Three Best Family Station Wagons by AUTO BILD: Who Came Out on Top. AUTO BILD compared three modern family station wagons priced from €65,000 to €120,000. The test showed that, even as SUVs remain popular, classic station wagons continue to offer practicality, comfort, and modern technology.
BMW i5 Touring, Audi A6 Avant e-tron, and Audi A6 Avant TDI — these three models took the top spots in AUTO BILD's ranking among family station wagons. Although crossovers have pushed wagons off the podium of popularity, the test showed that the classics are holding their ground, and modern wagons can impress not only with their capacity but also with their level of technology.
In the station wagon segment, prices range from €40,000 to over €120,000, but only models costing over €90,000 made it to the final ranking. Body lengths range from 4.65 to 5 meters, ensuring a spacious cabin and a large trunk. Such a vehicle is suitable for families with children, those who often travel long distances, and professionals who need a combination of comfort and practicality.
Practicality without compromise
The main advantage of station wagons is the useful trunk volume: from 446 to 620 liters in standard configuration and up to 1,830 liters with the rear seats folded down. The low loading threshold makes packing easier. Modern wagons have shed their former shortcomings: now they are not only spacious but also dynamic, with fuel consumption comparable to sedans. Electric versions lag in range but win in operating costs.
BMW i5 Touring: test winner
The BMW i5 Touring received the highest rating—9.5 points. In the xDrive40 version, the car is equipped with an 81.2 kWh battery, 394 hp, and all-wheel drive. The test highlighted the high suspension comfort, precise handling, and balanced road performance. The driving range reached 317 km—not a record, but energy efficiency and low operating costs offset this. Inside, there's the signature Curved Display, reliable assistants, and a spacious trunk. The main drawback is the price: the top version costs over €90,000, while the base model is nearly €80,000. Nevertheless, based on the overall characteristics, BMW proved to be the best.
Audi A6 Avant e-tron: maximum range
Second place went to the Audi A6 Avant e-tron with a rating of 9.3. This electric wagon stands out with its 100 kWh battery and 462 hp, providing a range of 398 km—the best among the electric vehicles tested. The interior features high-quality finishes, excellent sound insulation, and comfortable seats. Highlights include fast charging (21 minutes from 10 to 80%) and efficient energy consumption. Downsides include a slightly smaller trunk (502 liters) and less rear seat space compared to the BMW. The price also surpasses €90,000.
Audi A6 Avant TDI: diesel for long-distance travel
Third place went to the Audi A6 Avant TDI (9 points). It's the only diesel in the top three, and it proved to be the best in range — 909 km on a single tank. Power is 204 hp, 0–100 km/h acceleration in 7.1 seconds, and most importantly — confident highway performance and moderate fuel consumption (6.6 l/100 km combined, 8.6 l/100 km on the highway). The trunk holds 466 liters, less than its rivals, but sufficient for day-to-day needs. The base price is around €65,000, but the test model cost €84,000. The main advantages are efficiency and maximum autonomy, while the drawbacks are less dynamic acceleration and a modest trunk volume.
How the test was conducted
AUTO BILD’s assessment is based on seven categories: body, comfort, powertrain, handling, multimedia, ecology, and costs. Both objective parameters (acceleration, consumption, braking distance) and subjective driving impressions and convenience are taken into account. The final score reflects not just speed or efficiency, but the overall quality of the car.
Conclusion
Family wagons remain relevant for those who value spaciousness, comfort, and modern technology. Even with a high price tag, they offer a unique combination of practicality and driving pleasure. As AUTO BILD notes, wagons are still able to compete with SUVs if real capabilities matter more than trends.
