The Inevitable Shift: Audi Dances with Diesel as Europe Moves On

The European market is swiftly turning away from diesel: its share has plummeted from over 50% to 8% – for the first time in European history, diesels have even fallen behind plug-in hybrids. Nonetheless, Audi is not ready to bid farewell to its iconic TDI. The company has unveiled a new generation 3.0-liter V6 TDI – featuring an electric compressor and a “mild” hybrid system.

This new engine debuts in the A6 and Q5 models. It’s the first Audi V6 TDI where a 48-volt system is paired with an electric compressor, installed after the turbocharger and intercooler. When the throttle is suddenly pressed, the system directs air to the electric compressor, which instantly increases boost pressure, virtually eliminating turbo lag. Audi claims the response of the new V6 compares to an electric vehicle of similar power. The engine delivers 295 hp at 3,620 rpm and 580 Nm from 1,500 rpm. The boost pressure reaches 3.6 bar almost a second faster than its predecessor, with the impeller reaching 90,000 rpm in 250 ms.

The hybrid setup briefly adds 24 hp and 230 Nm. Thus, the Audi A6 accelerates to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.2 seconds, with the wagon lagging by a tenth. The Q5 and Q5 Sportback crossovers are even more dynamic – 5.0 seconds to 100 km/h (62 mph).

Despite the complex architecture, Audi assures that the engine’s lifespan has increased, while fuel consumption has decreased. It’s notable that the new engine isn’t entirely new – it is the fourth generation of a diesel, currently known as EA897. The first generation appeared in 2010. Audi states it’s the most eco-friendly diesel that can run on HVO – hydrotreated vegetable oil. Such fuel is already fueling cars coming off Audi’s assembly lines in Neckarsulm and Ingolstadt.