First unveiled in the fall of 2005,the Audi Q7 is a full-size luxury crossover SUV that shares a platform with the Porsche Cayenne,VW Touareg,and other models. It is often compared with the Acura MDX and Infiniti FX. In response to customer demand,Audi added a new Q7 version for 2009: the Q7 TDI clean diesel,which is emissions compliant in all 50 states.

The Audi Q7 has Quattro permanent all-wheel drive. The Q7 TDI clean diesel features a V6 engine with reduced emissions. Standard equipment on the TDI includes a power tailgate,heated front seats,dual-zone climate control,leather upholstery,six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission,and a trailer hitch. The TDI seats five or seven passengers,depending on the trim level.

Three trim levels are available on both the seven-seat 3.6 model and the 3.0-liter TDI model. The standard trim level seats five and features 18-inch wheels,power front seats,dual-zone climate control,trip computer,leather upholstery,and audio system. The higher trim levels offer larger wheels,more power and safety features,and enhanced audio.

The Q7 TDI?s 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 engine is rated at 17 mpg city,25 mpg highway,and 20 mpg combined. It delivers 225 hp and 406 lb.-ft. of torque. This compares to 350 hp and 325 lb.-ft from the 4.2-liter gasoline V8 engine,and 280 hp and 266 lb.-ft. of torque from the 3.6-liter V6. The EPA estimates the V8's fuel mileage at 13 mpg city,18 mpg highway,and 15 mpg combined. The 3.6 delivers 14 mpg city,20 mpg highway,and 16 mpg combined,according to the EPA. The Q7 can tow up to 6,600 lbs.

In NHTSA crash tests,the Q7 received five stars in front- and side-impact tests. Standard safety features include antilock brakes,stability control,traction control,active front headrests,as well as side curtain and front-seat side airbags.

When introduced,the 2009 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI started at $50,900.