I think either you may have just got a bad car or you're just not used to the characteristics of a diesel engine. In fact, diesels are known for their superior torque lower down the rev range and the subsequent lack of effort required on the driver's part to stir the gear box in order to make things happen. Granted, diesel engines were vastly inferior to petrol engines of the same displacement twenty years ago, but the technology has improved to the point where the 3 litre BMW diesel engine is considered to be on a par with the company's 3 litre petrol engine from a driver's perspective. It offers similar figures in both acceleration and top speed in mainstream marques while maintaining it's traditional efficency advantage over petrol. VW and Mercedes also offer some sterling examples of what can be done with diesel technology.
I suggest you try driving some other diesels before tarring all cars with a 'D' on the badge with the same brush.