truck to tow heavy goods, diesel engines’ excellent low-end torque comes in quite handy. Therefore, if towing is something you do frequently, we highly recommend diesel power, especially for an SUV or pickup.
Audi Q7 diesel dependability
The Audi Q7 is generally proving to be dependable, with only one or two widespread faults. This massive SUV is known for wearing out a pair of front tires in less than 7000 miles, and occasionally as little as 5000 miles. In most cases, the edges on the outside wear out far more quickly than any other place.