European Porsche shoppers will soon have the option of ordering a diesel-powered version of the Panamera sports saloon. The most fuel-efficient model of the Panamera range is equipped with a Porsche-tuned version of the VW Group’s widely used 3.0-liter V6 TDI employing common rail direct injection technology and electrically controlled variable geometry turbochargers (VGTs).

The six-cylinder unit produces a maximum output of 250HP (184 kW) between 3,800 rpm and 4,400 rpm and a peak torque of 550Nm (405.7 lb-ft) available from 1,750 rpm to 2,750 rpm. The V6 is hooked up to an eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission while a start/stop system comes as standard. The Panamera Diesel is offered exclusively with rear-wheel drive.

With the standard tires, the diesel-powered Panamera returns a combined fuel consumption of 6.5 lt/100 km (equal to 36.2mpg US or 43.5mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of 172 g/km CO2. Opt for the low rolling resistance tires, and the aforementioned numbers drop to 6.3 lt/100 km (equal to 37.3mpg US or 44.8mpg UK) and 167 g/km CO2 respectively. The 80-liter tank allows a theoretical range in excess of 1,200 kilometers (746 miles).

In comparison, the Panamera Hybrid that makes use of a 333HP 3.0-liter V6 TSI gasoline engine and a 47HP electric motor returns 6.8 lt/100 km (34.6 mpg US.) with CO2 emissions of 159 g/km when equipped with low rolling resistance tires.

Porsche says the Panamera Diesel can accelerate from a standing start to 100 km/h (62mph) in 6.8 seconds en route to a top speed of 242km/h (150 mph).

Sales of the Panamera Diesel will start in Europe this August with prices starting from €80,183 (US$119,200) in Germany and from £62,134 (US$92,300) in the UK.