2009 Audi Q7 TDI

Americans who still desire big, luxurious SUVs, but feel their conscience tugging at them when they pull up to the pump, may now be able to ditch that guilt trip. Audi’s full-size luxury sport ute, the Q7, is back for a second go with us, but this time with a clean diesel promise. So, let’s see if Audi’s big hauler is now both soot and guilt free.

When the Audi Q7 was introduced for 2007, it came equipped with either a 280-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 or a 350-horsepower 4.2-liter V8. While a good performer, its two-and-a-half-ton curb weight contributed to abysmal fuel economy. Now, for 2009, Americans get a taste of how Europeans enjoy this up-to-7-passenger luxury hauler in the Q7 TDI. The TDI uses the same 3.0-liter common-rail direct-injected clean turbodiesel V6 as the Volkswagen Touareg TDI. It includes 50-state clean diesel technology for reduced tailpipe emissions.

Using AdBlue after treatment, a liquid urea solution is sprayed into the exhaust to reduce particulate emissions by 98% from the original TDI engine in 1989. As far as diesels go, this one isn’t just clean-it’s powerful, too, with 225 horsepower and a massive 406 pound-feet of torque, all available from just above idle. That’s a jump of 81 pound-feet over Audi’s own range-topping 4.2-liter gas V8.

Trailer capacity is a hefty 6,600 pounds with the optional tow package. A six-speed Tiptronic automatic is standard, as is quattro all-wheel drive, with front and rear electronic locking differentials and a center self-locking differential.

At the track, the Q7 pulled strong off the line, bouncing between three and four thousand rpm, for a 0-to-60 of 8.6 seconds. That’s only 7 tenths slower than the 4.2 gas V8. The quarter mile took 16.6 seconds at just over 82 miles per hour. Lacking the progressive power feel of BMW’s latest turbodiesel, the Q7 TDI’s power arrives more in an on-off manner.

With standard stability control, but without the 4.2’s available adjustable suspension, this 5512-pound diesel exhibited quite a bit of body roll through the cones. Turn-in is initially quick, but understeer and top-heaviness soon caught up and dominated the test, as well as our handling impressions.

On the other hand, we averaged a good 129 feet from 60 to 0, and came away impressed with the Q7’s overall braking stability. With ABS and Brake Assist, the pedal was firm with a nice, short travel.

Out on the byways, the all-independent front double-wishbone and rear four-link suspension make for a cushy ride on just about any road surface. The Q7 is a big Audi, riding on a 118.2-inch wheelbase, and casting a 200.2-inch-long shadow.

Fittingly, it wears a larger-than-life Nuvolari grille well. Lines are clean and uncomplicated, flowing from the lidded headlights over taut flanks and bulging fenders to wide-set hatchet-shaped taillights.

A handful of “TDI” badges normally are the only hints there’s a diesel under hood. But our tester arrived with door decals proudly proclaiming its lack of spark plugs. It also featured “S Line”-exclusive 20-inch wheels with all-season tires.

“S Line” contributed nicely to the plush cabin, too: brushed aluminum inlays accentuated the interior’s vast swatches of leather, and shift paddles allowed for some added driver involvement.

Top-of-the-line “Prestige” trim adds navigation, rearview camera, Bose surround sound and park assist. Our Q7 also had a sunroof. The leather seats are big and comfortable. Three rows means plenty of room, although the third row is best reserved for children.

Pop the tailgate-it’s power open but manual close-and you’ll find a tiny 10.9 cubic feet of cargo room with all seats erect. Fold them down, however, and it expands to a reasonable 72.5 cubic feet.

Government fuel economy ratings for the Q7 TDI are 17 city, 25 highway on diesel. We achieved 20.1 miles per gallon. Hardly stellar, but 25% better than the 4.2 gas V8 and comparable to the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid.

The 2009 Audi Q7 TDI starts at $51,725. Stiff, but only $4,000 more than the gas 3.6 V6, and over 10 grand less than the very thirsty 4.2 V8. The addition of clean turbodiesel power removes dismal fuel economy as the only major stigma we found in our initial Q7 test. The 2009 Audi Q7 TDI is big, very luxurious, and reasonably entertaining to drive. And while it’s still not a high-mileage sipper, it can now hold its own among the most economical big utes going. The Q7 TDI is one European fashion that Americans would be energy smart to follow.