Think high-end vehicles are offered only with petrol or electrified powertrains? Think again. These are the 5 most expensive turbodiesel cars in South Africa right now…
While diesel remains the fuel of choice for bakkies in South Africa, its popularity in the local new passenger-vehicle market has waned. That said, there are still a few high-end cars that feature oil-burning engines. Yes, we’re talking about SA’s most expensive turbodiesel vehicles.
We’ve sorted through the local market and identified the 5 priciest models that employ turbodiesel hearts. Interestingly, although the list is somewhat predictably dominated by luxury SUVs, a certain long-wheelbase sedan makes the cut, too. Note all pricing is correct in June 2026.
1. Range Rover D350 Autobiography L 7-Seater – from R4 168 300
The most expensive turbodiesel vehicle on SA’s new-vehicle market right now is the long-wheelbase 7-seater version of the Range Rover D350 Autobiography. For the record, the 3.0-litre straight-6 motor (with mild-hybrid gubbins) delivers 258 kW and 700 Nm to all 4 wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. The British firm says this 2 666 kg SUV will see off the 0-100 kph sprint in just 6.1 seconds (when using launch control, that is).
- Fuel economy (claimed): 7.4 L/100 km
- Theoretical cruising range: 1 081 km
- Find a Range Rover on Cars.co.za
2. Mercedes-Benz G450d AMG Line – from R3 561 203
Priced below both the fully electric G580 EQ (from R3 827 400) and the Mercedes-AMG G63 (from R4 506 775), the oil-burning G450d nevertheless breaches the R3.5-million mark. Power comes from a 3.0-litre inline-6, which sends 270 kW and 750 Nm to all 4 corners through a 9-speed automatic cog-swapper. A mild-hybrid system is capable of briefly adding 15 kW. Expect a 0-100 kph time of around 5.8 seconds.
- Fuel economy (claimed): 9.4 L/100 km
- Theoretical cruising range: 1 064 km
- Find a G-Class on Cars.co.za
3. Lexus LX 500d Overtrail – from R2 681 500
The only Japanese vehicle on this list, the Lexus LX 500d Overtrail employs Toyota’s 3.3-litre V6 turbodiesel mill, which here churns out peak outputs of 225 kW and 700 Nm. A 10-speed automatic transmission drives all 4 wheels as standard. For the record, Lexus doesn’t list an official 0-100 kph sprint time.
- Fuel economy (claimed): 8.3 L/100 km
- Theoretical cruising range: 1 325 km
- Find an LX on Cars.co.za
4. Range Rover Sport D350 Autobiography – from R2 671 800
With a starting price just below that of the Lexus LX, the Range Rover Sport D350 in flagship Autobiography guise – not to be confused with the full-size Range Rover above – places 4th on the list of SA’s most expensive turbodiesel vehicles. This model’s 3.0-litre straight-6 engine (also featuring a mild-hybrid system) delivers 258 kW and 700 Nm via its all-wheel-drive system and 8-speed automatic gearbox. Land Rover lists a 0-100 kph time of 5.9 seconds.
- Fuel economy (claimed): 7.4 L/100 km
- Theoretical cruising range: 1 081 km
- Find a Range Rover Sport on Cars.co.za
5. Mercedes-Benz S350d L AMG Line – from R2 662 146
The only sedan here – and the sole rear-wheel-drive representative, too – Mercedes-Benz’s S350d L in AMG Line trim is also the quickest from standstill to 3 figures, taking a claimed 5.6 seconds to see off the 0-100 kph sprint. In pre-facelift S350d guise (with a 9-speed automatic standard), the German firm’s straight-6 turbodiesel motor makes 230 kW and 650 Nm, although mild-hybrid technology can briefly add 17 kW.
- Fuel economy (claimed): 6.3 L/100 km
- Theoretical cruising range: 1 032 km (or 1 206 km with optional 76-litre tank)
- Find an S-Class on Cars.co.za
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most expensive turbodiesel vehicle available on the South African new-vehicle market?
A: As of June 2026, the most expensive turbodiesel vehicle in South Africa is the Range Rover D350 Autobiography L 7-Seater, with a starting price of R4 168 300. This long-wheelbase luxury SUV is powered by a mild-hybrid 3.0-litre straight-six engine that delivers 258 kW and 700 Nm of torque to all four wheels.
Q: Are there any non-SUV luxury models included among South Africa’s priciest passenger diesels?
A: Yes, while the list is heavily dominated by large premium SUVs, the long-wheelbase Mercedes-Benz S350d L AMG Line sedan makes the top five with a starting price of R2 662 146. It stands out as the only sedan, the only rear-wheel-drive vehicle on the list, and the quickest off the mark, with a 0-100 km/h sprint time of just 5.6 seconds.
Q: Which high-end turbodiesel vehicle on this list offers the longest theoretical cruising range?
A: The Lexus LX 500d Overtrail offers the longest theoretical cruising range at a claimed 1 325 km. Priced from R2 681 500, the Japanese off-roader utilises a 3.3-litre V6 turbodiesel engine producing 225 kW and 700 Nm, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
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