M D3,
IMHO you can tell Austral that is complete rubbish.
I have had a 2.7 D3 for over 3 years with rear air and I run it all the time,when the air is on. Never noticed any difference in performance with it on or off, loaded or unloaded. With the amount of torque the 2.7 puts our the a/c is simply not noticed.
In saying that I do find that the base A/C is very very good so I do not think this is an absolute imperative as others might suggest, but hey I never ride in the very back and to date have not run a fridge in the rear, in bot instances I am sure it would help.
We do often have 7 in the car and have the alpine glass roof (not something I would necessarily option again) and the kids frequently turn off the rear vents (at the rear of the centre console) as it is too cold.
Of topic but answering a question.
On topic, I am sure the 3.0 is awesome, so whilst not having driven one I do not know what I am missing but in saying that I have never wanted for more power than I get from the 2.7.
I think I would find the $15k differential a significant stretch based on that.
Good luck in deliberations.
George

