Boost pressure control is a critical issue in modern diesel engines. Variable-geometry turbines are widely used and are commonly controlled by the electronic control unit. Basic controllers are based on the proportional-integral-derivative (PID) algorithm. On the other hand, many researchers have developed alternative control algorithms, which improve system performance but usually need a higher parameterization cost. However, the penetration of these new algorithms into the automotive industry has not been important to date. In the present paper, a comparison of different control algorithms applied to the boost pressure control in a heavy-duty diesel engine is presented. The main objective of the paper is quantifying the benefit of implementing advanced control techniques, such as model predictive control.