Yes, electric vehicles are faster and gasoline-powered cars sound better, but diesel engines have been a popular choice for some performance enthusiasts for the past two decades. This trend has given rise to some powerful, fast production cars that deserve more respect.
The workhorse of the automotive industry for much of its history, the diesel engine has proven popular in passenger cars due to its fuel efficiency and torque.
This trend was largely driven by European buyers, who preferred diesel engines for the reasons mentioned above, as well as the lower price of fuel.
Automakers have not only complied, but have also taken diesel cars to the next level in terms of performance over the past two decades. So, without further ado, let's take a look at the fastest diesel production cars of the 2010s and 2020s.
BMW M440d xDrive 2020-2023
Photo: BMW AG
In 2013, BMW expanded its range with the 4 Series, initially created to introduce the two-door 3 Series models into a new range, although a five-door liftback model called the Grand Coupe was also developed.
Today, the 4 Series is in its second generation and includes the G22 coupé, the G23 convertible and the G26 gran coupé.
Until 2023, the current 4 Series was available in certain markets – including, of course, continental Europe and the UK – with a stately diesel unit.
The model named M440d xDrive was powered by the BMW B57D30T0 3.0-litre twin-turbo six-cylinder in-line engine with an output of 335 hp (250 kW) and a torque of 700 Nm.
Thanks to this powerful engine and the xDrive all-wheel drive system, the M440d can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and reach a limited top speed of 250 km/h.
Audi S5 3.0 TDI 2019-2023
Photo: Audi AG
Originally introduced in the summer of 2007, the A5 was conceived to bridge the gap between the A4 and A5 with a fastback-style model, although a convertible version was also available.
In addition to the standard A5, Audi also offered the sportier S5 version and the high-performance RS5 version.
While the supercar-rival RS5 has never been powered by a diesel engine, the S5 did have one in its European engine lineup from 2019 to 2023.
The engine was a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 rated at 341 hp (341 kW) and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) of torque, allowing a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint in 4.6 seconds. However, top speed was limited to 155 mph (250 km/h).
Audi A8 60 TDI 2019-2021
Photo: Audi AG
The A8 has been Audi's full-size flagship model since 1994, when it replaced the Audi V8.
However, unlike the previous model, all four generations of the A8 have been available with V8 diesel engines, even after the “Dieselgate” scandal that engulfed the entire VW Group.
The fastest and most powerful diesel A8 of the current D5 generation was the 60 from 2019-2021 TDI.
The engine at the heart of the top-of-the-line A8 diesel range was a 4.0-liter EA898 twin-turbo V8 rated at 429 hp (300 kW) and a monstrous 900 Nm (664 lb-ft) of torque.
This engine allowed the all-wheel drive sedan to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds, on to an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.
BMW M550d xDrive 2017-2020
Photo: BMW AG
Since 1972, the BMW 5 Series has been a mainstay of the Bavarian manufacturer's model range.
The model was available with memorable engines, including the naturally aspirated V10 of the E60/E61 generation, available in the high-performance M5.
The 5 Series has also been powered by a number of powerful diesel engines. While the current eighth generation (G60/G61/G68) uses only diesel in combination with an electric motor as part of a hybrid powertrain, the seventh generation (G30/G31/G38) could feature one of BMW's most powerful diesels.
Available on the M550d xDrive, produced from 2017 to 2020, the engine was the quad-turbo B57D30S0, a 3.0-liter inline-six that delivered no less than 394 hp (394 kW) and a staggering 561 lb-ft (760 Nm) of torque.
That insane quad-turbo engine, sending power to all four wheels courtesy of the XDrive system, allowed the M550d to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds. However, like its petrol-powered M5 sibling (without the optional M Driver’s Package), top speed was limited to 250 km/h.
Porsche Panamera 4S Diesel 2016-2020
Photo: Porsche AG
Although Porsche had flirted with the idea of producing a four-door model based on the 928 and 911, it was not until 2009 that the concept became a series-production model.
Dubbed the Panamera, the liftback (or fastback) sedan took design cues from the iconic 911, but with its front-mounted engine, it was initially hated with a passion by Porsche purists.
Fifteen years and two generations later, the Panamera has established itself as one of Porsche's best-selling models and currently holds the title of the fastest series-produced diesel car.
On sale from 2016 to 2020, the Porsche Panamera 4S Diesel was powered by a 4.0-liter EA898TTD twin-turbocharged V8 engine that developed up to 422 hp (300 kW) and 627 lb-ft (850 Nm) of torque.
This powerful engine allowed the model to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds, reaching a top speed of 285 km/h.