Who needs an SUV when you get as much practicality and better handling from an estate?
The nine best estate cars to buy in 2022
&width=1600)
Porsche Taycan Sport/Cross Turismo
Where else to start than arguably the coolest estate on sale? Not only is the all-electric Porsche Taycan’s more practical body style available in two separate configurations - sleek, Sport versions alongside more rugged, raised up Cross variants - the load-lugging iteration of Porsches’s zero-emissions load lugger is available with serious power, too. Turbo S variants deliver 762PS (560kW) via their four-wheel-drive electric drivetrains, unlocking 0-62mph in a hypercar baiting 2.8 seconds.
&width=120&fastscale=false)
BMW M3 Touring
BMW has finally answered the prayers of a loud subset of M-division fans, by finally delivering the M-Car many of us have craved for some time. Yes, the M3 is now available in Touring form - not only a great thing in itself, but also a doorway to the potential return of the M5 Touring in the not-so-distant future? We certainly like to think so. Making use of the 3.0-litre turbocharged S58 straight-six becoming a common item across the M-car line-up, it’s only available with this powertrain in ‘Competition’ spec, meaning 510PS (375kW) sent to a BMW xDrive four-wheel-drive system via an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
&width=120&fastscale=false)
MG 5 EV
The absurdity of the electric estate market means that alongside Porsche’s space-age Taycan Sport/Cross Turismo duo, the only other electric wagon you’ll find on sale for now is the humble and refreshingly no-nonsense MG 5. MG’s been on a bit of a roll with its all-electric wares recently, and the 5 is no different. The Long Range version comes well equipped, can do 250 miles on a full charge, and it can carry a respectable combination of people and luggage at the same time. Kudos where it’s due - this is affordable, practical, electric family motoring to a tee, and it’s not too bad to drive, either.
&width=75)
&width=75)
&width=75)
&width=75)
&width=120&fastscale=false)
Audi RS6 Avant
Of course, we couldn’t have a rundown of some of the best estates on sale without referencing a hot Audi RS Avant of some kind. The RS4 remains a fantastic car, but it’s the RS6 Avant that impresses us the most. Power from the 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 stands higher than ever in the new ‘Performance’ version, at 630PS (463kW). Trademark quattro four-wheel-drive means that off the line, the RS6 Avant Performance hits 62mph in just 3.4 seconds, with a thunderous soundtrack to boot.
&width=120&fastscale=false)
Skoda Octavia Estate
There are so, so many arguments as to why the Skoda Octavia might well be the best estate in the world. Its balance of quality, boot space, cabin comfort and performance make it quite the all-rounder. Gone are the days when Skoda could be seen as a somehow inferior brand to the likes of Ford and Volkswagen, in recent times the Czech manufacturer has become a straight up rival to its parent marque, the second most profitable VW Group brand after Porsche. It’s quite the success story, and much of it can be attributed to the Octavia. It's not without a fun side either, given vRS versions remain in the fold.
&width=75)
&width=75)
&width=75)
&width=75)
&width=120&fastscale=false)
Peugeot 508 SW
There’s nothing wrong with a bit of Gallic quirk. In fact, the French have great pedigree when it comes to estates. Peugeot is currently leading the charge, however, with the 508 SW. Newly facelifted with a distinctive new look, the sharpest version of Peugeot’s low-slung, but practical offering makes the most of electrification to be the most powerful road-going Peugeot ever. The 508 SW Peugeot Sport Engineered combines 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol power with electric motors and a battery system, to deliver a combined total of 360PS (265kW).
&width=120&fastscale=false)
Cupra Leon Estate
Cupra’s successful spin off from SEAT has seen the Spanish marque step up as an altogether more aspirational brand than its parent. Sadly, this means you can’t buy a Cupra version of any SEAT model anymore - they’re now standalone Cupra branded cars, and they’re altogether a bit posher - though they’re not any less exciting. Testament to this is the latest Cupra Leon, which is offered in Estate form with a range of petrol and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The most exciting? We’d plump for the 310PS (228kW) 2.0-litre TSI option, sharing its powertrain with the Golf R and delivering 0-62mph in just 4.9 seconds.
&width=120&fastscale=false)
The sporty one: Audi RS4 Avant
Why take this over the bigger, more powerful RS6 Avant? Because you don’t need a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Smaller, but perfectly formed and eager under foot - thank you Mr Three-Litre Turbo-ed V6 with 444bhp in your pocket.
&width=75)
&width=75)
&width=75)
&width=75)
Join our motorsport community
Get closer to motorsport at Goodwood! Join the GRRC Fellowship to be first in the queue for event tickets, to attend the GRRC-only Members' Meeting and to enjoy year-round, exclusive benefits.
&width=75)
&width=75)
&width=75)