Each vehicle on this list hails from Germany, where a lower tax on diesel fuel makes owning and operating diesel vehicles a practical way of life. The only American- made diesel engines reside in heavy-duty trucks, where torque matters most.
In addition to more torque, diesel engines are 30-35 percent more efficient than petrol engines. However, in America, the mpg benefits of a diesel are partially offset by the higher price of diesel fuel, which has been approximately $0.40 higher than regular gasoline per gallon during the past year. Diesel vehicles also tend to have a higher MSRP compared to their petrol counterparts.
Our CarsDirect editors went to Germany and found nine diesel vehicles that will appeal to the driver who prefers enhanced fuel-efficiency and greater torque.
Diesel Cars Under $30k
This group features the same diesel engine from the same manufacturer in three different models. Volkswagen's Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) engine generates more torque and mpgs than petrol-powered counterparts, but at a higher cost. You'll have to decide if the increase in MSRP is worth the increase in MPGS.
A total redesign, more interior space, off the charts fuel economy, $7k off of last year's MSRP, and Motor Trend's 2012 Car of the Year award say it all when describing the new Passat. The Passat TDI is the perfect diesel for a small family because of its size and excellent fuel economy of 31/43 mpg--a rating normally reserved for hybrids. Add 236 pounds-feet of torque (compared to 177 for the regular gas version), and you have a family sedan with racing-like acceleration. The redesigned Passat TDI is exceptionally roomy, so everyone can be comfortable during road trips. Speaking of road trips, VW estimates that the Passat TDI can travel 795 miles on a single tank. A single tank!
With a low MSRP and excellent fuel economy, the 2012 VW Jetta TDI is the best value in the diesel class. The Jetta TDI has handsome looks and economical pricing for college students, first time car buyers, young couples, and those that value safety, and all-around drivability. The Jetta TDI has more horsepower, torque and mpgs than the petrol-powered base model. Throw in class-leading trunk space, best-in-class rear legroom and a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), and you have and affordable, efficient, and practical solution to your diesel sedan conundrum.
If the Passat TDI is the practical parent diesel and the Jetta TDI is the coed-mobile, the Volkswagen Golf TDI is the fun- uncle diesel hatchback. The Golf TDI offers legendary handling afforded by the capable chassis, but with better fuel economy and grin-inducing torque than its gasoline twin. The 2012 Golf TDI is an environmentally-friendly canyon carver that gets 30/42 mpg, while delivering 236 pounds-feet of torque. The Golf TDI is only $2,500 more than the comparable 2.5L four-door, but well worth it if you appreciate superior handling, performance, and efficiency.
Diesel Cars Under $50k
We say goodbye to VW and hello to the big boys in the luxury diesel segment--BMW and Mercedes-Benz. These diesels provide an increase in power and added luxuries, while the 335d sets the standard for world-class handling and performance in this price range.
This is crossover has it all: prestige, power, torque, safety, and fuel economy. The Mercedes-Benz ML350 BlueTEC received a makeover this year, adding more luxuries to existing standard features like a sunroof, 19-inch wheels, and a power liftgate. Even with the high cost of diesel fuel, the EPA estimates that the gasoline-powered Mercedes ML350 costs more to fuel annually than the BlueTEC turbodiesel model. The ML350 generates 302 horsepower and 273 pounds-feet of torque compared to the BlueTEC's 240 and 455 respectively. Yes, you read that right; the BlueTEC engine produces a monstrous 455 pounds-feet of torque. In terms of fuel efficiency, the ML350 BlueTEC has a five mpg advantage in both city and highway driving compared to the petrol model at 22/27 mpg.
A diesel for those that yearn for more space than the BMW 335d-especially for a family with more than one child. Less sporty than the 335d, the Mercedes-Benz E350 BlueTEC is one of the most refined cars you will find under $50k. Like the ML350, the E350 BlueTEC turbodiesel features a clean-burning technology that reduces emissions particulates. Horsepower output is modest, but 400 pounds-feet of torque aren't. Fuel economy of 22/33 mpg is as impressive as the E350's refined cabin and spaciousness. Wood accents, leather upholstery, and a slew of high-tech safety features, such as Attention Assist, which alerts the driver if it detects signs of drowsiness, reinforce the E350 BlueTEC's reputation as a world-class family sedan.
Diesel Cars Under $100k
When it comes to high-end diesel vehicles, Mercedes can't be beat. This segment has gone the way of the diesel adding mpgs and greater acceleration to their already impressive portfolios.
Those looking for a diesel-powered SUV can end their search with the 2012 xDrive BMW X5d. Yes, that is a lot of letters and numbers, so let us decipher it for you. xDrive refers to all-wheel-drive, and the 'd' refers to diesel. The X5d combines the sublime chassis and driving dynamic of the standard X5, with the efficiency and power of BMW's clean diesel technology. All-wheel-drive handling, 265 horsepower, and 425 pounds-feet of torque that just won't quit are convenient to have on muddy roads as well as the urban jungle. We love the X5d's high-end fuel economy of 19/26 mpg, especially considering its power output. The X5d is the most affordable, powerful, and agile diesel in this group.
The GL350 BlueTEC caters to large families who value safety, space, and luxury above all else. The 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL350 diesel SUV is a sophisticated version of the Chevy Suburban and can accommodate seven passengers with class-leading legroom in the easily accessible, adult-sized third row. This camper-friendly SUV is the perfect choice for family trips to the mountains, with a refined, confidence-inspiring ride that will make you feel as if you're driving a sedan. Power output won't leave you breathless, but 400 pounds-feet torque and 17/21 mpg will. Last but not least, the GL350 BlueTEC diesel is adorned with leather, wood and a rear seat entertainment system that will keep the crew occupied so you can focus on the road.
After a 21-year hiatus, Mercedes reintroduces a diesel-powered engine to the high-end S-Class lineup in the form of the S350 BlueTEC clean diesel. It's an interesting union that blends Gray Poupon luxury with the fuel efficiency and torque that diesel engines are known for. As the most expensive vehicle on this list, the S350 diesel has best-in-class fuel efficiency of 21/31, which bests the S400 Hybrid. Mercedes-Benz touts that the S350 diesel has a range of 700 miles on a single tank. High-tech gadgetry like the optional SPLITVIEW entertainment system simultaneously displays different images to the driver and passenger via an eight-inch LCD screen, and is just one of the several inspiring features defining the 2012 S350 BlueTEC.
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