Audi has announced pricing and fuel-economy numbers for the newest additions to its line of TDI diesel vehicles: the 2014 A6, A7 and Q5. The A6 TDI has a base price tag of $57,500; the A7 TDI begins at $66,900; and the Q5 TDI starts at $46,500.
According to Audi, TDI technology offers up to 30 percent better fuel economy, as well as 30 percent lower carbon dioxide emissions compared to gasoline-powered cars. The 2014 A6 TDI has an EPA estimated fuel economy of 24 city and 38 highway miles. The A7 TDI has 24 city and 38 highway, while the Q5 TDI delivers 24 city and 31 highway.
"Audi has been at the forefront of clean diesel since the introduction of Audi TDI technology in the U.S. in 2009," said Scott Keogh, president of Audi of America in a press statement. "As drivers increasingly look for high fuel efficiency and low-emissions output, demand for diesel is on the rise. The introduction of the highly-efficient Audi A6, A7 and Q5 TDIs continue Audi's commitment to clean diesel technology and further the brand's focus on balanced performance solutions that improve efficiency and driving dynamics."
Diesel-powered cars are becoming increasingly attractive to American buyers as the cost of diesel fuel continues to drop. According to Edmunds, the average price for a gallon of diesel fuel is $3.85, while the average for gasoline is $3.63. Still, most fuel-economy conscious consumers in the US opt to go the hybrid or electric route, so Audi's TDI diesel cars have relatively little competition domestically. Mercedes-Benz Bluetec vehicles are the TDI's primary competitor.
The new TDI diesel cars will begin rolling out to showrooms in the US sometime in July or August. They join Audi's other diesel offerings, which include the A8 L TDI and Q7 TDI.
Pricing is expected to be revealed for the gasoline-powered versions of the A6, A7 and Q5 in the coming weeks.
