Straight-Six Diesel Faceoff: Alpina, Mercedes, and Range Rover

As we approach 2025, the landscape of premium diesel engines is undergoing a significant transformation. Gone are the days when powerful turbo diesels reigned supreme, making room for a quieter evolution in automobile engineering. Amid this shift, three contenders stand out for their remarkable straight-six diesel offerings: Alpina, Mercedes, and Range Rover.

A Look Back at Diesel's Glory Days

The early 2000s marked the rise of diesel engines in luxury vehicles, notably highlighted by a young Jenson Button caught exceeding 140 mph in a BMW 330d. This unexpected event injected excitement into the category, igniting public interest in premium diesel cars. With manufacturers like Audi achieving glory in endurance racing with TDI technology, the diesel market flourished.

However, a dark cloud loomed over diesel after the scandal of 2015, leading to a gradual decline in its popularity. As hybrid and electric cars gained traction, many previous diesel enthusiasts have shifted allegiances.

The Contenders

In this comparison, we dive into three remarkable straight-six diesel engines that continue to captivate enthusiasts: the Alpina D4 S, the Mercedes E450d, and the Range Rover Sport D350. Each model combines power, elegance, and exceptional driving characteristics, albeit with unique flavors.

• Alpina D4 S: This luxurious vehicle boasts a distinctive design and a well-crafted interior that exudes sophistication. Powered by a tuned version of BMW’s B57 engine, it produces an impressive 350bhp. The sublime balance between comfort and performance allows drivers to command the road with confidence.

• Mercedes E450d: Comfortably enveloping you in a high-tech environment, the E450d emerges as the quickest car in the trio. Its seamless power delivery from a low RPM combined with refined air suspension makes it a joy to drive on various terrains.

• Range Rover Sport D350: While the Sport commands a larger footprint, it successfully melds power and off-road prowess. Its Ingenium engine performs admirably, providing a refined driving experience, albeit with a heavy weight that can make it feel cumbersome in tight spots.

Driving Dynamics

Alpina D4 S

Climbing into the Alpina, you immediately sense its fine craftsmanship. Designed for both spirited driving and relaxed cruising, it strikes the right balance. The D4 S is intuitive to drive, and despite its size, handles corners with surprising agility. With a robust diesel rumble and substantial torque, it’s capable of exhilarating acceleration while maintaining excellent fuel efficiency.

Range Rover Sport D350

Transitioning to the Range Rover, its sheer size is evident. The D350 delivers power seamlessly, yet it lacks the nimbleness of the Alpina. While it isolates occupants from road imperfections, the drive modes are controlled via a touchscreen that can distract if you're not cautious. This SUV excels in comfort, and it’s undeniably refined but may not engage the driver as effectively as its competitors.

Mercedes E450d

Finally, the Mercedes E450d captures attention with its agile drive and advanced technology. The car hints at its performance capabilities while serving as a refined daily driver. Its air suspension adjusts perfectly to road conditions, and its torque distribution facilitates confident cornering, making it the standout performer of the group.

Conclusion: The Future of Diesel

As diesel vehicles continue to carve their niche in the automotive landscape, the future remains uncertain. However, for enthusiasts looking for a mix of luxury, performance, and practicality, the Alpina D4 S, Mercedes E450d, and Range Rover Sport D350 enrich the current offerings. While diesel may be waning, these models highlight the enduring appeal of straight-six engines, making them worthy contenders for anyone in the market. Act fast: with production halting for some models, the time to secure one for your garage is now.