Best luxury estate (2014 / 2015)

JMR

Looking for advice on the best luxury estate car to purchase…

Currently drive a 2011 UK import Vauxhall Insignia estate but would like something a bit more luxurious. Looking at 2014 or 2015.
My main criteria are as follows:
1. Large boot (obviously)
2. Automatic gearbox.
3. Reliability.
4. Touch of luxury and comfort on a long spin
5. High spec, with toys to play with (sat-nav, parking camera / sensors, electric tailgate etc…)

I am thinking about the following (kind of in this order)
1. Audi A6
2. BMW 5 series
3. Mercedes E Class

Jaguar XF Sportbrake has also popped into my sightline! Hadn’t previously thought of one but they look good, should I include it in my considerations or are servicing costs astronomical?

I will most likely import from the UK but as I have driven older versions of both the Audi and BMW (owned a 07 Audi in 2011, borrowed a brand new BMW saloon for 2 weeks, also in 2011) I went and looked at a 2015 E-Class in an Irish dealership and was very underwhelmed to say the least. It felt like a big square bus. They also had a 2016 C Class estate which was much nicer on the inside but the boot is quite small, so is ruled out for me.

All opinions greatly appreciated.

ofcork

What about the superb not a skoda fan but they look great.

JMR

ofcork wrote: »

What about the superb not a skoda fan but they look great.

I took a quick look at a 2014 one in the Mercedes dealership on my way out and it seemed very tinny if that makes sense. Maybe it was a base model but it didn't shout luxury at me at all.

ofcork

What about the 2017 one could be good.

JMR

ofcork wrote: »

What about the 2017 one could be good.

Hadn't thought of that to be honest. Should be about the same money as a 14/15 Audi / BMW / Merc

XsApollo

3.0 Quattro A6 sline avant would be the business.
Best looking out them anyway.
I’d say the bmw and Audi would be down to personal preference, wouldn’t be much in them?

Heres Johnny

I'm a 5 series driver and to be honest out of those 3 it's just your personal preference. If it was a new car I'd veer towards the Merc as I really like the one they have out now but in 2015 I would rate it third.
50/50 between the a6 and the 5 series. It would come down to spec/condition/price of particular examples for me.

Nice machines in estate form. Surprised they are not more popular in ireland I'd be tempted to get one in my next car.

JMR

Thanks for the replies so far.
Any opinions on the Jaguar XF Sportbrake? Is it a viable alternative to the A6 Avant and 5 series estate?

griffin100

What about a V90? My brother in law has a new one and it's very nice (though not as nice as the 435d he traded in against it).

James Bond Junior

I was looking at the new 5 estate yesterday in a dealer. Fine looking machine but the Volvo is a fantastic bus too.

JMR

griffin100 wrote: »

What about a V90?

Lovely car but the budget wouldn't stretch to it unfortunately!

RobAMerc

That year Merc is quite old now so I wouldnt bother.
The BMW is more of a drivers car, I am on my second, I really wanted to like the A6 (they look great) but I just couldn't see myself living with it.
Must admit the BMWs have had a few bits go wrong though.

Wailin

My previous car was a 2013 525d F11 and I loved it. More powerful than the 520d but still relatively frugal on diesel and low emissions make it cheap to tax. Same engine as 520d but with an extra turbo thrown in increasing bhp from 184 to 218.

It's for sale at Quinn's bmw athlone with the 2 year warranty and well looked after and serviced by myself. Bit pricey though, mileage creeping up too at 84000 but never had an issue. Not too many with M sport spec which really makes the car, SE is too bland. Pretty rare too in 525d format. Worth taking for a spin if your ever up that way.

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/bmw/5-series/used-2013-131-bmw-5-series-525d-m-spo-westmeath-fpa-5879563553871040965

Heres Johnny

Wailin wrote: »

My previous car was a 2013 525d F11 and I loved it. More powerful than the 520d but still relatively frugal on diesel and low emissions make it cheap to tax. Same engine as 520d but with an extra turbo thrown in increasing bhp from 184 to 218.

It's for sale at Quinn's bmw athlone with the 2 year warranty and well looked after and serviced by myself. Bit pricey though, mileage creeping up too at 84000 but never had an issue. Not too many with M sport spec which really makes the car, SE is too bland. Pretty rare too in 525d format. Worth taking for a spin if your ever up that way.

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/bmw/5-series/used-2013-131-bmw-5-series-525d-m-spo-westmeath-fpa-5879563553871040965

Nice car Wailin.

Wailin

Heres Johnny wrote: »

Nice car Wailin.

Yeah it's immaculate, inside and out.

Incidentally, the pictures they have on the website must be archive photos from when they first sold the car. Since I had it it got the upgraded 19" 351 alloys and black kidney grill, so it looks more striking than the photos they have on website.

JMR

I have now taken a test drive in all 3
2015 E200, 2014 520 M Sport, 2014 A6

My order of preference is now changed to
1. BMW
2. Audi
3. Mercedes

I was expecting to prefer the Audi over the BMW and was pleasantly surprised at just how good the BMW felt to drive, the automatic gearbox was perfectly smooth. It shouted luxury and quality at me in a way the other 2 didn't as much.

I am conscious that it was a M Sport that I test drove, can anyone tell me what the major differences between this and the standard SE are? The one I drove had a widescreen display which I think the salesman called Pro Media pack? It was impressive anyway

Wailin

JMR wrote: »

I have now taken a test drive in all 3
2015 E200, 2014 520 M Sport, 2014 A6

My order of preference is now changed to
1. BMW
2. Audi
3. Mercedes

I was expecting to prefer the Audi over the BMW and was pleasantly surprised at just how good the BMW felt to drive, the automatic gearbox was perfectly smooth. It shouted luxury and quality at me in a way the other 2 didn't as much.

I am conscious that it was a M Sport that I test drove, can anyone tell me what the major differences between this and the standard SE are? The one I drove had a widescreen display which I think the salesman called Pro Media pack? It was impressive anyway

Difference is sportier styling, both inside and out. Stiffer suspension compared to SE (although some would have M sport suspension deleted meaning they have same as SE, some people don't like the stiffer ride of the M sport). If its m sport plus pack you'll have 19" alloys, sun protection glass on rear windows and upgraded stereo system.

Otherwise, same engine, power and economy.

James Bond Junior

That 8 speed ZF box in the BMW is just superb. We have several BMW in the family ranging from 116d to a 3.0d and in every car it is super smooth. A great reason to prioritise the BMW.

Heres Johnny

Pro media is excellent. M sports styling is a must in my opinion, if not the suspension settings I have a msport myself and I wouldn't get an SE even though it has a more comfortable set up. You'll make a good choice with the BMW so best of luck with it if you go for it.

Mooooo

Does the jag xf have an estate? Like the look of the saloon, dunno if they use same gearbox as the bmw post 13?

logie101

JMR wrote: »

Looking for advice on the best luxury estate car to purchase…

Currently drive a 2011 UK import Vauxhall Insignia estate but would like something a bit more luxurious. Looking at 2014 or 2015.
My main criteria are as follows:
1. Large boot (obviously)
2. Automatic gearbox.
3. Reliability.
4. Touch of luxury and comfort on a long spin
5. High spec, with toys to play with (sat-nav, parking camera / sensors, electric tailgate etc…)

I am thinking about the following (kind of in this order)
1. Audi A6
2. BMW 5 series
3. Mercedes E Class

Jaguar XF Sportbrake has also popped into my sightline! Hadn’t previously thought of one but they look good, should I include it in my considerations or are servicing costs astronomical?

I will most likely import from the UK but as I have driven older versions of both the Audi and BMW (owned a 07 Audi in 2011, borrowed a brand new BMW saloon for 2 weeks, also in 2011) I went and looked at a 2015 E-Class in an Irish dealership and was very underwhelmed to say the least. It felt like a big square bus. They also had a 2016 C Class estate which was much nicer on the inside but the boot is quite small, so is ruled out for me.

All opinions greatly appreciated.

I just had the identical requirements that you had and bought from Audi UK a 2014 A6 Avant Sline Auto with a few extras. Only 40k on the clock and paid just over £16k for it.
Overall very happy with the car, very comfortable, big boot a great family car.
I got the 2.0tdi version as I could justify the much higher VRT costs associated with the 6 cyclinder 3litre engines.
PM if you want more details.

For Forks Sake

Mooooo wrote: »

Does the jag xf have an estate? Like the look of the saloon, dunno if they use same gearbox as the bmw post 13?

They do, although they're rare on the ground. Probably one of the nicest looking estates on the market. https://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/jaguar/xf/used-2014-142-jaguar-xf-xf-sportbrake-dublin-fpa-4636467024003293002

bazz26

I've owned a 5 Series SE and currently own a 5 Series M Sport, both in saloon form. The SE is like a comfy sofa, it glides over the road, whereas the M Sport has a stiffer ride but not too harsh imo. Sports seats in the M Sport are more comfortable than the standard SE seats too but you may find a SE fitted with the sport seats.

The widescreen known as Pro Nav was an expensive factory extra so not every 5 Series has it. As well as the Pro Nav look out for one with the Harmon Kardon loudspeaker system which makes a huge difference if you like your sound. It's easy to spot this by the H K labelled chrome tweeter speakers located on the inside where the door mirrors are.

James Bond Junior

bazz26 wrote: »

I've owned a 5 Series SE and currently own a 5 Series M Sport, both in saloon form. The SE is like a comfy sofa, it glides over the road, whereas the M Sport has a stiffer ride but not too harsh imo. Sports seats in the M Sport are more comfortable than the standard SE seats too but you may find a SE fitted with the sport seats.

The widescreen known as Pro Nav was an expensive factory extra so not every 5 Series has it. As well as the Pro Nav look out for one with the Harmon Kardon loudspeaker system which makes a huge difference if you like your sound. It's easy to spot this by the H K labelled chrome tweeter speakers located on the inside where the door mirrors are.

Have you the HK sound system Bazz? Only person I know whom has it got is as part of the m sport plus pack and they are deaf as a brick so not really a great judge of it!

JMR

Thanks for the info everyone.
So, is this a standard SE as the headline suggests or a M Sport as the finer detail seems to suggest?
Co2 emissions would suggest a SE according to Revenue VRT calculator....

BMW 5 Series 2.0 520d SE Touring Auto 5dr

bazz26

James Bond Junior wrote: »

Have you the HK sound system Bazz? Only person I know whom has it got is as part of the m sport plus pack and they are deaf as a brick so not really a great judge of it!

Yep, mine has the M Sport Plus pack.

bazz26

JMR wrote: »

Thanks for the info everyone.
So, is this a standard SE as the headline suggests or a M Sport as the finer detail seems to suggest?
Co2 emissions would suggest a SE according to Revenue VRT calculator....

BMW 5 Series 2.0 520d SE Touring Auto 5dr

That's an unusual car. Seller is listing it as a M Sport but it's actually a SE but has what looks like an aftermarket M Sport front bumper with splitter. It has M Sport Style 351 alloy wheels, M Sport steering wheel and sport seats. Also comes with Pro Nav iDrive and also has the fairly rare LED adaptive headlights.

grogi

JMR wrote: »

Looking for advice on the best luxury estate car to purchase…

I am thinking about the following (kind of in this order)
1. Audi A6
2. BMW 5 series
3. Mercedes E Class

They are executive car, they weren't even in the same showroom as luxury car. Next year we'll call a Superb Luxury - simply because it is big and have some toys...

If you're looking to get reliability, get a Lexus GS Hybrid. Unfortunately they don't come in estate - so with the largest boot it must be Mercedes E Class. I don't get why you didn't like it - you did not mention handling as important factor...

James Bond Junior

bazz26 wrote: »

That's an unusual car. Seller is listing it as a M Sport but it's actually a SE but has what looks like an aftermarket M Sport front bumper with splitter. It has M Sport Style 351 alloy wheels, M Sport steering wheel and sport seats. Also comes with Pro Nav iDrive and also has the fairly rare LED adaptive headlights.

My first thought was it might have had a smack at the front. New front end and steering wheel replaced due to a bag out.

drunkmonkey

JMR wrote: »

Thanks for the info everyone.
So, is this a standard SE as the headline suggests or a M Sport as the finer detail seems to suggest?
Co2 emissions would suggest a SE according to Revenue VRT calculator....

BMW 5 Series 2.0 520d SE Touring Auto 5dr

I'd leave the 520 where it is buy a proper one if you can stretch to it https://www.carsite.co.uk/used-car/bmw/5-series/mtz_74177_46634314

Personally I'd take a 530d SE over a 520d M Sport any day of the week it's a lot more comfortable car.

bazz26

James Bond Junior wrote: »

My first thought was it might have had a smack at the front. New front end and steering wheel replaced due to a bag out.

Quit possible but it's also possible that the former owner was into modifying their car. Retro fitting a steering wheel wouldn't be a huge deal these days and just like the front bumper and black kidney grill. I'd still be doing a lot of digging into the car history though.

listermint

Any reason not to look at the V60 ?

bazz26

V60 is a good bit smaller than 5 Series, E Class estates. The V70 would be more comparable in size to those.

drunkmonkey

listermint wrote: »

Any reason not to look at the V60 ?

The interior looks very dated compared to its newer big brothers. The V90 has a beautiful interior.

listermint

bazz26 wrote: »

V60 is a good bit smaller than 5 Series, E Class estates. The V70 would be more comparable in size to those.

Is it really that smaller than the 5 series. The eclass ya but

bazz26

Yes it is, the V60 is similar in size to the 3 Series Touring.

Wailin

JMR wrote: »

Co2 emissions would suggest a SE according to Revenue vrt calculator]

Co2 emissions would be the same for SE or M sport if 520d. No difference to power output or economy in a 520d SE or M sport.

JMR

Wailin wrote: »

Co2 emissions would be the same for SE or M sport if 520d. No difference to power output or economy in a 520d SE or M sport.

That's interesting. The Revenue VRT calculator site brings back a higher Co2 value when the M Sport variation is chosen

grogi

Wailin wrote: »

Co2 emissions would be the same for SE or M sport if 520d. No difference to power output or economy in a 520d SE or M sport.

But different wheels. Seems minimal, but with bigger alloys comes increased moment of inertia - and that's enough to bump the CO₂ figure.

Wailin

Interesting one alright, never knew wheel size contributes to emissions!

grogi

Wailin wrote: »

Interesting one alright, never knew wheel size contributes to emissions!

https://www.toyota.ie/index.json#/ajax/%2Fmodels%2Fprices.json and compare the emission for Prius+ with 16" and 17" alloys (that's the only difference between both)... 5% difference!!

bazz26

Tax on the early F1x 520d is €280/€270 with the later ones €200. It's pittance really. Models might have slightly different co2 figures but they mostly fall into the same tax brackets.

JMR

bazz26 wrote: »

Tax on the early F1x 520d is €280/€270 with the later ones €200. It's pittance really. Models might have slightly different co2 figures but they mostly fall into the same tax brackets.

Thanks for that. It's more VRT that concerns me at the moment

CalamariFritti

bazz26 wrote: »

Yes it is, the V60 is similar in size to the 3 Series Touring.

Not even that. The V60 is little more than a hatchback.

Heres Johnny

Commented earlier on this and i was in 3 dealerships today in north Dublin. A BMW a Merc and an Audi dealership. I think of the new crop the BMW wins, I was in an e class my uncle owns and thought it was stunning but I was thinking against an f10. I was in 2 different g30 today I drove a 520d and a 530e. The 530e was a super super car. Mad money for me but I think I'll buy one from UK by end of 2018. 520d was great too. Could get one for 56k here now but it's a bit out of budget.

Wasn't as impressed with a6 as I thought I would be but it may be down to being a dark interior where I like bright interiors.

There is an 82k 520d touring m sport brand new in Joe Duffy and it is some machine. All the extras. Panoramic roof makes it a beauty.

bazz26

The A6 is 7 years old and being replaced by a new model this year. You would want to be nuts to buy a brand new existing model.

82k for a 5 Series with a 2.0 diesel engine is nuts too imo.

Mooooo

Heres Johnny wrote: »

Commented earlier on this and i was in 3 dealerships today in north Dublin. A BMW a Merc and an Audi dealership. I think of the new crop the BMW wins, I was in an e class my uncle owns and thought it was stunning but I was thinking against an f10. I was in 2 different g30 today I drove a 520d and a 530e. The 530e was a super super car. Mad money for me but I think I'll buy one from UK by end of 2018. 520d was great too. Could get one for 56k here now but it's a bit out of budget.

Wasn't as impressed with a6 as I thought I would be but it may be down to being a dark interior where I like bright interiors.

There is an 82k 520d touring m sport brand new in Joe Duffy and it is some machine. All the extras. Panoramic roof makes it a beauty.

82k with a 2.0 L engine seems mad altogether. May be out of left field and possibly out of budget altogether for you but would a discovery do, luxury and space?

JMR

Heres Johnny wrote: »

There is an 82k 520d touring m sport brand new in Joe Duffy and it is some machine. All the extras. Panoramic roof makes it a beauty.

Sat in that car too. Some machine, crazy money though

Heres Johnny

Mooooo wrote: »

Heres Johnny wrote: »

Commented earlier on this and i was in 3 dealerships today in north Dublin. A BMW a Merc and an Audi dealership. I think of the new crop the BMW wins, I was in an e class my uncle owns and thought it was stunning but I was thinking against an f10. I was in 2 different g30 today I drove a 520d and a 530e. The 530e was a super super car. Mad money for me but I think I'll buy one from UK by end of 2018. 520d was great too. Could get one for 56k here now but it's a bit out of budget.

Wasn't as impressed with a6 as I thought I would be but it may be down to being a dark interior where I like bright interiors.

There is an 82k 520d touring m sport brand new in Joe Duffy and it is some machine. All the extras. Panoramic roof makes it a beauty.

82k with a 2.0 L engine seems mad altogether. May be out of left field and possibly out of budget altogether for you but would a discovery do, luxury and space?

They are all out of budget!!

MarkN

Heres Johnny wrote: »

They are all out of budget!!

Know the owner of this, the car spent most of its life so far in Dublin Airport. It’s a lovely machine.

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/audi/a6/used-2015-151-audi-a6-january-sale-p-dublin-fpa-247243064728655

drunkmonkey

MarkN wrote: »

Know the owner of this, the car spent most of its life so far in Dublin Airport. It’s a lovely machine.

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/audi/a6/used-2015-151-audi-a6-january-sale-p-dublin-fpa-247243064728655

Getting very close to a V90 at that money https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/volvo-v90-d3-momentum-auto-winter-pack/17101300