Group test: Audi A4 Avant vs BMW 3 Series Touring vs Mercedes C-Class estate

Which German exec triumphs in the battle of the compact premium cars?

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Premium estate cars are a compelling alternative to the premium SUVs that are so popular these days. They have the brand image and load space that are almost a match for an SUV. OK, they may not have the raised seating position, but they’re usually more fun to drive, cheaper to tax and better value for money.

There’s plenty of choice if you’re prepared to make the switch. Three of the biggest players in the sector are the latest Audi A4 Avant, the familiar BMW 3 Series Turing and the sleek Mercedes C-Class estate.

You’ll probably find all three of them are nicer to drive than an equivalent SUV. They are lower, sportier and more engaging, particularly the BMW 3 Series. It has impressive body control, positive steering and plenty of feel-good driver involvement. Impressively, BMW has combined this with a decent ride, even on stiffened M Sport suspension.

The Audi and Mercedes are smoother still, particularly the Audi which is extremely comfortable on the motorway. The Mercedes, in contrast, excels in the town. We would advise steering clear of the flashy 19-inch alloy wheels on the Audi, though. They spoil its comfort in the city.

Neither the Audi nor the Mercedes are quite as exciting to drive as the BMW. The C-Class’s 2.1-litre turbodiesel is also chuggy-sounding and coarse when revved, although it settles down on the motorway. Surprisingly, we found the 2.0-litre BMW was noisy too, with lots of tyre roar adding to the relative din at speed. The 2.0-litre Audi is the smoothest, and is very refined when cruising.

These sleek, sophisticated executive cars live up to their premium badges inside. All feel upmarket and good quality. The Audi and Mercedes are particularly sophisticated. Alongside them, the BMW feels plainer and less stylish. Just don’t tap the centre console of the C-Class – it creaks and sounds cheap, in stark contrast to the super-solid A4.

Executive-grade seats are the most supportive in the BMW, and all have plenty of space and adjustment for the driver. Those in the rear are OK as well. The BMW is the roomiest for legs and heads, and the Audi has the widest cabin. It’s the Mercedes that’s the most cramped, although it’s still OK for six-footers.

They are closely matched on boot space, offering around 500 litres with the rear seats up and 1500 litres with them folded. They all have powered tailgates and 40:20:40 split-fold rear seats, and some degree of underfloor storage for valuables. Of the three, the Audi’s boot is the longest, widest and most well-shaped.

Cheaper cost of ownership compared to an SUV may be part of the appeal of these compact estates. The Mercedes is the cheapest in Benefit in Kind tax for fleet drivers, but there’s little in it in terms of leasing costs. We think the Audi will prove to be the cheapest to run. The BMW has good discounts but steeper depreciation, while the Mercedes’ low depreciation is offset by high servicing and insurance costs.

We were impressed to discover the C-Class has the most generous standard equipment. All-round parking sensors, reversing camera and even a self-park system are included, features that would cost £2000 more on the A4 and 3 Series. Like the BMW, it has an unlimited-mileage three-year warranty, which will please long-distance drivers. The Audi limits it to 60,000 miles in the third year.

As you can see, it’s a closely-fought battle between these three compact executive estates. It’s the oldest of the trio, the BMW, that falls first. It’s fun to drive and powerful, but steep depreciation, lack of features and too much engine noise let it down.

The stress-free Mercedes is a sophisticated machine that offers an appealing premium-car experience. It’s well equipped and good-looking, and it’s only excessive engine noise and slightly dull driving dynamics that deny it victory here. The Audi edges it in the end, though. It’s the best all-rounder, with a good drive, superb interior, low running costs and a practical boot. If you’re switching form a compact SUV, you’re unlikely to be disappointed.

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1st: Audi A4 Avant 2.0 TDI 190 S line S tronic

Engine size 2.0-litre diesel

List price £35,830

Target Price £32,042

Power 188bhp

Torque 295lb ft

0-60mph 8.5sec

Top speed 143mph

Fuel economy 65.7mpg

CO2 emissions 113g/km

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2nd: Mercedes C-Class Estate C 220 d Sport auto

Engine size 2.1-litre diesel

List price £35,500

Target Price £31,536

Power 168bhp

Torque 295lb ft

0-60mph 7.5sec

Top speed 142mph

Fuel economy 64.2mpg

CO2 emissions 114g/km

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3rd: BMW 3 Series Touring 320d M Sport auto

Engine size 2.0-litre diesel

List price £35,760

Target Price £30,833

Power 188bhp

Torque 295lb ft

0-60mph 7.6sec

Top speed 140mph

Fuel economy 62.8mpg

CO2 emissions 119g/km

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