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Audi A5

Best BMW 3 Series Alternatives for Drivers Who Want a Diesel Saloon

The Audi A5 Saloon TDI is the clearest current UK match for drivers seeking a diesel alternative to the BMW 3 Series. See how the E 220 d, Superb and C-Class differ.

By CarCody Team 4 min read
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The Audi A5 Saloon TDI is the clearest current UK alternative to the BMW 3 Series for drivers seeking a diesel saloon. The Mercedes-Benz E 220 d is another current diesel saloon, but it is a larger car. A diesel Škoda Superb brings more practicality in hatchback or estate form, while the current UK Mercedes-Benz C-Class page lists petrol mild-hybrid engines rather than a confirmed new diesel.

Which current UK diesel saloons are worth considering?

For a car closest to the 3 Series brief, begin with the Audi A5 Saloon TDI quattro. The Mercedes-Benz E 220 d is a genuine diesel saloon alternative if you are open to moving up in size. The other options differ in an important way: the Superb is listed as a hatchback or estate, and the current C-Class page does not substantiate a new UK diesel version.

Model What the UK sources establish Best fit
Audi A5 Saloon TDI quattro Audi lists petrol and diesel engines. Its TDI quattro 204 PS specification has 400 Nm and takes 6.9 seconds to reach 0–62 mph. Audi cautions that models shown may not be UK specification and directs buyers to its configurator. Audi UK A5 Saloon A current diesel saloon closest to the 3 Series brief among these sources.
Mercedes-Benz E 220 d Saloon UK specifications list a 1,993 cc mild-hybrid diesel, 440 Nm, 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission, 58.9 mpg combined, 126 g/km CO₂ and a length of 4,949 mm. The fuel figure is an official test-cycle value, not a real-world guarantee. Mercedes-Benz UK E-Class A diesel saloon for buyers who want a larger car than the 3 Series class.
Škoda Superb diesel Škoda UK lists diesel versions in hatchback and estate configurations; the cited source does not establish a current Superb saloon. Škoda UK Superb A space-focused choice if you are willing to change body style.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Saloon The current UK page displays petrol mild-hybrid technical specifications. It does not confirm a new UK diesel saloon offering. Mercedes-Benz UK C-Class Relevant to a used search, but do not assume a current new diesel from the page.

Why the Audi A5 TDI is the closest match

Audi’s UK A5 Saloon page lists both petrol and diesel engines, including a TDI quattro rated at 204 PS and 400 Nm. Audi quotes 0–62 mph in 6.9 seconds for that version. Those are manufacturer specifications, not results from a head-to-head independent test, so they do not prove that the A5 is faster or more economical than a particular 3 Series.

Check the exact engine, trim and body style in Audi’s configurator before ordering: Audi warns that some models shown may not be UK specification. The manufacturer page establishes a current diesel saloon option, but it does not settle dealer stock, final pricing or availability for a particular configuration.

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When the larger E 220 d makes sense

The E 220 d offers a diesel saloon configuration, but its 4,949 mm length makes it a step up in size rather than a close 3 Series-sized substitute. Its UK specification lists a 1,993 cc mild-hybrid diesel producing 440 Nm, paired with a 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission.

Mercedes-Benz quotes 58.9 mpg combined and 126 g/km CO₂. Treat these as official manufacturer figures from the test cycle, not a promise of what the car will return on your commute or motorway route. No independent comparative fuel-economy or ownership-cost figures are established here.

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When to consider the Superb or a C-Class

Škoda Superb: diesel practicality, different body style

Škoda’s UK listings include diesel Superb hatchback and estate options. That may suit a driver whose priority is carrying space, but it is not a conventional saloon alternative on the evidence available. Decide whether the hatchback or estate format works for you before comparing it with saloons.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class: separate new-car and used-car searches

The current UK C-Class page displays petrol mild-hybrid specifications, so it should not be treated as confirmation that a new UK diesel C-Class Saloon is available. That page-level finding does not show that used or specially sourced diesel examples are unavailable. Older diesel C-Class models, such as the C 220 d, may still be relevant to a used search, but check the individual car and its paperwork rather than inferring current availability from the model name.

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How to compare the shortlist

  1. Confirm body style and size. Decide whether you need a saloon specifically or would also consider a hatchback or estate. Compare exterior dimensions before treating the E-Class as a direct size match.
  2. Verify the exact engine and trim. Manufacturer pages and configurators can show different specifications; check the UK configuration you intend to buy, including transmission and whether it is mild-hybrid.
  3. Compare like-for-like performance and economy data. Keep manufacturer test-cycle figures separate from real-world consumption. The figures above are not an independent ranking.
  4. For a used car, assess the individual example. Compare age, mileage, service records, equipment and asking price across current listings. Current dealer stock and comparable live UK prices are not established by these model pages.
  5. Check the registration for emissions-zone access. Use the official TfL vehicle checker for ULEZ eligibility and check the zones relevant to your journeys. The checker warns that its ULEZ result does not cover other charges, including the Congestion Charge.

What diesel Euro standard should you check?

The Vehicle Certification Agency says Euro 6 was introduced for most new registrations in September 2015, and vehicles newly registered from 1 January 2021 must meet Euro 6d. These dates provide context when assessing an older diesel, but a model year or badge alone is not a vehicle-specific eligibility check. Verify the exact registration against the applicable zone requirements using the VCA explanation of Euro emissions standards and TfL’s checker.

Fuel consumption and emissions-zone compliance answer different questions: an mpg figure does not establish whether a particular car can enter a particular zone. For a used vehicle, check the registration and the rules for the routes you actually use.

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What about used BMW 3 Series diesels?

This shortlist concerns current UK manufacturer model pages, not the supply or value of used cars. BMW’s UK 3 Series page has mixed wording: it says the Saloon is available with a petrol engine but also includes general copy referring to petrol or diesel. That page alone does not establish every UK configuration, past or present. If you are comparing used diesels, assess the exact engine, registration, service history and emissions eligibility of each car.

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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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