Currently, several German luxury automakers--including Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche--offer diesel models in the U.S.
But except for one disastrous experiment decades ago, Cadillac has shied away from diesels in domestically-sold models.
That attitude seems to be changing though.
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Cadillac will "definitely" bring diesels back to its U.S. lineup sometime over the next few years, brand chief Johan de Nysschen told Automotive News (subscription required) at a recent press event in Wisconsin.
The General Motors luxury brand is reportedly working on new four- and six-cylinder diesel engines.
They'll debut in Europe sometime around 2019, and go on sale in the U.S. sometime after that.
2016 Cadillac CT6
It's unclear which models will get diesel-engine options. Cadillac's German rivals currently offer them in sedans and SUVs of varying sizes.
Jaguar is also expected to offer a diesel engine on its 2017 XE sedan, and Land Rover will soon begin selling diesel Range Rover models in the U.S.
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Since arriving at Cadillac from Infiniti, de Nysschen has made some significant changes to the way the carmaker operates.
He moved Cadillac's headquarters from Detroit to New York City, and is seeking greater autonomy from General Motors.
He also wants to move Cadillac further upmarket with models like the 2016 CT6--which will be offered with both conventional gasoline and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
2016 Cadillac ATS Sedan
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Cadillacs were offered with diesel V-8 engines borrowed from the now-defunct Oldsmobile brand.
They quickly gained a reputation for poor quality and performance, and became something of a black eye for Cadillac.
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Diesel technology has improved significantly over the past few decades, of course, as has General Motors' outlook towards it.
GM currently offers a diesel engine option in the Chevrolet Cruze compact, which will continue with the all-new, second-generation model unveiled back in June.
The carmaker will also offer four-cylinder diesel engines in its Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon mid-size pickup trucks.
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