The cost of motoring in Europe is very high. Fuel is charged per liter, and prices are high. This has been the case for the last two decades. And whilst European favorites like the 2022 Golf GTI are still buyer staples, they can be a costly luxury. This is why European motorists favor diesel power.
With consumers wanting to save on fuel costs, diesel car sales have soared. This has led to car manufacturers improving their engine technology. No longer rattly farm machinery. Modern diesel engines offer up power and frugality. With the likes of the diesel 2023 Jeep Wrangler now being the sweet spot in the range.
But not all of these diesel powered wonders make it across the pond. Some remain anchored to the European marketplace. Depriving derv loving gearheads of a torque laden experience. Which is very unfair, as these are 10 awesome European diesel-powered performance cars we wish were available in The States.
10 Audi S5
By combining a diesel engine and mild hybrid system, Audi created a frugal bruiser. The Audi S5 utilizes a 3.0-liter turbo diesel and 48 Volt motor. This union musters 345hp and a stump-pulling 516 lb/ft of torque. All that diesel power delivers a 0-60mph of just 4.8 seconds.
Unlike its petrol-powered sibling, the Audi S5 diesel sips at fuel. On a relaxed run, it will reward a driver with 44mpg. Fitted as standard with Quattro all-wheel drive, road-holding is superb in all weather. When it went on sale in Europe, it cost the equivalent of $65,000.
9 BMW E46 330d
Whilst the BMW E46 M3 was a hero car, the 330d outsold it in droves. The key to its success was its 6-cylinder 3.0-liter diesel engine. A muscular powerplant delivering 201hp. It generated considerably more torque than the petrol M3. Churning out a huge 302 lb/ft.
The E46 330d could hit 60mph in 7.2 seconds and return 38mpg. In the real world, it proved to be a flexible and rapid machine. Highly favored by tuners, power could be increased easily. An awesome daily driver, the capable E46 330d still has a cult following.
8 Porsche Panamera 4S
Sacrilegious for some, putting a diesel engine in a Porsche made a lot of sense. Ultimate performance and frugality in a sought-after brand. And at its heart lies a bi-turbo diesel V8. A masterpiece of engineering. Making the 4S the fastest diesel road car on sale.
The Panamera 4S diesel will hit 60mph in 4.1 seconds. It'll also crack 177mph. And that's thanks to 417hp and 626 lb/ft of torque. The 4S diesel piles on speed seamlessly. When not being abused it will turn in 40mpg. Performance that won't drain a fuel tank or a pocket.
7 VW Golf GTD
Essentially it's a Golf GTI with lower running costs. Performance comes from a burly 2.0-liter turbo diesel. It cranks out 181hp and 280lb/ft of torque. The GTD can hit 60mph in 7.3 seconds and run on to 143mph. It will also return over 55mpg. Those are impressive figures.
Apart from the diesel lump under the hood, it's business as usual. All the same GTI-associated benefits apply. Superb handling, amazing steering feedback, and wonderful performance. In-gear acceleration is incredible. Plus refinement levels stay as high as ever.
6 Audi TT
A compact sporting diesel coupe done right. The Audi TT uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. It makes 167hp. Can hit 60mph in 7.3 seconds. Has the potential to cover 690 miles on a single tank. Plus looks gorgeous. The TT diesel ticks so many plus boxes.
On the move, the Quattro drivetrain ensures plenty of mechanical grips. It will cover ground at an alarming pace. The diesel engine provides ample overtaking prowess. A very relaxed cruiser, the diesel TT makes for a great companion over long distances.
5 BMW M340d
The BMW M340d is quite possibly the ultimate sleeper wagon. It's a family-orientated load lugger with 335hp and an enormous 516 lb/ft of torque. This wagon will happily scamper to 60mph in 4.8 seconds. Left to run, it will hit a limited top speed of 155mph. Very impressive.
As a sedan, the 0-60mph sprint time drops to 4.6 seconds. Both cars get the x-drive all-wheel-drive system to aid traction. Fuel economy equates to circa 50mpg. For all those diesel doubters, the M340d makes petrol power look like a frivolous venture. All hail diesel.
4 Maserati Ghibli Diesel
Some gearheads say that hell froze over when Maserati dropped a diesel engine into a Ghibli. Others say it was a great decision. As the resultant car delivered a more accessible Maserati. One that doesn't need to visit every service station it passes to top itself up.
Wrapped in a simply gorgeous skin, the 3.0-liter diesel engine is punchy. It pumps out true worrying 271hp and 443lb/ft of torque. The Ghibli diesel turns in a healthy 0-60mph time of 6.2 seconds. It may not be as vocal as its petrol siblings, but it's no slouch on the highway.
3 Peugeot RCZ
Often referred to as the French TT, the RCZ is a bargain buy. Used examples can be snapped up for less than $6,000. For that, a buyer gets eye-popping looks. A well-sorted chassis. Plus a 163hp 2.0-liter engine that puts out 250lb/ft of torque. That's plenty in a car this size.
Acceleration off the line may be a little sedate for some at 8.4 seconds. Yet, on the go, the RCZ really impresses. Riding on a wave of torque it just punts along. Progress is effortless. Add in the potential for a 630-mile range, and looking this good never came so cheap.
2 BMW Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo
Trust Alpina to make owing a dirty diesel lust-worthy. The D3 generates numbers that make some modern petrol V8s look limp. The bi-turbo 3.0-liter engine spits out a massive 345hp. Along with an enormous 516lb/ft of torque. It's an absolute powerhouse of a machine.
Pin the throttle and ignore the noise. As the Alpina D3 jumps to 60mph in 4.6 seconds. Find a long straight and it'll hit 173mph. Twenty years ago those were supercar worrying numbers. Driven with less fury it will reward with 35mpg. An all-around superstar of a car.
1 Trident Iceni
The Trident Iceni is something very special. A diesel-powered supercar. In base specification it offers 424hp and 950lb/ft torque from a 6.6-liter turbo diesel V8 In uprated form those numbers jump to 651hp and 1057lb/ft. Which should be plenty enough power for anyone.
Setup to run best in bio-diesel, the Iceni will serve up 68mpg. A truly eye-popping number. It can also hit 60mph in under 3.0 seconds and run past 200mph. At present, the Trident Iceni remains in development, but on hold. It seems that diesel power may not be the way to go.