Porsche Diesel Models’ Production To Be Stopped — First German Brand To Discontinue Diesel Engines

Porsche is the first German car company to discontinue diesel engines from their line-up. Although on a global scale, the majority of vehicles sold by leading European brands such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar are petrol-powered, diesel models account to a good amount of sales especially in countries like India.

Automotive enthusiasts and Porsche fanatics are not particularly happy with the brand's decision to ditch diesel engines. Though a bit high on an emissions perspective, diesel engines provide a unique driving experience with the ample amount of torque available, very low on the RPM range.

Porsche, being a subsidiary of Volkswagen Group, currently employ diesel engines shared by the other brands coming under ‘VW', including Audi, Volkswagen Cars and Seat. The diesel engines in question are the 3.0-litre TDi V6 and the 4.0-litre TDi V8 units.

In India also, the majority of Porsche cars sold (except the 911 and 718 sportscar range) are diesel-powered. Diesel Porsche models are also cheaper compared to the high-performance petrol versions available at the top of the model line.

The three main diesel-powered models in Porsche's product portfolio are the Panamera (currently available onlyin petrol format in India), Cayenne and Macan. These cars either come with a V6 or V8 diesel unit and contribute a lot to Porsche India's annual sales figures. Due to the higher petrol prices in India, diesel models are more preferred by customers. However, the recent trend shows that diesel prices in India are also rising at a steep rate.

Regarding the stoppage of diesel models, this is what Porsche themselves had to say, "Porsche has always matched its product range to its customers' requirements and the pursuit of technological excellence. That is why the sports car manufacturer is intensifying its activities in the areas of hybrid technology and electromobility and will, in future, no longer offer vehicles with diesel propulsion."

The data shared by Porsche reveals that their diesel model sales in 2017 accounted for only 12 per cent, worldwide; India being a major market in that proportion. The marketing team has forecasted that the percentage would be even lower in the coming years, hence urging Porsche to make the decision.

Thoughts On Porsche Ending The Production Of Diesel Models

Though enthusiasts might find it a bit concerning, Porsche diesel models were never really their own but based on a Volkswagen platform. The legendary brand will still be producing high-revving flat-six engines in both turbocharged and naturally-aspirated formats in all their glory. However, it will be the markets such as India which will be affected a bit if there are no diesel products from the brand. What do you think of Porsche's move to discontinue diesel models?