Audi supports that claim with the Q7’s ULEV-II (ultra-low emission) certification standard. With help from its advanced exhaust emission control system and urea-based treatment system, the Q7 produces 25 percent fewer greenhouse gases then vehicles with comparable gas engines.

Powered by a 3.0-liter diesel engine, the Q7 rates at 225 horsepower, and 406 pound-feet of torque. As with most diesels, it offers a lot of low-end power, good for both acceleration and towing capacity.

In terms of mileage, the EPA gives the Q7 a modest 17 city and 25 highway, but unlike many gas-powered vehicles that fail to meet the mark in real-world conditions, these numbers are accurate, if not low. During last fall’s Audi Mileage Marathon, one driver got more than 33 miles per gallon from the Q7, and many participants topped 30 miles per gallon. Not bad for a 4,500-pound vehicle.

Real-World Mileage Loop

We took the Q7 out on our usual twice-around 112-mile mixed route to see for ourselves. The first test drive was not quite hypermiling, but it was very conservative in driving style. We stayed under the speed limit and feathered the accelerator. On this loop, we beat the EPA, turning in 29.8 miles per gallon.

On our second, more aggressive run—left-lane driving, hard acceleration, and frequent passing—our Q7 gave us 20.6 miles per gallon.

The test confirmed that the Q7 TDI’s powertrain is about 30 percent more efficient than gas-powered engines of similar size, and allows an interstate cruising range of more than 600 miles on a single tank of gas. To further boost fuel economy, the Q7 wears low-rolling resistance tires with a narrower tread than conventional all-seasons.

The Q7 drove like a charm—fast, powerful, smooth, and agile. And thanks to its diesel characteristics, off the line performance was far superior to a comparable gas-powered vehicle. We are hard pressed to find something to complain about with the driving experience—although some reviewers have complained of a “heavy feeling.”

Aesthetically, the Audi Q7 TDI shares the same beautiful lines as its non-diesel sibling. Aside from the badging, it looks virtually identical. And the same goes for the interior. The cabin is refined and plush with amenities. There’s everything from 12-way power leather seats with heat to Audi’s impressive multi-media interface system. The interior beauty, such as the decorative wood inlays, matches the sharp exterior design.

The performance and elegance comes at a price. The base sticker for the 2010 model remains at $50,900—but piling on the options will quickly put the Q7 over the $60,000 mark. However, buyers will get some relief in the form of a $1,150 Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit from the IRS.

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With the cost of diesel fuel running $0.40 to $0.50 higher than regular gasoline, it’s uncertain if American consumers will adopt clean diesel technology—even if diesel’s stigma as dirty and loud can be shed.

The Audi event, from October 5 to October 20, will involve 184 international journalists in 23 TDI-equipped automobiles driving from New York To Los Angeles. The tour is designed to take these vehicles through a broad range of driving conditions, from interstates to two-lane roads, suburban traffic to city streets. “Think of it as the ultimate efficiency test,” said Marcel Barro, an automotive journalist and Marathon participant. He told Hybridcars.com, “It’s the most balanced measure of mileage I’ve ever heard of.” The Marathon will pass through a number of major cities, including Chicago, Dallas and Las Vegas, as well as famous points of interest, including the Badlands National Park, the Grand Canyon and Death Valley, Calif.

Aside from the US-bound Q7 TDI, the Marathon will involve three other Euro-spec TDI vehicles including the A4 sedan, the Q5 crossover, and the A3 three-door hatchback.

The new TDI powertrain, to be launched in the US and Europe in 2009, is an ultra low emission system that reduces oxides of nitrogen by up to 90 percent. This is possible because the system uses a fuel injector that sprays atomized fuel directly into the main combustion chamber of each cylinder, rather than the pre-combustion chamber found in older diesels. Audi’s TDIs will be compliant with California’s Tier 2, Bin 5 emission standard. It also already exceeds the requirements of the stringent Euro 6 standards that have been set for 2014.

Audi is obviously intending to promote its new lineup of diesel vehicles—however, the mileage event is likely to raise awareness of all players in the clean diesel market, most notably Mercedes and Volkswagen.

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The Audi Q7 is one of the most refined and opulent SUVs on the market. It offers world-class styling, a plush cabin, and amenities galore—not to mention a 280 horsepower engine that launches the Q7 in a rocket-like fashion. Unfortunately, the Q7’s fuel economy is dismal. The average city/highway EPA-rating for the 3.6-liter Q7 is 16 mpg, making Audi Q7—the largest of all Audis—about as eco-unfriendly as a vehicle can get. Audi is attempting to nullify the green penalty when it releases the hybrid version of the Q7 in late 2008.

Audi’s full hybrid system, developed in partnership with Porsche and Volkswagen, will utilize the same 3.6-liter powerplant found in the current model. The gas engine-electric motor combination will offer various enhancements over the standard powertrain. The hybrid system will add an extra 50 horsepower thanks to the electric motor, which will draw its energy from a 288-volt nickel metal hydride battery pack. That means more torque and more pulling power. The seven-seat Audi Q7 Hybrid is expected to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 8 seconds.

But most hybrid drivers would prefer to emphasize efficiency rather than performance. Official figures have not yet been released, but Audi is promising a 27 percent increase in fuel economy over the conventional Q7—with a similar reduction of tailpipe emissions. Therefore, the Audi Q7 Hybrid is expected to offer combined fuel economy around 21 miles per gallon. This is roughly the same math used by GM on its full-size SUV hybrids, like the Chevy Tahoe, the GMC Yukon, and the Cadillac Escalade. The Q7′s mileage falls short of the Ford Escape Hybrid, Mercury Mariner, Toyota Highlander, and Lexus RX 400h.

As a full hybrid, the Q7 will operate in one of three driving modes: either solely by gas engine, solely by electric motor, or a combination of the two units during periods of acceleration. For drivers with a steady foot, the vehicle will operate in all-electric mode at speeds up to 30 miles per hour, and for distances ranging up to one mile. At that point, the hybrid system will be call upon the gasoline engine to recharge the batteries.

The pairing of this hybrid system to Audi’s advanced quattro all-wheel-drive system will make the Q7 one of the most stylish, capable, all-condition, full-size hybrids on the market. Porsche is likely to introduce its Cayenne Hybrid a year or two after the Q7 Hybrid arrives on the scene.

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