Audi Sets a Price on the 2009 Q7 TDI: "The World's Cleanest Diesel SUV"

Audi has finally set a price for its first U.S. Clean Diesel. Filled with a tank of Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD), and fitted with a Diesel Particulate Filter and Selective Catalytic Reduction, the company claims that the 2009 Audi Q7 TDI is the world’s cleanest diesel SUV, meeting super stringent diesel emissions for all 50 U.S. states. This big boy is scheduled to arrive at dealerships across the country in late April 2009. Dressed as the TDI Premium, the 3.0-liter V-6 diesel Q7 clocks in at $51,725 including destination. Wow! That is serious cash. To help ease a little of that price tag pain, buyers do qualify for Uncle Sam's $1,150 Clean Diesel Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit.

I was lucky enough to pilot a Q7 TDI from New York City to Chicago in 3-day Wave 1 of the Audi Mileage Marathon. And while the EPA gives the Q7 TDI a rating of 17-city/20-highway mpg, my partner Mike Omotoso and I averaged about 31 mpg during our 1000-plus mile trip.

We here at Hybrid Cars and Alt Fuels are very happy to see Audi bring this big--but otherwise nimble and efficient--SUV to U.S. shores. And we hope it sells well too, because that means the company may then be enticed to bring over its mother lode of European "fuel sippy" little diesels. I saw the A4, the A5 and the near-and dear-to-my-heart A3--all TDIs--rack up better than 40, and some close to 50, mpg during the Marathon. Ohh la la baby! I do so love diesel power. --Scott

2009 Audi Q7 TDI © Audi