IN THE UK we love premium estate cars.
They got all the space and luxury of a big SUV without the questionable image and high company car costs.
These days you don’t even have to put up with the boxy styling of old either, as manufacturers like Mercedes and Audi look to draw in buyers who want their estates with that touch of extra desirability.
So we’ve scoured the market, looked back through our car reviews, and come up with five of our favourite premium estates. Plus we’ve highlighted those variants that make most sense for company car drivers.
Mercedes E-Class Estate
If you want space and luxury then the E-Class Estate is all the car you’ll ever need – its 695-litre is about the biggest you’ll find in this class.
Recently facelifted, the E-Class now looks sleeker than ever and it comes packed with technology, including an optional system that can steer for you on the motorway. That’ll take the sting out of those long slogs around Britain’s motorways.
Our company car favourite – Mercedes E220 CDI SE
- From: £34,665
- Company car tax rate: 21%
- Economy: 55.4mpg
- 0-62mph: 8.8 seconds
Audi A6 Avant
The Audi A6 always used to play second fiddle to the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class but this latest generation car is a serious contender. Not only does it look sharp but it’s got one of the most luxurious cabins in this class and a fantastic range of efficient, company car-friendly engines.
Our company car favourite: Audi A6 Avant S line
- From £34,960
- Company car tax rate: 21%
- Economy: 56.5mpg
- 0-62mph: 9.0 seconds
BMW 3 Series Touring
If you want something a little smaller then the 3 Series Touring is the newest – and best – of all the compact premium estates. It takes the sharp handling, comfortable ride and efficient engine line-up as the saloon and also throws in a spacious 495-litre boot.
Our company car favourite: BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Business
- From: £31,110
- Company car tax rate: 17%
- Economy: 65.7mpg
- 0-62mph: 8.2 seconds
Click here to read our car review of the BMW 330d Luxury Touring