Diesel is making a comeback in the U.S., from the luxury ranks all the way to the entry level, and Audi has been at the front of the new wave. Today, the four-ringed company announced pricing for its 2014 A6 TDI, A7 TDI, and Q5 TDI.

"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," said Audi of America president Scott Keogh.

If you're angling for a bargain, the starting point is the Q5 TDI. Priced from $46,500, it's the least expensive of the three models priced today. And at 24 mpg city and 31 mpg highway for 27 mpg combined (per the EPA), the V-6/eight-speed automatic 2014 Q5 TDI delivers the goods when it comes to smaller crossover mileage.

The Q5 TDI also boasts 240 horsepower, a massive 428 pound-feet of torque, and 0-60 mph times of just 6.5 seconds. A range of new interior and exterior styling details are available. The 2014 Q5 TDI will join the 354-horsepower SQ5 TDI this year, along with a hybrid version due in 2014.

Moving up the ranks, the 2014 Audi A6 TDI starts from $57,500 while earning 24 mpg city/38 mpg highway for 29 mpg combined. It uses the same eight-speed Tiptronic transmission and 240-horsepower V-6 TDI engine, accelerating to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds.

The A6 TDI comes standard with Premium Plus package features, including navigation, MMI infotainment system, Audi Connect with Google Earth maps, parking assistance, and more.

The 2014 A7 TDI bumps the pricing up to $66,900, and claims to be the first "clean diesel five-door coupe." The A7 matches the A6's mileage and performance figures exactly. Like the A6, the A7 TDI comes with the Premium Plus package standard. For the performance-addicted, a fast and furious RS 7 model is due soon, too.

All three Audi diesels come standard with quattro all-wheel drive, and will begin arriving in the U.S. in late summer 2013.

If you're looking for a smaller, more efficient Audi diesel, the A4 TDI is on the way, but it won't come until the next generation of the A4 launches sometime in the 2014 calendar year. The 2014 Audi A8 TDI has already been priced, with estimated fuel economy of 24/36 mpg city/highway for 28 mpg combined.

 

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