Automakers try to restore the SUV's appeal by offering more fuel-efficient diesel models. Here's a look at three new diesels by Mercedes, Audi and BMW.
As gasoline prices rose last year, and large, fuel-thirsty sport-utility vehicles fell from favor, car companies looked for ways to restore the SUV's appeal.
Newer car-like models called crossovers are lighter and more efficient than earlier SUVs, but only slightly. And their fuel economy, while improved over older models, is poor in day-to-day use.
Now three European carmakers are selling large SUVs with diesel engines that promise the fuel economy of a midsize car, and the power and hauling capacity of a truck. The Audi Q7, BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GL have been on the market for years with gasoline engines, but this year is the first time diesel versions of all three have been available in the U.S.
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