Audi A4 Avant vs. BMW 3 Series Touring: Assessment
The Audi A4 Avant and BMW 3 Series Touring are among the most noble mid-range station wagons – they have more than just a touch of premium about them by virtue of their origins. No wonder that the two Bavarian carmakers like to do without the rather brittle term "station wagon" in the model designation - and instead designate their representatives as station wagons with the additions "Avant" or "Touring".
Especially when you need a lot of space, the Audi A4 Avant and BMW 3 Series Touring can score: This is another reason why both models are among the best family cars. Strollers, weekly shopping and luggage for long journeys on holiday? No problem. But outdoor enthusiasts also get their money's worth with a station wagon: Many vehicles in this category are available with all-wheel drive and are therefore particularly suitable for off-road adventures such as camping or ski slope excursions. And of course, you can easily fit your sports equipment in a station wagon.
Mid-size station wagons such as the Audi A4 Avant and BMW 3 Series Touring are also suitable for business travellers who spend a lot of time on the road and need not only comfort and space for themselves, but also storage space for product samples and samples. And if you have a dog, a spacious station wagon is also considered a top dog car. Speaking of which: Driving a car with a dog - What you need to consider
The station wagon versions of the Audi A4 and the BMW three-series are among the top sellers in Germany, where this vehicle category continues to enjoy great popularity despite competition from the SUV. The Mercedes C-Class and the Volvo V60, for example, also fall into the same category as our two comparison models.
By the way
You can find even more station wagon evergreens in our current comparison of the largest station wagons on the market.
Audi A4 Avant
Audi A4 Avant: Dynamics meets elegance
The station wagon version of the A4 exemplifies what the Audi brand is all about at its core: sporty and elegant design combined with advanced technology. The exterior looks both athletic and timeless: With clear lines, the striking single-frame radiator grille and dynamic proportions, the Ingolstadt-based car has always inspired generations.
In the interior, Audi – unlike the exterior appearance – focuses on restrained elegance. There is definitely enough space for luggage and passengers. Even people with a height of a good 1.90 meters can sit comfortably on the back seat without hitting their heads. In contrast to the comparison model from BMW, you sit a little higher in the Audi A4 Avant, while in the mid-range station wagon from the Munich-based company you are closer to the road.
In terms of boot capacity, the A4 Avant is practical and versatile with up to 1,495 litres. The only drawback: The five-centimetre-high loading sill inside can be a bit annoying in some applications.
For infotainment, Audi relies on its MMI system with touchscreen operation and digital instrument cluster. The rotary push-button control unit in the center console, known from earlier versions, which could be used to control entertainment and navigation, for example, is now history and has been replaced by the touchscreen. Practical: If you share the car with several family members or friends, you can store up to 14 different driver profiles. In terms of handling, the Audi A4 Avant offers you a balanced mix of dynamics and comfort. This makes the model the perfect vehicle for long distances. Of course, the Audi A4 Avant also has driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning on board.
The Audi A4 Avant is available in numerous engine variants. Many models are also equipped with the Ingolstadt-based company's quattro all-wheel drive, which provides improved traction and driving stability, especially on slippery or uneven roads. Do you want to test the Audi A4 Avant in your everyday life for twelve months in an uncomplicated and all-round carefree way? Then just subscribe to him at FINN! Costs for insurance, tax, TÜV, registration, maintenance and wear and tear: all inclusive. Just like free delivery to your doorstep. By the way: If you want a particularly high-horsepower model variant, you can also get the RS 4 Avant in the FINN Auto subscription - just as easily subscribed in under five minutes.
BMW 3 Series Touring
BMW 3 Series Touring: The sporty, luxurious station wagon
The BMW 3 Series Touring is the station wagon variant of BMW's popular 3 Series, which is known for its sportiness and premium equipment, among other things. Compared to the sedan, the BMW 3 Series Touring has a larger trunk with more cargo volume: BMW itself speaks of a trunk volume of 500 to 1,510 liters (with the rear bench completely folded down). This makes the Munich station wagon particularly suitable for families and drivers who regularly have to transport a lot of luggage. Speaking of which: True space miracles - The best cars with a large trunk
If you want to quickly stow away just a few bags or suitcases, the BMW 3 Series Touring is particularly flexible. On the one hand, by opening the rear window – almost incidentally – a smaller object can be placed in the car in no time at all without having to open the entire trunk lid. On the other hand, there are small eyelets or hooks everywhere so that luggage does not slip even if the trunk is not full. Another plus: If the rear seats are folded down, a completely flat load compartment is created. This means that you are prepared for all eventualities as far as charging options are concerned. Even a visit to the furniture store is no problem with the threesome. The model thus perfectly manages the balancing act of utility and sportiness.
From the outside, you immediately recognise the typical BMW look with the radiator grille in a double kidney design, the aerodynamic silhouette and the roofline sloping to the rear - this makes the station wagon look particularly sporty. For infotainment, BMW relies on its latest iDrive infotainment system – the BMW Operating System 8 – including "curved display" and voice control, whose assistant can also announce the weather forecast or give you current vehicle data if you wish. Of course, the usual assistance systems that you can expect from a BMW vehicle are also on board here - and iPhone or Android smartphone can also be paired. Just like with the competitor from Ingolstadt. Read: Android Auto and Apple CarPlay – The smartest way to use your phone in the car
In contrast to the 3 Series Sedan, people with a height of around 1.90 metres even have comfortable space in the interior, as the roofline of the BMW 3 Series Touring only flattens behind the rear seat. As is customary with the Munich-based carmaker, driving dynamics are a key characteristic feature – and this is also the case with the 3 Series Touring: the sporty chassis and precise steering enable agile and dynamic driving with emphasis on road holding. In contrast to the Audi A4 Avant, which rolls off the production line with either front-wheel or quattro all-wheel drive, the BMW 3 Series Touring either accelerates from the rear or transmits its power to all four wheels via xDrive all-wheel drive.
The BMW 3 Series Touring is a station wagon that is particularly fun for sporty drivers – on daily journeys to work as well as on longer road trips. With its generous cargo space and the possibility of folding the rear bench completely flat, it offers the greatest possible flexibility for almost all applications.
You want to test it yourself? Have the BMW 3 Series Touring delivered to your home free of charge in just a few clicks! FINN makes it possible. Decide on your favourite variant online on the FINN website: colour, engine (if you want even more power, go for the M model), subscription period, mileage package? The choice is yours. Once your 3 Series Touring is on your doorstep, all you have to do is get in and refuel. FINN takes care of the rest: insurance, tax, TÜV, registration, maintenance and wear and tear – all included in your fixed monthly rate. Driving a car can be that easy. Try it out now!
Avant vs Touring: Which one is bigger?
Space for luggage or the weekly shopping in the trunk, for the child seats on the rear seat and, of course, for the driver and passenger in the front: If you're looking for a station wagon, it's clear that size matters to you. And this does not primarily mean the external dimensions, but above all the inner values. Because whether you're on your way to your holiday or on your way to your next appointment as a business traveler, you'll only reach your destination relaxed if you can stretch your legs and your head is "clear" in the truest sense of the word.
You can find the most important data in the following table:
|
Audi A4 Avant |
BMW 3 Series Touring |
|
|
Dimensions (L x W x H, in meters) |
4.76 x 1.85 x 1.44 |
4.71 x 1.82 x 1.44 |
|
Wheelbase |
2820 mm |
2851 mm |
|
Trunk volume |
495 litres |
500 litres |
|
Trunk volume (seats folded down) |
1,495 litres |
1,510 litres |
Basically, the dimensions of both vehicles can vary slightly depending on the model variant. In the plug-in hybrid variant of the BMW 3 Series Touring, for example, the luggage compartment is slightly smaller.
Audi A4 Avant or BMW 3 Series Touring? Which suit suits you better?
Audi A4 Avant or BMW 3 Series Touring? Front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive? Do you prefer more restrained elegance or a sporty, dynamic appearance? Which is the best station wagon for you?
Which of the two models you choose ultimately depends on your personal preferences. It is therefore advisable to compare the two models in terms of driving dynamics, design and equipment.
In our opinion, the Audi A4 Avant is more the car of your choice if you are looking for a station wagon with a higher seating position and share the vehicle with several family members or friends. The BMW 3 Series Touring is a station wagon that is particularly fun for sporty drivers and offers a little more flexibility in terms of luggage and cargo space. But the best thing is that if you opt for the FINN car subscription, you don't have to choose. If your subscription for the BMW 3 Series Touring or Audi A4 Avant expires, you can simply switch to the other model and test and compare several models. After all, the BMW and Audi cosmos alone has much more to offer. For example: BMW iX3 in the test – perfect mix of present and future