The world of automobiles, with its transition toward electrification, still promises the best performances for those eager for high-end, long-distance rides, along with thrilling feelings of driving excitement. Here, 21 of the best diesel cars are lined up to surprise the readers with key performances that excel over some of their electric rivals.
Audi SQ7 TDI 2016
Launched in 2016, this has been penned by the brilliant Marc Lichte. The interior has premium leather upholstery, a virtual cockpit, and a top-range infotainment system. There’s also a Bang & Olufsen sound system. It hosts a 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo diesel engine producing 429 horses. Even though it is an SUV, it manages to go from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds, so that’s the potency of a diesel engine.
BMW 535d xDrive (2014)
The 2014 BMW 535d xDrive by Adrian van Hooydonk hides a 3.0-liter inline-6 twin-turbo diesel good for 313 horsepower. BMW’s intelligent all-wheel-drive system accompanies it. Inside, the cabin combines luxury and technology with leather upholstery, high-resolution infotainment, and ambient lighting. At 5.3 seconds for the 0 to 60 mph sprint, this diesel-powered sedan packs electrifying performance into an elegant package.
Mercedes-Benz E 350 BlueTEC (2010)
First presented in 2010, Gorden Wagener gave birth to the Mercedes-Benz E 350 BlueTEC. It has a 3.0-liter V6 turbo-diesel, which packs 210 hp and a tremendous 400 lb-ft of torque. The interior is classic Mercedes luxury, with finely crafted leather seats, wood trimming, and highly advanced driver assistance features. Though tuned for comfort, the E 350 BlueTEC accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, making it a quiet diesel performer.
Jaguar XF 30d (2016)
Jaguar launched the XF 30d in 2016, with Ian Callum as the lead designer. It’s all about British sophistication, powered by a 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo diesel engine producing 300 horsepower. It has Windsor leather seats, a premium Meridian sound system, and a driver-centric dashboard. With a 0 to 60 mph time of 5.8 seconds, the XF 30d promises a diesel-powered drive that leaves most electric cars behind.
Porsche Cayenne Diesel S (2013)
Porsche introduced the Cayenne Diesel S in 2013, designed by Michael Mauer. This SUV offers sports car-like performance, equipped with a 4.2-liter V8 twin-turbo diesel engine producing 382 horsepower. The cabin has leather-trimmed seats, a high-tech infotainment system, and ample cargo space. Despite its size, it rockets from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds, making it a diesel SUV that can keep up with many electric crossovers.
Volkswagen Golf GTD (2014)
Revealed in 2014 and designed by Walter de Silva, the Volkswagen Golf GTD is a diesel hot hatch. The 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 diesel engine produces 181 horsepower. The cabin is sporty yet comfortable, with plaid-patterned seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and an intuitive infotainment system. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, so this great-to-drive diesel leaves many electric hatchbacks in its wake.
Land Rover Range Rover Sport SDV8 2014
Land Rover unveiled the Range Rover Sport SDV8 in 2014, designed by Gerry McGovern. This luxury SUV has a 4.4-liter V8 twin-turbo diesel engine that produces 339 horsepower and incredible torque for off-road capability. The posh interior includes premium leather seats, an infotainment system with a dual screen, and lots of headroom. Rugged as the car may appear, it sprints 0 to 60mph in 6.5 seconds.
BMW 740d xDrive (2015)
Adrian van Hooydonk designed the BMW 740d xDrive in 2015. Under the bonnet, the 3.0-liter inline-6 twin-turbo diesel engine boasts 320 horsepower. The interior is luxurious, with high-grade leather seats, a panoramic roof, and a rear-seat entertainment system. With a 0 to 60 mph time of 5.1 seconds, the 740d xDrive offers an incredibly smooth and thrilling ride. It can compete with electric luxury sedans in comfort and performance.
Audi A6 50 TDI Quattro (2018)
Designer Marc Lichte is the brilliant mind behind the 2018 Audi A6 50 TDI Quattro. This executive sedan has a 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine that produces 282 horsepower. The interior features Valcona leather seats, a completely digital cockpit, and dual touchscreen infotainment. It has the trademark Quattro all-wheel drive and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds.
Volvo XC90 D5 AWD (2015)
Volvo launched the 2015 XC90 D5 AWD with a 2.0-liter twin-turbo diesel engine producing 222 hp. Inside, the vehicle features Nappa leather seats, a minimalist Scandinavian design, and a state-of-the-art infotainment system. Despite its size and comfort focus, it accelerates from 0 to 60 in 7.8 seconds, much to the surprise of any diesel performer in the SUV market.
Mercedes-Benz C 300d AMG Line (2019)
Mercedes-Benz unveiled the C 300d AMG Line in 2019. It has a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine with 241 hp. Its sporty flair interior boasts AMG-style leather seats, brushed aluminum trim, and a 12.3-inch digital driver display. With a 0 to 60 mph time of 5.7 seconds, the C 300d fuses style with performance, positioning it as one of the best diesel sedans.
Jaguar F-Pace 30d (2016)
Jaguar launched the F-Pace 30d in 2016, designed by Ian Callum. It features a 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo diesel engine delivering 300 horsepower. The interior is as elegant as you’d expect from a Jaguar, offering Windsor leather seats, a panoramic roof, and a premium sound system. Despite being an SUV, the F-Pace 30d can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, making it a diesel-powered delight that holds its own against electric SUVs.
Alfa Romeo Stelvio 2.2d (2017)
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio 2.2d was styled by Alessandro Maccolini and launched in 2017. This sporty SUV is powered by a 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine that produces 210 horsepower. The cabin has a driver-oriented feel, including leather sports seats, carbon fiber trim, and Alfa’s trademark steering wheel. The Stelvio 2.2d can do 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, combining performance with Italian style in a diesel body.
BMW X3 xDrive30d (2017)
The new BMW X3 xDrive30d came in 2017, designed by Adrian van Hooydonk. Power comes from a 3.0-liter inline-6 turbocharged diesel churning 265 hp and 457 lb-ft torque. The luxurious interior boasts top-grade materials like Vernasca leather seats, large infotainment screens, and fully digital instrument panels. The X3 xDrive30d has an acceleration time of 0 to 60 mph of 5.8 seconds, making this diesel SUV match many electric crossovers in performance.
Audi Q7 50 TDI quattro (2015)
The 2015 model, styled by Marc Lichte, is a luxury SUV that delivers on form and function. It packs a 3.0-liter V6 diesel with 286 horsepower and a Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Inside, there’s seating for three rows, fine leather, an advanced infotainment system, and a panoramic sunroof. The Q7 does 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds for its giant size.
Mercedes-Benz GLE 400d (2019)
The Mercedes-Benz GLE 400d is a diesel monster engineered by Gorden Wagener and launched in 2019. It comes with a 3.0-liter inline-6 turbocharged diesel, generating 326 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. The inside has Nappa leather seats, dual 12.3-inch infotainment and instrument cluster screens, and ambient lighting with 64 color options. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds.
Porsche Macan S Diesel (2014)
The German manufacturer Porsche first introduced the Macan S Diesel, designed by Michael Mauer, in 2014. It has a 3.0-liter V6 turbocharged diesel engine that delivers 258 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque. It also has premium leather upholstery, a driver-oriented cockpit, and other tech features like Porsche Communication Management. The Macan S Diesel accelerates 0 to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds.
Land Rover Discovery SDV6 (2017)
Gerry McGovern styled the Land Rover Discovery SDV6, which was launched in 2017. This one is fitted with a 3.0-liter V6 turbocharged diesel engine, generating 254 horsepower. It is spacious and includes seven seats, a leather interior, and an infotainment system. Despite its off-road features, the Discovery SDV6 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds.
BMW 530d Touring (2017)
The 2017 BMW 530d Touring was launched with a 3.0-liter inline-6 turbo diesel that generated 265 horsepower. This wagon has everything: style, elegance, and real functionality. Its interior features rich premium leather materials, more space for the cargo area, and even the BMW system iDrive. With a 0 to 60 mph of 5.6 seconds, the 530d Touring is perfect for those who like a fast, stylish, big diesel-powered car for family use.
Audi A8 50 TDI quattro, 2018
Audi unveiled the new A8 50 TDI Quattro in 2018. The all-new 3.0-liter V6 diesel brings 282 horses and quattro all-wheel-drive technology. Inside, the comfort level is unmatched: Ventilated leather seats, a fully digital cockpit, and an advanced infotainment system with two touchscreens. The A8 accelerates from 0 to 60mph in just 5.9 seconds.
Volvo S90 D5 AWD (2017)
The Volvo S90 D5 AWD 2017 is a powerful diesel luxury sedan. Its 2.0-liter twin-turbo diesel produces 235 horsepower. Its minimalistic and elegant interior features seats covered with soft Nappa leather, open-pore wood trim, and a portrait-style infotainment screen. Acceleration to 60 mph takes only 6.7 seconds, delivering a very refined drive experience with all-wheel drive advantages.
18 Budget-Friendly Electric Cars That Last Longer Than Their Loans — Economical Electrics
Electric vehicles are no longer a luxury for the elite—they’re a smart investment for the everyday driver. With manufacturers stepping up to the plate, affordable EVs now deliver on reliability, range, and modern comforts. Here’s a look at 18 economical electric cars engineered to outlast their payment plans.
18 Budget-Friendly Electric Cars That Last Longer Than Their Loans — Economical Electrics
