Audi TDI: The best Audi diesel models

As gas prices and fuel efficiency standards continue to climb in the United States, a new-yet-familiar player is making an aggressive push in the automotive market: clean diesel. Led by Audi and Volkswagen's Turbocharged Diesel Injection (TDI) engine, diesel engines are picking up steam stateside thanks to impressive fuel efficiency on top of aggressive performance.

A limited selection of Audi’s TDI line has been available in the United States since 2009. But now, the German automaker is going all-in with a 2014 TDI lineup includes the the A8L flagship sedan, the A7 Sportback, the A6 executive sedan and the Q5 compact crossover. The freshly redesigned Audi A3 will also include a TDI model.

Audi has suggested in official statements that Americans would rather drive diesel-powered cars than hybrids, which is why you're seeing new a wave of Audi TDI diesels instead of new hybrid and electric options like BMW. Hybrids are still uneven, says Audi, and not particularly fun to drive. Their lack of muscle and driving enjoyment may not make the added fuel economy worth it to many drivers. Certainly there's some truth to this, but the number of hybrids on American roads might say otherwise.

Diesel however, saves you all the money a hybrid saves at the pump while delivering massive low-end torque you can feel when you break from the starting line.. err, the stoplight. Get ready for the North American diesel revolution with one of these powerful-yet-efficient Audi TDI models.

Audi TDI Overview

All Audi TDI models come standard with a with a 3.0L turbocharged V6 diesel engine that gets 240 horsepower and 428 lb-ft torque, with slightly varying fuel economy ratings based on the weight of the cars. Choosing between these TDI models will come down to the price point and size of the vehicle. Because otherwise, they're all equally awesome.

If you're already an Audi convert, why would you choose a diesel engine over a regular gas engine? The TDI clean diesel engine offers the same high-end performance you've come to know and love from Audi, but with added fuel efficiency and decreased pollution and emissions. On top of that, TDI engines, like all diesel engines, deliver a ton of low-end torque that you can really feel when accelerating from a stop or passing other cars between 30 mph and 60 mph. 

The following Audi models are some of the most popular in the lineup, and they are now all available with the TDI engine. Use this guide to determine the best Audi diesel model for you.

Audi A6

The A6 TDI model checks in at about $57,500, which is up almost $10,000 from the base A6. But the TDI clean diesel engine is, of course, a highly efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to the traditional TFSI V6 engine. 

The Audi A6 TDI is powered by the same 3.0L turbodiesel V6 found in the A8 L Tdi, A7 TDI and Q5 TDI. The engine generates the same 240 horespower and 428 lb-ft of torque, but because the A6 is lighter, it gets a trememndous charge off the line. It still retains roughly the same fuel economy as the other models, clocking in at 24 mpg in the city and 38 on the highway. 

The A6 is also equpped with the latest technology gadgets, including Audi connect, Google Earth with 3D satellite imagery, Audi MMI touch with advanced handwriting-recognition technology and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Audi A7

The A7 Sportback TDI claims to be the first “clean diesel five-door coupe” and achieves an EPA-rated 24 mpg in the city and 38 on the highway, the same as the A6. Now before you scoff that these numbers aren't that special, you should know this car can go from zero to 60 in 5.5 seconds while weighing 4,266 pounds. That's a little more impressive isn't it?

The A7 handles excellently as well. The TDI engine is paired with an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission, and power is delivered evenly to all four wheels with the quattro all-wheel drive system. The steering is perfectly balanced, which is rare for a big-body sedan. No understeer or oversteer. You can hit sharp turns effortlessly, and without any discomfort to you or your passengers. 

The all-new A7 TDI also has a stunning and well-appointed interior. The interior is accented by a gorgeous wood trim that's dark and bold with a semi-gloss that gives it almost a matte finish. It's an elegant-looking vehicle both inside and out.

This is a practical family car with plenty of standard safety features and cargo space, and it will save you money at the pump. Unfortunately the sticker price is not so practical, starting at $66,900. You'll have to drive quite a bit to offset the added expense of the diesel engine. 

Audi A8L

The A8L is comfort embodied, and it certainly earns that “L” for luxury. Featuring an unobtrusive sound profile that keeps the cabin whisper-quiet even on the highway, the interior distinguishes itself with class-leading appointments and unmatched attention to detail. And of course the A8 TDI delivers performance, power, and punch without any compromise to efficiency.

Although the TDI V6 only gets about 240 horsepower, that number is misleading and ultimately unimportant. What really matters when it comes to diesel engines is torque, and the A8's TDI engine has a lot of it. The small V6 gets a monstrous 428 lb-ft of torque, which is right up there with the A8's 4.0L turbocharged V8. The acceleration on this bad boy can snap your neck if you're not careful. 

The A8 is a big flagship car, but the TDI engine has no problem getting it moving. Despite weighing over 4,500 pounds, the A8 goes from zero to 60 in 5.9 seconds and blasts through a quarter mile in 14.4 seconds. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic sport paddles, the shifts are quick and smooth, yet firm.  

Of course, the A8's diesel engine gets elite fuel economy for the flagship luxury class. Just like the other models on this list, the A8 TDI clocks in at 24 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. Considering the size and weight of the car, those numbers are highly impressive. The base model Audi A8 TDI starts over $80,000, with the A8L TDI checking in at about $82,500. And the quattro all-wheel drive comes standard. 

Audi Q5

The Audi Q5 compact crossover is sleek and powerful, leveraging an eight-speed automatic transmission to deliver excellent fuel efficiency and performance even when in all-wheel-drive mode. The Q5 TDI gets an EPA-rated 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The highway fuel economy rating is lower than the other cars on this list, but is still one of the best ratings in the SUV class.

The Q5 TDI is an ideal family car, especially for families who like to go on road trips. WIth tons of backseat space and duel-zone climate and audio controls, the kids will stay comfortable longer. And with its big gas tank and efficient highway fuel economy, you'll rarely have to stop to fill up. 

The Q5 TDI is much more affordable than the other cars on this list, starting at $44,400. The Q5 in general has long been considered one of the best cars for the money. If you're really a baller, you can upgrade to the Audi Q7, which is just as efficient but even roomier. 

Get the lowest local quotes on Audi TDI models now!

Audi's decision to offer the A6, A7, A8 and Q5 with TDI engines has received widespread acclaim. Car and Driver had only good things to say about Audi’s decision to turbo-charge its diesel engines, praising their quickness off the line, responsiveness, and how fun they are to drive, not to mention the fuel efficiency. You sacrifice some of the autobahn top-end power, a concession to U.S. engine standards and anti-diesel preferences in this country. But it’s not something most will miss. 

So if you’re considering an Audi TDI, it really comes down to what you want. If you can afford the price, the A8L provides the best of everything, including performance, comfort, and tech. More space and a bit of a budget means the Q5. The only question is if you’re interested in making the switch from regular gas to straight diesel and joining the growing converts in this country. Use Reply! to find the best local prices on new Audi TDI models now!