Audi debuts new-gen diesel V6

UPDATE, 04/12/2025: In a statement provided to carsales, a spokesperson for Audi Australia said it evaluates all engine options for the Aussie market. But don't expect to see the new diesel V6 Down Under anytime soon.

"We now have a full range of drivetrains available including petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid for the Australian market. Of course, we evaluate all engine options for the Australian market," said the spokesperson.

"However, our primary focus remains on expanding our range with vehicles that align with NVES (New Vehicle Efficiency Standard) requirements while still delivering a broad range of spec, variants, and performance for Australian customers."

ORIGINAL, 01/12/2025:

While most manufacturers are ditching combustion power and moving toward electrification, Audi has been working on its new-generation diesel six-cylinder engine, which is now available in the Q5 SUV and A6 large car in Europe.

The new powerplant is the latest iteration of the Volkswagen Group’s EA897 3.0-litre V6 and features Audi’s mild-hybrid (MHEV) system.

Three forms of electrification, including an electrically powered compressor (EPC), are said to all but wipe out turbo lag and lower real-world fuel use.

The powertrain combines multiple electrification features to boost performance and efficiency, with the EPC standing out for its ability to improve throttle response and reduce fuel consumption.

It also features a belt alternator starter and powertrain generator said to deliver “powerful performance in every driving situation”.

Audi says the EPC and an on-board powertrain generator allow maximum boost pressure (52psi) to build up nearly one second faster.

Meanwhile, during acceleration, the compressor wheel spins at up to 90,000rpm within just 250 milliseconds, all combining to deliver what Audi claims “closely resembles the feel of an electric drive”.

The brand claims off-the-line responsiveness is so improved that the car gains an extra car length in the first 2.5 seconds compared with the previous V6 TDI.

Audi also describes the new powertrain as “significantly more powerful” than earlier models fitted with an electrically powered compressor, including the S4, S6 and SQ5, thanks to the new system’s wider operating range and faster boost build-up.

Underneath is the German brand’s quattro all-wheel drive (AWD) system.

Overseas, both the Audi Q5 and A6 can now be ordered with the new six-cylinder TDI mild-hybrid powertrain.

It’s approved for alternative fuels such as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), which can cut CO2 emissions by up to 95 per cent compared with regular diesel.

New cars even leave Audi’s German factories with HVO already in the tank

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