In this paper, explicit model predictive control (MPC) of a two-stage turbocharged diesel engine is presented. MPC provides superior performance over conventional map-based PID boost pressure control. It can be easily adapted to multivariable control and is relatively easy to tune. A control-oriented multiple-input multiple-output model of a turbocharged diesel engine was derived using system identification methods. As MPC control design is based on a linear model, validation of the controller was carried out using a high-fidelity nonlinear engine model. Using the high-fidelity simulation model provides the opportunity to fine-tune the controller before the real-time testing. The experimental real-time tests demonstrate a superior control performance in a wider range compared with the performance obtained using conventional control.