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SHOWDOWN
Three contenders for your next family wagon – who will win your heart?
In the battle of family wagons, the BMW 3 Series zooms ahead, winning hearts with its sporty charm and engaging driving experience. We tested the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 Avant, and Volvo V60, evaluating performance, design, comfort, and practicality. The BMW stands out for its punchy powertrains and driver-centric cabin, while the Audi and Volvo impress with spacious interiors. If you crave a thrilling ride over mere comfort, the 3 Series is your ultimate family companion!
Volvo V60
From £3,495
| Styling | Comfort & Space | Performance | Tech & Infotainment | Overall | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 3-Series | 9 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 36 |
| Audi A4-Avant | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 33 |
| Volvo V60 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 33 |
Is it right for you?
The winner on paper might not be the winner for your life.
When it comes to the realm of premium estate cars, the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 Avant, and Volvo V60 stand out like a trio of well-dressed uncles at a family picnic. Each offers a unique take on practicality, performance, and style, but which one ticks all the right boxes? Buckle up as we delve into this delightful comparison!


BMW 3-Series
9
Audi A4-Avant
8
Volvo V60
9
The BMW 3 Series exudes a sporty elegance that makes it look ready to race, while the Audi A4 Avant showcases a sophisticated yet aggressive stance. Meanwhile, the Volvo V60 surprises with its sleek Scandinavian aesthetics, offering a design that's both stylish and enduring.
In the styling department, all three cars have their charms, but the BMW and Volvo stand out for their striking designs that make a bold statement.


BMW 3-Series
8
Audi A4-Avant
9
Volvo V60
9


BMW 3-Series
10
Audi A4-Avant
8
Volvo V60
7
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BMW 3-Series
9
Audi A4-Avant
8
Volvo V60
8
BMW 3-Series
Overall
36
Audi A4-Avant
Overall
33
Volvo V60
Overall
33
BOBI'S VERDICT
Choosing between these three gems boils down to your specific needs. The BMW 3 Series is the winner for driving enthusiasts, the Audi A4 Avant excels in refinement and space, while the Volvo V60 balances comfort and practicality with Scandinavian flair. In a battle of premium estates, your ultimate victor will align with what you value most on your automotive journey!
BMW 3-Series
Overall
36
Audi A4-Avant
Overall
33
Volvo V60
Overall
33
The cabin of the BMW 3 Series is all about driver-centric ergonomics with high-quality materials, while the Audi A4 Avant impresses with its luxurious and well-thought-out layout. The Volvo V60 embodies minimalistic Scandinavian design, creating a calm and inviting atmosphere.
Space-wise, the Audi and Volvo take the cake, offering generous rear legroom and ample boot space, while the BMW remains competitive but slightly more compact.
If comfort and space are your top priorities, you can’t go wrong with the Audi A4 Avant or the Volvo V60, both of which deliver roomy interiors and a cozy experience.
The BMW 3 Series shines with its punchy powertrains and deft handling, while the A4 Avant, with mild-hybrid options, leans towards a more refined driving experience. The V60 is versatile too, with strong hybrid offerings but isn’t quite as sporty as the 3 Series.
Driving the BMW 3 Series feels like an experience rather than a chore, with an engaging feel that many drivers crave. The Audi provides a nice balance of comfort and agility, and while the V60 handles well, it’s best suited for those who prefer a serene cruise.
Each model is packed with features like adaptive cruise control and all-wheel drive, but the BMW’s sporty character stands out.
For pure driving enjoyment, the BMW 3 Series takes the crown, offering a performance edge over the more comfort-oriented Audi A4 Avant and the pragmatic Volvo V60.
The BMW’s new iDrive system is a titan in usability and features, while the Audi’s touchscreen setup, though visually appealing, lacks the intuitiveness of its predecessor. The Volvo's touchscreen integrates nicely with Google services, though it could be more responsive.
All three offer tech options ranging from premium audio to driver aids; however, BMW’s system stands out with better integration and ease of use.
The V60 boasts the largest boot space for practicality, followed closely by the A4 Avant and then the BMW 3 Series.
On the tech front, the BMW 3 Series leads with a snappy infotainment system, but if a large boot and practicality drive your choice, the Volvo V60 has your back.