GoldenBear

I am considering a 2014 Q5 TDI but want to get a feel for how the TDI engine would perform. I have tested the Q5 with both the 2.0T and 3.0T engines. Does anyone have a suggested TDI model out on the market that might give me an idea of how the Q5 TDI would perform? Would a drive in the '13 VW Touareg make sense?

larryV

Go test drive an A8L TDI. You'll get a good idea of the acceleration and engine/transmission behavior except the A8L will be a much quieter car with the increased sound insulation and double-pane glass of course

And yes, might as well also test drive the latest Touareg TDI... 400 lbs heavier but probably very close in terms if NVH feel.

Q5 TDI will be a quick car. And with the huge torque down low, it will feel a lot faster than it really is right off idle. Rented an A6 Avant 3.0TDI while I was in europe and it was a rocket.

MP4.2+6.0

The A8 is a good suggestion, but as noted will be a very quiet and super refined car.

Q7 of course is a stablemate w/ the readily available TDI. But it's even more a porker than the Cayenne or the Touareg TDI's. You'll have some other similar feels for general driving position, Audi styles control and the like.

Cayenne TDI is another choice. Porsche tries not to talk about it much, but the Cayenne TDI (and hybrid) drivetrain is really pure VW/Audi quattro, rather than the Porsche specific engines/tuning and non-quattro AWD system used in the gas Cayenne's. Try to avoid anything though with unrealistic/overpacked options (air ride especially) that may take it well off the Q5 general feel.

Last, note 2014 A8, Q7, Touareg and Cayenne all share the lower torque "prior" flavor of the TDI motor. The newer beefed up TDI is destined for the Q5, plus the likewise shortly to come A6 and others. Q5 to A8 will be the best similar weight comparo until maybe the A6 one shows up.