Diesel cars continue to be a choice for drivers seeking triple the benefits of fuel efficiency, durability and high torque output. While most manufacturers, especially supercar brands, use gasoline engines, some brands continue to buck the trend and offer high-performance vehicles Diesel enginesa shining example like the Trident Iceni, which is considered the fastest diesel super sports car in the world.
While diesel engines of the past may have been considered slow, noisy, and fuel-efficient vehicles, let’s look at a list of our favorite vehicles that stand on their own and are some of the fastest models on the market.
An automotive engineer would tell you:
Torque is the amount of weight you can lift. Horsepower indicates how fast you can lift it.
There are many diesel cars to choose from, but these are our favorites.
Bentley Bentayga
Credit: Top equipment
- Engine: Diesel V8 with sequential turbocharging, supercharging and intercooling
- HP/TQ: 429 HP / 664 ft-lb
- 0-60 mph: 4.8 seconds
The epitome of opulence and performance, the Bentayga is the first car on our list. Powered by a triple-turbocharged V8 engine, it is an amazing demonstration of power and torque.
The V8 engine has a displacement of 4.0 liters with sequential turbochargers and is further assisted by an electric compressor after the intercooler, reducing turbo lag to almost zero as you fly into the ether of space.
With a leather interior with British-made wood veneers for adequate comfort and adaptive air suspension, you’ll feel like you’re riding on clouds. The Bentayga’s craftsmanship combined with top performance make it a worthy dream car for any diesel lover.
Audi S5 3.0 TDI
Credit: Audi
- Engine: 3.0 TDI V6
- HP/TQ: 347 hp and 516 lb-ft
- 0-60 mph: 4.6 seconds
The Audi S5 3.0 TDI is the crème de la crème of the V6 diesel engine range.
The 3.0 liter V6 TDI engine is a turbocharged diesel engine that combines spirited performance with refinement, providing the driver with a powerful blend of torque and efficiency.
Supported by Audi’s legendary Quattro AWD system, the S5 is suitable as both a daily driver and a weekend driver, offering exceptional traction and handling in all weather conditions, whether you live in sunny weather or freezing cold.
The S5 is also offered in a coupe and sportback version. So don’t worry if you are an enthusiast who still needs to carry several passengers. There is enough space for everyone.
The S5 is a compelling option for drivers looking for luxury, performance and fuel efficiency in a sporty vehicle.
Mercedes CLS 400D
Credit: Evolution UK
- Engine: 3-liter 6-cylinder turbodiesel
- HP/TQ: 340 HP / 516 ft-lb
- 0-60 mph: 5.0 seconds
The CLS 400D is a beautiful sedan that powers Mercedes’ 3-liter diesel inline-six and packs a whopping 516 pound-feet of torque between 1,200 and 3,200 rpm.
With all-wheel drive and its 9-speed transmission (9G-Tronic), the CLS 400D is a performance-oriented model. The standard AMG equipment includes a 15 mm lowered sports suspension, a multi-link suspension and passive selective dampers for a smooth and comfortable ride.
With an estimated fuel consumption of around 6L/100km, you get great engine performance without having to fill up the tank every other day.
Alpina D4 S Gran Coupe
Credit: Piston heads UK
- Engine: 3.0 liter V6 turbodiesel
- HP/TQ: 355 HP / 538 ft-lb
- 0-60 mph: 4.8 seconds
The renowned BMW tuning department Alpina describes the 2023 D4 S Gran Coupé as “The ideal companion for frequent drivers who value low fuel consumption but don’t want to compromise on performance and dynamics.”
Looking at the specs, we’re inclined to agree, as the D4 S spits out a massive 538 ft-lb of torque and sprints from 0-60 in 4.8 seconds. Combine this with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system and you have a vehicle that will give you plenty of pep on the go.
All power is transmitted through an 8-speed gearbox and offers excellent throttle response at low speeds.
Porsche Panamera 4S
- Engine: 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8
- HP/TQ: 416 hp and 627 lb-ft
- 0-60 mph: 4.3 seconds
Porsche’s diesel-powered Panamera 4S is praised for its performance, made possible by its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 diesel engine. Combined with its eight-speed PDK transmission, it transmits 627 ft-lb of torque to its all-wheel drive system.
The Panamera 4S weighs just 2,100 kg and can accelerate from 0 to 60 km/h in just 4.3 seconds. Reaching 62 mph from a standstill is said to take just 4.3 seconds. Considering the car’s claimed fuel consumption is 41 mpg (5.7 L per 100 km), you’re getting a lot of performance in exchange for the mileage of a Honda Civic.
While the Panamera is less popular than other models in the Porsche lineup, especially in an electrified age where consumers can do so Consider a Taycan insteadit’s still an impressive vehicle in the diesel segment and worth a look.
