2014 Audi A7 TDI "Drunk on Diesel"
 

From CD

TESTED

We’re drunk on diesel. The big torque and inflated efficiency of a
good turbo-diesel clouds (only figuratively) our ability to render
rational verdicts. And the latest diesels from German luxury brands
are more potent than ever. How else to explain that the Audi A7’s
diesel V-6 left us woozy over a car that is slower, more expensive,
and noisier than the base A7 with its supercharged gas V-6?

In this case, the inebriating engine is a single-turbo 3.0-liter good
for 240 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque. In Europe, where
diesels rule, this V-6 is just one of three oil burners offered in the
A7 and A6. Audi has fit the U.S. diesel engine with a slightly smaller
turbocharger, tweaking the output curves to improve low-end
responsiveness at the expense of an autobahn-tremoring top end.

It performs as promised. The A7 TDI steps off without hesitation,
flaunting its quicker reactions over the diesel six from
Mercedes-Benz. The eight-speed gearbox is alert—eager to upshift in
the *interest of the 24-mpg-city and 38-mpg-highway fuel-economy
ratings and ready to downshift at any moment to deliver the full hit
of torque. We recorded a 6.0-second run to 60 mph and an average of 30
mpg during our time with the TDI, an uncanny blend of
near-sports-sedan quickness and economy-car efficiency. Even with an
extra 131 horsepower and 1894 pounds, its fuel economy topped that of
a Nissan Versa Note by two mpg.

From the driver’s seat, you’ll never notice the 100-pound weight
penalty imposed by the diesel’s iron engine block and its extra
emissions equipment. Riding on 20-inch summer tires, the TDI nearly
matches the roadholding of the standard A7, posting 0.92 g on the
skidpad and a 70-to-zero stopping distance of 154 feet. The sole
change to the meticulous A7 cockpit is a tachometer that goes red
almost 2000 rpm earlier than in the A7 gasser. And the sole lapse in
civility is a subtle and low vibrato from idle that’s imperceptible
above 30 mph.

The A7 TDI is luxurious, swift, spacious, and efficient, and yet we
are wary of a diesel hangover. Is raving about the TDI shortchanging
the A7’s base, gasoline-fed supercharged V-6?

The gas V-6 model sets an industry standard for throttle response and
linear power delivery. The diesel is also a pricey call, demanding a
$2400 premium. Expected fuel savings of roughly $500 a year likely
mean nothing to a person who can drop $5900 on a 15-speaker Bang &
Olufsen stereo.

The TDI’s draw is partly novelty, we’ll admit, as luxury diesels are
still relatively rare in America. Sober minds will note that despite
its excellent efficiency and perform*ance, the diesel remains a
dubious financial proposition. Then again, they say that drunk
emotions are true emotions, and after sampling liberally from the A7
TDI’s well of torque, it’s hard to suppress one overriding feeling: We
want one.

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