We now think of performance diesels as a normality, which was highlighted by the shift by Audi to equip their S4 and S6 cars with diesel engines which triggered a mix of reactions, ranging from curiosity to concern. Witnessing a transition from the powerful naturally-aspirated V10 engines, such as those found in the S6, to V6 oil-burners might seem unsettling. However, when we delve into the archives, we find that Audi is not the first luxury automaker to experiment with the fusion of diesel and performance – Mercedes-AMG paved the way.
Let’s take a trip back to the early 2000s, when Affalterbach, the performance arm of Mercedes, introduced the intriguing C30 CDI AMG. While Audi is currently redefining its approach, AMG had already embarked on a diesel-powered journey, offering enthusiasts a unique blend of performance and efficiency.
The C30 CDI AMG was born out of the C203 C-Class and represented a departure from the norm. Affalterbach took the existing C270 CDI’s OM612 inline-five turbodiesel engine, a powerplant shared with the erm, Sprinter van, and gave it a thorough makeover. Displacement was increased from 2.7 to 3.0 liters through a stroke enhancement, a larger turbocharger replaced the original, and a more efficient air-to-water intercooler was introduced. The result? Power surged from 168 to 228bhp, accompanied by an impressive jump in torque from 366 Nm to 540 Nm.
Performance-wise, the C30 derv was no slouch, clocking a 0-62mph time of 6.8 seconds – a noteworthy accomplishment 20 years ago. Beyond the engine, AMG equipped the diesel performer with chassis upgrades borrowed from the supercharged V6 petrol-powered C32 AMG. Visually, the C30 CDI AMG sported a subtle body kit and 17-inch alloy wheels, mirroring its high-performance petrol-powered sibling. You could have it in the typical myriad of body styles, from the humble saloon, sport-coupe and even a wagon – it had all of the bases covered, but perhaps at the wrong time.
However, despite its somewhat innovative approach and compelling performance, the C30 CDI AMG faced hurdles in the market. Priced at €49,590, the diesel-powered C-Class was in the territory of an E46 M3, a tough sell when Audi also introduced the similarly priced V8 B6 S4. Compounded by the fact that it was never built in right-hand drive and didn’t make it to the US market either, the C30 CDI AMG struggled to gain traction.
In 2004, with limited success and a changing automotive landscape, Mercedes-AMG made the decision to discontinue the C30 CDI AMG without offering a direct successor. Despite subsequent advancements in hybrid and electric technologies within the AMG lineup, the C30 CDI remains a unique chapter in the brand’s history – a time when AMG embraced the potential of diesel power, leaving an indelible mark on the performance car landscape.
And so it is no more, but the non-branded AMG diesels deliver a decent punch by their own merit, plus you can’t hide behind the fact that BMW now make the M340d – a decent diesel performer in its own right!