Updated Audi V6 TDI engine with advanced MHEV plus system

Audi presents an updated V6 TDI engine with MHEV plus technology and an improved electric compressor, offering enhanced response and lower emissions for Q5 and A6 models.

Audi has introduced an updated version of its three-liter V6 TDI diesel engine, now available for the Q5 and A6 model ranges. Delivering 220 kW and 580 Nm of torque, the engine marks a significant step forward for the TDI lineup, thanks to the integration of MHEV plus technology and an improved electrically powered compressor. Together, these components provide quicker response, enhanced acceleration characteristics, and reduced fuel consumption compared with previous engine variants.

The system is built around three electrified elements: a belt-driven starter-generator, a compact powertrain generator, and a lithium iron phosphate battery. This architecture enables limited electric driving in urban environments while also supplying an additional 18 kW of power and 230 Nm of torque during takeoff and overtaking. During deceleration, the system is capable of recuperating up to 25 kW of energy back into the battery.

The key technological upgrade is the electrically powered compressor, which now operates across a much wider engine speed range than earlier iterations. It helps remove boost lag by accelerating the buildup of pressure, reaching a maximum of 3.6 bar almost one second faster. The compressor wheel spins up to 90,000 revolutions per minute within just 250 milliseconds, making the engine’s response more immediate and predictable, especially during sudden acceleration or merging onto a highway.

An additional advantage of the new V6 TDI comes from its compatibility with HVO 100 fuel, certified under EN 15940. This hydrotreated vegetable oil can reduce CO₂ emissions by 70 to 95 percent compared with fossil diesel. Audi already fills new vehicles produced at its Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm plants with HVO fuel. The availability of such fuel continues to grow across Europe, particularly in Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands.

Official acceleration figures or detailed comparisons between the new engine and its predecessor have not yet been published. However, the updated system layout and expanded capabilities of MHEV plus suggest noticeable improvements in drivability and engine responsiveness. The engine version used in the A6 is certified under the Euro 6e emissions standard, as confirmed by publicly available technical data.

Overall, the new V6 TDI for the Q5 and A6 illustrates how Audi continues to develop its diesel technology. With a focus on efficient power delivery, sharper throttle response, and a more sustainable approach to CO₂ emissions, the updated engine represents an important evolution for both models.