Audi has revealed a significantly updated evolution of its 3.0-liter V6 TDI (EA897evo4) — complete with more powerful electrically powered compressor (“electric turbo”) and an expanded mild-hybrid (MHEV plus) architecture — and it’s headed for the refreshed Q5 and A6 in Europe. This new setup blends diesel efficiency, electric torque-fill, and ultra-fast boost response into a drivetrain that feels closer to an electric motor in its immediacy than any diesel before it.
While on the surface such a drivetrain would seem a practical impossibility for the North America, Audi’s press release does include U.S. MPG conversions right alongside the European WLTP consumption figures.
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No U.S. availability is mentioned. No hint of intent. But the choice to mention U.S. figures for an engine type the brand has all but abandoned in this market is a curious one. With efficiency numbers like 34.6–40.6 mpg for the Q5 and 38.6–44.4 mpg for the A6 (converted), this drivetrain almost seems tailor-made for long-distance American driving, where EVs still face practical limitations. The omission invites a question of under what conditions and when, if ever, Audi of America could ever consider diesel’s return.
NEW TAKE ON DIESEL ELECTRIC TURBO + MHEV PLUS
While the engine retains its familiar displacement and V6 layout, everything about its operation has evolved. Power stands at 220 kW (299 PS) with 580 Nm of torque, but the numbers only hint at what makes this system different.
The upgraded drivetrain revolves around three electrified components working as a single torque-delivery system:
- A belt alternator starter for rapid restarts and battery charging
- A lithium iron phosphate battery designed for long, stable cycling
- A powertrain generator capable of delivering 230 Nm and 18 kW (24 PS) of instant electric assistance
This combination enables low-speed electric operation in parking lots, traffic jams, or slow residential zones — all without firing the engine. Under load, the electric components provide torque fill and boost support, smoothing diesel response across the rev range and cutting consumption.
But the biggest leap comes from the newly strengthened electrically powered compressor.
ELECTRIC TURBO, EVOLVED FASTER BOOST, BROADER OPERATION
Audi’s second-generation electrically powered compressor (EPC) is now far more central to the engine’s operation, capable of running across the entire rpm range rather than only at low engine speeds.
Located downstream from the turbocharger and intercooler, the EPC draws from the 48-volt system to:
- Eliminate turbo lag almost entirely
- Spin its compressor wheel to 90,000 rpm in just 250 ms
- Increase system boost pressure by up to 3.6 bar, nearly one second faster
- Improve initial acceleration enough for the vehicle to gain a full car length in the first 2.5 seconds compared to the previous TDI
This produces acceleration behavior that genuinely mimics an EV’s instant torque — a notable achievement for an engine known primarily for efficiency rather than urgency. Combined with the generator’s torque contribution, the electric turbo helps the V6 TDI deliver linear, immediate, and surprisingly athletic response.
HIGH EFFIENCY, CLEANER FUEL HVO 100 COMPATIBILITY
The updated V6 TDI is certified for HVO 100 (hydrotreated vegetable oil), a sustainable diesel substitute made from waste products like used cooking oil and agricultural residues. Audi estimates a 70–95 percent reduction in CO2 emissions using HVO compared with fossil diesel.
With both Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm shipping new TDI models filled with HVO from the factory, Audi is explicitly aligning diesel longevity with decarbonization goals — a strategy that works well in Europe, where diesel remains viable but must become cleaner.
SO WHAT ABOUT NORTH AMERICA
Audi’s press release never mentions U.S. availability. It doesn’t hint at regulatory filings, nor does it suggest federal or CARB certification is being pursued. The brand has repeatedly signaled that diesel will not return to America. And yet, the presence of U.S. mpg conversions almost feels deliberate, perhaps a seed planted to start a conversation in the market pushing back hardest on EVs.
Why do it? So far as I see it, there are three likely reasons:
- Marketing completeness — Audi simply wanted to provide familiar units for global readers.
- Quiet benchmarking — Audi is measuring how this efficient drivetrain might resonate with American media and buyers.
- Softening the ground — not for diesel’s return, but for MHEV and/or diesel tech in future long-range, high-efficiency offerings.
Because here’s the truth:
This engine’s combination of long-distance efficiency, instant electric-assisted torque, and real-world range seems even more suited to American driving. The US-style numbers underscore that point. If the brand wanted to highlight how efficient this powertrain is relative to U.S. expectations, they found a subtle way to do it.
And demand exists. Dieselgate’s shadow doesn’t seem to stop car aficionado buyers — Audi TDIs still draw a premium, like robust bidding on Bring a Trailer and Cars & Bids, often commanding premiums for their blend of torque and efficiency. For a niche but passionate audience, “diesel-hybrid with electric turbo” would be a dream spec sheet.
QUESTIONS REMAIN, BUT EUROPE ONLY FOR NOW
Officially, Audi’s updated V6 TDI with electric turbo and more capable MHEV system is for European Q5 and A6 models. Any future in North America is unlikely and, at best, unclear.
What is clear is that this drivetrain configuration represents the most refined, electrified, and future-compatible diesel Audi has produced yet. Even if it never reaches American shores, it offers a technical blueprint for balancing range, efficiency, and responsiveness in a way that no pure EV or combustion engine can yet replicate.
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