Diesel Automobiles

The Bottom Line: The 2009 Volkswagen Touareg TDI makes for a practical and stylish diesel SUV option, but its cabin tech only partially passes muster.

Specs: SUV, V6 TDI, Diesel

The Bottom Line: The presence of the old iDrive interface makes it hard to recommend this generation of the BMW X5 xDrive35d, and the diesel engine makes it more suitable for open-road conditions than congested city traffic.

Specs: SUV, X5, Diesel

The Bottom Line: The 2009 BMW 335d is an economical performance car with room for four people and cabin electronics that measure up with the latest and greatest.

Specs: Sedan, Diesel

The Bottom Line: The 2009 Jetta TDI's engine represents a great balance of driver-friendliness and eco-friendliness. We just wish the rest of the vehicle lived up to its prestige.

Specs: Sedan, TDI, Diesel

The Bottom Line: The cabin electronics and interface for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL320 CDI's infotainment system are old and have fallen far behind today's standards, but the diesel engine makes the car drive well and get incredible fuel economy for a full-size SUV.

Specs: SUV, GL320 CDI, Diesel

The Bottom Line: The 2007 Mercedes-Benz ML320 CDI is a very drivable car, but you'll pay dearly to option it up with cabin electronics, should you live in a state where you can buy it. We're impressed by the off-road equipment, but who would really take this car into the mud?

Specs: SUV, ML320 CDI, Diesel

The Bottom Line: With a comfortable cabin (albeit with some uninspiring tech), solid performance, and an astonishingly economical drivetrain, the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E320 BlueTec is an impressive newcomer to the luxury sedan segment.

Specs: Sedan, E320 BLUETEC, Diesel

Editors' Take: Although it's an ugly duckling, the 2007 Volkswagen Eos takes tech into previously untapped market segments.

Specs: convertible, Base, Gas, Diesel

Specs: sedan, E320 CDI, Diesel

Specs: hatchback, GL TDI, Gas, Diesel