BMW recently debuted its new 5 Series Touring, the wagon variant of the brand’s sixth-generation 5 Series. While the new 5 Series Touring looks great and features all of the G30 goodness that we first saw in its sedan counterpart, it’s going to have some tough competition when it finally hits the market. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate is still quite new and isa great looking, great driving wagon. Although the Audi A6 Avant is rather old, and will be replaced next year, it’s still a very handsome looking car and a super all-around daily driver. But let’s just take a look at how these cars compare, in terms of looks.
Each of these wagons, front the B-pillar forward, look identical to their sedan variant siblings. So we’re not going to get into how their front ends look, as we’ve already done that. We’re going to take a look at the wagon bits and compare how each of these cars look in long-roof configuration.
In profile, the BMW 5 Series and Audi A6 Avant are both really close, but it’s the 5 Series that takes it. Both are really handsome, but it’s the 5er’s Hofmeister Kink and more muscular shoulder line that gives the rear end a more powerful, more exciting look. While the E-Class is a handsome car, of that there’s no doubt, it lacks any visual drama or excitement, especially when compared to the 5 Series. The Audi A6 is also a bit more reserved than the BMW, but it has a sort of science-y, high-tech look that makes it more interesting than the very sedate Benz. Also, I’ve never been a fan of the D-pillar on Mercedes wagons, as there’s just something off about it. The way the glass swoops down gently but the rear hatch stays so upright, it just gives the rear end a very wide, un-athletic look.
From the back, I actually think the Audi A6 Avant is the best looking car of the three, with the BMW 5 Series being next and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class being third best. The taillights do it, as the Audi’s rest nicely above the license plate, giving it a more aggressive look. The 5 Series’ taillights look good, but the rear end is the lease exciting part of the new 5 Series and that trend continues here. Out back on the Benz, things are Ambien-level dull. It’s just not an interesting looking rear end and wouldn’t’ look out of place on a Toyota Camry. Which is a shame because the rest of the E-Class looks handsome and sophisticated, it just looks dull from the rear.
Inside, all three cars provide a ton of trunk space and practicality. The new BMW 5 Series Touring offers the least, though, with 565 to 1,680 liters of space, with the rear seats up and down, respectively. Audi’s A6 Avant boasts just a bit more, with 570 and 1,700. What’s most impressive about the Benz is that it bests the front-drive-based Audi by a lot, swallowing 640 to 1,820 liters. I guess that boring and strange looking rear end serves a purpose.
In terms of overall looks, the BMW 5 Series Touring is the best looking car of the three, with the Audi A6 Avant not far behind despite its age and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate lagging in third place. However, all three cars look great overall and would make any owner happy. The Benz isn’t a bad looking car, just a bit too sedate to keep up with the more interesting and exciting looking Bavarians.
[Source: Bimmertoday]