Top 5 most powerful diesel engines

1. AUDI A8 4.2 TDi QUATTRO
Power: 283kW

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Every bit counts and Audi’s top-shelf diesel tops this list by a mere 2kW. Yet it’s the 850Nm of low-down grunt that make this such a useful device. Now, where’s that autobahn…

2. PORSCHE CAYENNE S DIESEL
Power: 281kW

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Same 4.1-litre twin-turbo diesel as the Audi – and same 850Nm – but Porsche’s go-fast SUV has a slightly lower power output. Still fun, though, and surprisingly characterful.

3. BMW X5 M50d
Power: 280kW

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The impressive power and 740Nm is a mighty shove from six cylinders. But BMW’s triple-turbo 3.0-litre – also employed in the X6 – is not short of tech. Or performance.

4. RANGE ROVER SPORT HSE SDV6 HYBRID
Power: 250kW

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Electric power adds punch to the 3.0-litre V6, bringing 700Nm to the equation. The drivetrain, also available in the ‘big’ Rangie, is frugal at 6.4L/100km.

5. RANGE ROVER SDV8 VOGUE
Power: 250kW

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Sweet and smooth 4.4-litre V8 is the pick for the big Range Rover, but if you can’t stretch the budget, the same 250kW/740Nm unit is also fitted to the smaller Range Rover Sport.