Recent research has shown the potential of long-chain alcohols such as butanol for biofuel. However, the production quantity of butanol is very low and consumes high energy in its purification process. To solve such a problem, one of the effective approaches is to use acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) directly from the fermentation process. This study aims to investigate the effects of ABE-diesel blends in an HCCI-DI engine. It was found that although the presence of oxygen in ABE could theoretically promote complete combustion and eventually decrease HC and CO emissions, other significant factors may have played more dominant roles in affecting the HC and CO emissions. The experimental investigation on an HCCI-DI engine fuelled with ABE also did not reduce PM and Soot emissions. Furthermore, the peak in-cylinder combustion pressure decreased with fluctuating heat release rate. However, their p-V areas were larger than pure diesel fuel, which implied a higher indicated work produced per cycle. The addition of ABE also successfully decreased CO2 and NOx emissions. Moreover, improved engine performance in terms of higher BTE, lower BSFC and EGT were observed. All in all, considering its satisfying improved engine performance; ABE has the potential to become a promising alternative biofuel. © 2022 Elsevier Ltd