Depending on whether you’re buying or selling, depreciation can be a mixed blessing. However, when it comes to purchasing a great used premium estate for less than the price of a new entry-level Ford Focus, it’s definitely a bonus. Our 2012 model year Audi A6 Avant, BMW 5 Series Touring and Jaguar XF Sportbrake all cost £35,000-plus off the showroom floor, but now they can be had for £17k or less – less than half their as-new price.
Each wagon comes with built-in reliability, a plush, practical cabin and plenty of expensive kit, but which car makes the most sense for you? We compare them to find out.If you’re looking for relative rarity, and thus exclusivity, the XF Sportbrake stands out a mile from its two rivals here, and its dynamics are almost as distinctive. The first-class handling and steering offer a fluidity and compliance that’s unusual at any price point. However, although the diesel pulls well it’s not as smooth as expected, while the gearshift is less relaxed than it needs to be.
Countering this, the A6 Avant’s transmission feels too languorous, and the hesitant stop-start tech doesn’t help. Its smooth and beefy V6 diesel impresses more than the Jaguar’s four-cylinder, though, and while you can feel the engine’s weight through quick bends, the handling remains firm and compliant. We still prefer that of the Sportbrake, however.
To get the best dynamic responses from the 5 Series Touring, you really need to find a car fitted with the optional and rather rare Variable Damper Control set-up. This gives a firm and compliant ride n place of the standard model’s somewhat soft and soggy ride and handling. At least the power delivery is smooth and seamless.
The main point of interest in these estates’ cabins is clearly their luggage areas, which all feature lashing hooks and virtually flat-folding rear seatbacks. Due to the Jaguar’s sleek roofline its boot is rather shallow, and its materials look less robust than those of its more premium-feeling rivals here. The Audi’s load space is the biggest here, but the car lacks it competitors’ standard self-levelling suspension. All in all, we reckon the BMW’s is the most practical on test.
Unfortunately for the Brit brand, while the Jaguar’s cabin looks impressive its quality can’t match that of its more upmarket-feeling German rivals. The BMW further impresses by being the cheaper option here to buy, run and fill up at the pump. It is more costly to service, however.
As for the other two models, their costs are similar but the Sportbrake feels like less value for money than the A6. On top of the lesser cabin quality and occasionally unrefined engine, that’s another reason why the Jaguar ultimately comes third here, despite its superior handling and drive.
The Audi’s impressive interior and creamy smooth powerplant are definite plus points, but its slightly unsettled low-speed ride and undecided transmission means is can’t rise above second place.
That places the BMW first – which is an even more impressive achievement when you consider that it’s the cheapest model here. It drives like a really premium product – even more so if you can find one with Variable Damper Control – and most importantly for an estate boasts the best load area. Classy, with precise dynamics and a refined engine, it proves the best all-rounder.
1) BMW 520d Touring SE auto (5 stars)
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Engine size 2.0-litre diesel
List price when new £34,080
Price today £16,000*
Power 181bhp
Torque 280lb ft
0-60mph 8.4sec
Top speed 130mph
Fuel economy 57.6mpg (Official average)
CO2 emissions 129g/km
2) Audi A6 Avant 3.0 TDI 204 SE Multitronic (4 stars)
Engine size 3.0-litre diesel
List price when new £38,085
Price today £17,000*
Power 201bhp
Torque 295lb ft
0-60mph 7.8sec
Top speed 135mph
Fuel economy 54.3mpg (Official average)
CO2 emissions 136g/km
3) Jaguar XF Sportbrake 2.2D 200 Luxury (4 stars)
Engine size 2.2-litre diesel
List price when new £36,440
Price today £17,000*
Power 197bhp
Torque 332lb ft
0-60mph 8.7sec
Top speed 129mph
Fuel economy 52.0mpg (Official average)
CO2 emissions 135g/km
*Prices today based on 2012 models with average mileage and full service history, correct at time of writing.