Q7-retired

Just curious, Force-1, and this is NOT a flame: what was it about the gas version that impressed you so compared to the TDI? I always enjoy comparing notes!

Force-1

I'm a performance guy. Drive an S5 and a Corvette. I like the response of the gas engine, especially at speed. And since I don't worry about MPG the TDI has no value to me. I do give kudos to the TDI though, as it is quiet, good low end grunt, and does get good MPG. Don't dislike the TDI--just prefer the performance of the gas.

s5blitzer

Since I have always like fast cars like my S6 (including my past V8 S5 or my V8 Mustang 30 years ago) which I get 10-12 mpg in the city, I too don't mind about low fuel mileage. BUT I still love my TDI because it can pull my 5 ton SUV off the line quicker than most gasoline sedans and SUVs.

Speed is subjective as I see a Ford Focus passing me going at 90+ mph on the freeway but what is its handling capabilities at fast cornering and predictive braking. Anyone can go fast on a straight line. Add drivers' school and autocross events (BMW club) 20+ years ago .... as it takes a driver and his/her machine to drive competently "fast". Don't forget Audi has their TDI R class race cars at Sebring, Le Mans, etc.

Love my TDI. Unfortunately, I wish we had a V8 TDI and better grade diesel like they do in Europe.

Force-1

s5blitzer

Force-1 .... lol if there was any confusion I may had inadvertently caused. Audi Q7 curb weight is 5,421 lbs before passengers. So I confess my math was never the best. Thanks for the correction. Should read as 2.7 tons.

Changed my mind about a V8 TDI, wishing for a V12 TDI. *drool*

The only downside with modern diesels is that they require injections from an onboard urea system (adBlue) to combat NOX emissions.

DUTCH VanAtlanta

Which, in my opinion based on experience, is a non-issue.

Bklyn_Quattro

+1 for the 'gasser'; even with gas prices as low as they've been in years, diesel prices have been at best .30 cents more than premium in NY, plus the premium you pay for the diesel engine over the gas engine..

pfbz

+1 on TFSI over TDI...

We made that decision on our 2014 Q5 and are now looking at a second Audi, Q7 petrol.

Not only is the gas engine far more responsive and fun to drive, it's also much lighter and really improves Q7 handling.

Even from a cost point of view, the diesel makes little sense. It will take hundred of thousands of miles of 'better fuel mileage' just to break even on the diesel upcharge.

DUTCH VanAtlanta

There's a whole lot more important, to me, consideration with the diesel; and that is low end torque for towing. Plus, I like the extended fuel fill intervals when traveling.

Q7-retired

Concur with Dutch. MPG on my TDI when not towing is about 25, and about 17 when towing. I think the gas/ petrol versions would suffer from a lower starting MPG, and the torque helps a lot with towing.