Banner image – Credit: Mercedes-Benz
The estate car has always been popular in the UK. But, in recent years, it’s been pushed aside by the dominance of the sports utility vehicle (SUV). The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reports that estates accounted for just 110,000 new car registrations in the UK in 2023. That number could increase though, with more new models being launched than ever before. Is it possible that the estate car will make a comeback in 2024?
It’s not that long ago that estate cars were everywhere. From Audi and BMW models charging along the motorway to the Volvo and Subaru estates beloved by rural residents – these stylish load luggers were the car of choice.
Some still swear by estate cars, of course. Europe accounts for 67% of global estate car sales according to automotive intelligence service Jato Dynamics and, here in the UK, the estate has its loyal fans. It even has to take some responsibility for the popularity of SUVs…
While Nissan likes to claim it started the modern crossover trend with its Qashqai, the estate car was crossing over long before with models like the Audi A6 Allroad, Subaru Legacy Outback, and Volvo V70 Cross Country. Today’s crossover cars are more like large hatchbacks with SUV styling and characteristics such as increased ground clearance and a higher driving position.
Today, the SUV is an ideal candidate for electrification because its larger size means that it’s well adapted to accommodate the volume and weight of the battery packs. However, it’s this move to electric that could well be driving the return of the estate.
Here, we’ll take a look at the future of the estate car, as well as what models are available to buy.
Do estate cars make better electric vehicles than SUVs?
There are a few main reasons why estate cars make great electric vehicles – perhaps even better than SUVs. The first is aerodynamics. A stylish estate can slip through the air more efficiently than an SUV and this is great for increasing a car’s driving range.
The second thing is weight, and with cities implementing (or considering) weight penalties on vehicles, electric SUVs could well become more expensive to run.
Another benefit of an estate over an SUV when it comes to electrification is handling. An estate car is closer to the ground, which means a lower centre of gravity and, therefore, better handling and safety, especially with heavy batteries.
While many will welcome the possibility of the estate car making a comeback, there’s one group who’ll be particularly pleased – and that’s car designers. Most aren’t fans of designing SUVs, preferring the proportions and elegance of an estate. It’s much easier to make a good-looking estate car than a chunky SUV.
Are estate cars really more practical?
We aren’t going to try and say the estate car is the best solution for everyone. As always, it’s a case of choosing the car that best suits your needs – though, there are lots of things in their favour.
The most obvious is practicality, certainly when compared to a regular saloon. There’s more luggage space, ideal for when you need to load in that piece of flat-pack furniture or a spur-of-the-moment purchase. While the size of an SUV might make you think it has more space inside, this isn’t always the case – especially when compared to an estate.
Being lower down, it can also be easier to load stuff – including heavy items – into an estate car than an SUV. Plus, being more streamlined and less bulky can make estate cars easier to live with in urban areas where parking can often be a squeeze. You also won’t need to worry about height issues, especially if you need additional load space and want to fit on a roof box.
That said, there are some areas in which SUVs reign supreme in terms of practicality. For many, it’s easier to climb into an SUV, rather than the lower seating position of an estate or saloon car. You also don’t have that high driving view of the traffic around you that you get in an SUV, although it could be argued that if everyone has one then it makes no difference anyway.
Again, it’s all about what suits you and, if that happens to be an estate, there’s an increasing number of models available.
What estate cars are available to buy in 2024?
Audi A6 Avant E-Tron
Audi’s A4 Avant has always been in a sales battle with the BMW 3 Series Touring and Mercedes-Benz C-Class estate. Available in petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid, it continues to be a popular choice – but a new model is on the way and will include an all-electric version.
The Audi A6 Avant E-tron is currently a plug-in hybrid. But, later in 2024, there’ll be a new all-electric one to add to the new A6 E-Tron saloon that’s also on its way.
The electric A6 Avant E-Tron is very different to the traditional executive A6 with more angular styling, but it definitely looks striking. The interior is spacious and full of the latest tech. Plus, it drives up to 435 miles between charges and can add 186 miles of range in just 10 minutes at a 270kW rapid charger.
BMW 3 Series Touring
Then there’s BMW, which has always been big into estates – and its 3 Series Touring is one of the best, available as a petrol, diesel, or plug-in hybrid. And, for the first time, you can also buy the performance M3 as a Touring version.
The Touring models provide the same great drive as the saloons but with the added benefit of more boot space. They also have the same versatility as a BMW SUV with the ability to fold the back seats, accommodate the dog, and make family road trips fun and comfortable.
BMW i5 Touring
The BMW i5 is another superb electric executive and one of our picks for 10 of the best electric cars in 2024. The German marque is adding a Touring estate to the i5 range this year, which promises all the premium luxury of the saloon, with the added benefit of increased luggage space – perfect for weekends away.
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz has been a stalwart of the estate car scene since as far back as most of us can remember. You might’ve grown up sitting in the jump seats in the boot waving at drivers behind you, or lusted after the raucous AMG versions of more recent years. These days, Merc sell a mixture of regular estates and Shooting Brakes.
The latter are more like estate coupes with a sloping roofline and tailgate. They aren’t as practical as regular C-Class (more compact) or E-Class (larger and more luxurious) estates, but provide a good compromise for those who want a bit more space with some individuality.
Let’s also not forget that if it’s performance you’re after, models like the Mercedes-AMG C63 and E63 estates tick that box.
MG 5
There was a time when MG had the electric estate market all to itself with the MG 5. It has some competition now, but it’s still a good option for those who want a bit of additional practicality.
The charging port at the front can be a bit awkward at times for public charging points, but competitive pricing, good technology, and reasonable comfort all make it a popular choice.
Peugeot e-308 SW
Peugeot is renowned for its estate cars, from the famous 504 of the 1970s to the 407 Style Wagon (SW) of the 2000s. It already has the great-looking 508 SW and this year it is adding the e-308 SW to the range.
The e-308 SW will feature a 156hp electric motor and a 54kWh battery to give a driving range of up to 254 miles. Its Peugeot i-Cockpit interior adds to its cool factor and its load-lugging credentials include up to 1,574 litres of space.
Porsche Sports Turismo or Cross Turismo
Porsche has really embraced the SUV genre, with this accounting for the majority of its sales with models like the Cayenne and Macan. The electric Taycan has proved to be another winner for the German marque and is available as an estate in the form of the Sports Turismo or Cross Turismo.
It’s debatable whether the Turismo is a proper estate, though, with the sloping rear curtailing some of the luggage space compared to rivals. But, if you need more space than the regular Taycan, it’s a good option.
Skoda Octavia or Superb
Skoda is another brand that’s synonymous with good estates. Its Octavia continues to be a favourite motorway cruiser thanks to its good economy, versatility, and value for money.
Another Skoda favourite is the Superb and the latest generation will be in the UK from June 2024. It’s not pure electric, but there’s a plug-in hybrid that offers 62 miles of electric range, as well as regular petrol and diesel versions.
Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is the best-selling estate car in the world, mainly due to its popularity in the US. Subaru likes to describe it as the estate car built to handle everything that busy family life can throw at it.
We’re inclined to agree because the Outback has always been about blending style, practicality, and handling with performance, as well as a bit of off-road attitude and ability. It’s also great for towing and a firm favourite with caravan owners.
Suzuki Swace and Toyota Corolla Touring
If you’ve seen a Suzuki Swace, you’ve also seen the Toyota Corolla Touring. The twins are almost identical and both feature a hybrid system combining a petrol engine with a small electric motor.
Neither needs to be plugged in, as the battery is topped up as you drive, and both are quiet, compact, and comfortable with up to 1,232 litres of space when the rear seats are folded.
Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer
These days Peugeot and Vauxhall are both in the Stellantis group and share many elements, so it’s no surprise that with an electric Peugeot 308 estate hitting the market, Vauxhall has its equivalent in the form of the Astra Sports Tourer.
Available as electric, plug-in hybrid, or petrol, the Astra Sports Tourer is stylish and practical. It’s also available as one of Vauxhall’s performance GSe models, which means more power and sportier looks.
2024 Volkswagen Passat
Volkswagen has its compact Golf Estate and the very stylish Arteon Shooting Brake, but its firm favourite for decades has been the Passat Estate. It was touch and go whether the latest generation would make it to the UK, but fans will be pleased to hear it’s arrived.
The Volkswagen Passat 2024 is 50mm longer than before and features more loading space than ever. The interior has practical tech and electronic systems to improve the ride and handling.
While there’s a basic, mild-hybrid version, the main models are all plug-in hybrids, using a 1.5-litre petrol engine and a 19.7kWh battery – which VW says can give you up to 62 miles of electric driving. Though, unfortunately, the plug-in hybrids won’t be available to order until later this year.
Volkswagen ID7 Tourer or GTX
If you want a fully electric VW estate, you’re in luck, because after revealing its all-electric ID7 executive saloon, VW is adding an estate version in the form of the ID7 Tourer later this year.
You’ll even be able to have a performance version in the form of the GTX. It’ll be the most powerful estate VW has ever made, while still offering up to 1,714 litres of luggage space.
What about Volvo?
At this point you probably expect us to provide a list of Volvo models. After all, the Swedish brand has been one of the biggest protagonists of the estate car for decades.
Sadly, these are no more – at least not in the UK anyway. Volvo UK has decided to focus only on crossovers and SUVs, which will disappoint fans who don’t want to go down the SUV route. But, if the estate really is making a comeback, perhaps Volvo will change its mind…?
Final thoughts…are estate cars back on the road in 2024?
Whether the estate is really making a significant comeback remains to be seen. Perhaps some will see it as a retro thing like the return of vinyl – maybe not. But, either way, it’s great to see that fans of the trusty estate car have plenty of choice in 2024.
For further reading, why not check out the motoring section of our website, where you’ll find articles like our guide to electric vehicle terminology?
Have any of these estate cars caught your eye? Is there any other motoring content you’d like to see from us? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.