Audi A4 Avant vs BMW 3 Series Touring vs Mercedes C-Class Estate
In estate form, the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class are all practical and stylish load-luggers. But which is best?...
Our verdict
There isn’t a great deal to separate these estates. However, four years is a long time in the car world and, despite some recent updates, the BMW 3 Series Touring’s age puts it at a disadvantage, not only because the bar has been raised since its debut, but also because older models tend to depreciate more heavily.
The 3 Series Touring is quick, fun to drive, reasonably practical and, perhaps surprisingly, not uncomfortable on standard M Sport suspension. But its comparative lack of standard-fit luxury and safety kit, along with its noisy engine, are glaring shortfalls.
If arriving at your destination as fresh and stress-free as possible is your priority, the Mercedes C-Class Estate is an attractive proposition. The supple ride, interior comforts and healthy roster of labour-saving gadgets that come as standard work in its favour. It also makes financial sense for company car drivers and private buyers. Improved engine refinement and better steering would have pushed it even closer to winning this contest.
The Audi A4 Avant, meanwhile, combines distance-devouring motorway composure with the most refined engine, peerless interior quality, the largest and most usable boot and reasonable ownership costs. Our only reservation is that the 3.0 TDI 218 model is even smoother and punchier, emits barely any more CO2 and costs just £1700 more.
It’s also worth keeping in mind that none of these estates is the last word in boot space. If that’s your priority, you could buy a BMW 5 Series Touring for not a lot more.
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1st – Audi A4 Avant
For Cruising refinement; biggest boot; stunning interior; slow depreciation; safety
Against Low-speed ride on 19in alloys; could do with more standard equipment
Verdict A fine estate, but there are bigger alternatives for similar cash
Rated 4 out of 5
Read our full Audi A4 Avant review
Find a great Audi A4 deal
2nd – Mercedes C-Class Estate
For Generous equipment; performance; supple ride
Against Steering; engine refinement in town
Verdict Luxurious, quick and decent value for money
Rated 4 out of 5
Read our full Mercedes C-Class Estate review
Find a great Mercedes C-Class deal
3rd – BMW 3 Series Touring
For Most accomplished handling; big discounts
Against Long-term costs; noisy engine; standard kit
Verdict Still the keen driver's estate of choice
Rated 3 out of 5
Read the full BMW 3 Series Touring review
Find a great BMW 3 Series deal
Also consider:
Specifications: Audi A4 Avant 2.0 TDI 190 S line S tronic
Engine size 2.0-litre diesel
List price £36,590
Target Price £33,105
Power 188bhp
Torque 295lb ft
0-60mph 8.5sec
Top speed 143mph
Fuel economy 65.7mpg
CO2 emissions 113g/km
Specifications: BMW 3 Series Touring 320d M Sport auto
Engine size 2.0-litre diesel
List price £36,340
Target Price £31,951
Power 188bhp
Torque 295lb ft
0-60mph 7.6sec
Top speed 140mph
Fuel economy 62.8mpg
CO2 emissions 119g/km
Specifications: Mercedes C-Class Estate C 220 d Sport auto
Engine size 2.1-litre diesel
List price £35,620
Target Price £31,684
Power 168bhp
Torque 295lb ft
0-60mph 7.5sec
Top speed 142mph
Fuel economy 64.2mpg
CO2 emissions 114g/km
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