Feature
New Audi A4 Avant & BMW 3 Series Touring vs Volvo V60: verdict
Audi, BMW and Volvo are all experienced at making plush executive estates with four-wheel drive if you need it. Let’s see which of their contenders is the best buy
Our verdict
Picking a winner in an estate test is easy: just look at which has the biggest boot and stick a crown on its roof, right? Well, although the V60 wins this test, things aren’t quite that straightforward.
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The V60 can swallow the most stuff, has an excellent driving position and comes exceedingly well equipped. Despite the unsettled ride of this Cross Country version, it’s still a great estate. However, we’d save some money and go for a comfier, better-handling regular model instead.
Despite having the smallest boot, the 3 Series comes second here. What it lacks in outright load hauling ability, it makes up for with fine handling, a great infotainment system and the strongest performance. If you’re a keen driver, you’ll probably accept the fact that you have to pack a little lighter.
That leaves the A4 in last place. Although it’s decent to drive and has the classiest interior, it’s the priciest company car, has sluggish infotainment and is the most frustrating in stop-start traffic.
Steve Huntingford
Updated: 30 November 2018
Car reviews
Volvo V60
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1st – Volvo V60 - 4 stars
For Largest boot; best rear seat space; excellent driving position; cheapest to buy and run for private buyers
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Against Unsettled ride; wallowy handling; thirstiest; noisiest engine
Recommended options Metallic paint (£675), Convenience Pack (£300)
Read our full Volvo V60 review
Find a great Volvo V60 deal
2nd – BMW 3 Series Touring - 4 stars
For Engaging handling; punchy yet frugal engine; best infotainment; cheapest for company car tax
Against Smallest boot; firm ride; so-so rear seat space
Recommended options Comfort Package (£890), metallic paint (£670)
Read our full BMW 3 Series Touring review
Find a great BMW 3 Series Touring deal
3rd – Audi A4 Avant - 3 stars
For Classiest interior; best wet-weather traction; well-shaped boot
Against Clunky infotainment; firm ride; hesitant gearbox
Recommended options Metallic paint (£675), Storage Pack (£195)
Read our full Audi A4 Avant review
Find a great Audi A4 Avant deal
Specifications: Audi A4 Avant 40 TDI quattro S line S tronic
- Engine size 4cyl, 1968cc, diesel
- List price £42,520
- Target Price £38,393
- Power 187bhp @ 3800-4200rpm
- Torque 295lb ft @ 1750-3000rpm
- Gearbox 7-spd dual-clutch automatic
- 0-60mph 7.4sec
- Top speed 143mph
- Gov't fuel economy 44.1mpg
- Test MPG 39.3mpg
- CO2 emissions 140g/km
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Specifications: BMW 3 Series Touring 320d xDrive M Sport
- Engine size 4cyl, 1995cc, diesel
- List price £41,325
- Target Price £39,214
- Power 187bhp @ 4000rpm
- Torque 295lb ft @ 1750-2500rpm
- Gearbox 8-spd automatic
- 0-60mph 7.2sec
- Top speed 140mph
- Gov't fuel economy 51.4mpg
- Test MPG 41.6mpg
- CO2 emissions 124g/km
Specifications: Volvo V60 D4 AWD Cross Country Plus Polestar Performance
- Engine size 4cyl, 1969cc, diesel
- List price £41,530
- Target Price £37,059
- Power 187bhp @ 4250rpm
- Torque 295lb ft @ 1750-2500rpm
- Gearbox 8-spd automatic
- 0-60mph 8.1sec
- Top speed 130mph
- Gov't fuel economy 47.9mpg
- Test MPG 35.6mph
- CO2 emissions 135g/km
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