Country Estates
The Age
Friday June 16, 2000
Twenty years ago, station wagons were more or less basic work horses you loaded with trim-wrecking gear and three or four screaming mess-makers.
But times have changed. Luxury competitors have moved into the wagon market, although they don't call them wagons. Tut, tut. That's far too mainstream and downmarket.
So words such as Estate, Touring and Avant refer to that extra load-carrying bit that's been thrown on the end of what is otherwise a luxury sedan (sorry, saloon).
For Volvo, that means an all-new version of the V70 wagon. It was unveiled internationally last year, but only went on sale in Australia in May, making now the perfect time to see how the brand-spanking new Swede stacks up against its more mature opposition.
The V70's been dribbled on to the local market in stages, starting with the T and more powerful T5 models; we've chosen the latter for this showdown.
In Prestige Drive last year we compared the sedan versions of the mid-sized contenders; BMW's impressive 528i was the best of an excellent bunch. So it's fitting that the Touring, or wagon, version of last year's top dog be invited back as part of our luxury wagon comparison for 2000.
Also an obvious choice is Mercedes-Benz, with its E-class wagon. We asked Benz for the E240T Estate, as it is called, but they couldn't supply that smaller-engined model, instead offering a more expensive E320T.
Audi only recently entered this upper-luxury wagon segment, with an Avant, or wagon, variant of its distinctively-styled A6. Unlike the A6 sedan, which was recently made available with a V8 engine, the Avant is only available with a choice of two V6 engines. We've gone for the more expensive 2.8-litre, which also comes with Audi's quattro four-wheel-drive system.
The final luxury wagon contender is Saab's 9-5 Estate. Despite the success Volvo's had in the wagon segment, it's taken fellow Swede, Saab, some 30 years to decide to have a go at this market. The Saab, too, is available in a number of engine options, all of which are turbocharged. We've chosen the flagship of the range, the sporty Aero model.
Our 800-kilometre test loop included a leisurely drive through the Grampians national park as well as a handful of the surrounding wineries.
Price and equipment
When you're paying up to and above $100,000, you should expect a reasonable level of kit. All our contenders reach that reasonably high equipment benchmark.
So things such as power windows, power mirrors, air-conditioning, a CD stacker, front and front-side airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), alloy wheels, a trip computer, roof rails and a fully power-operated driver's seat are part of the deal in each car.
All have a steering wheel that does more than just change the direction of the car. On the Audi's you can change the gears, the BMW and Volvo set the cruise and play with the radio, the Saab has radio controls and the Benz's can be made to do a whole pile of things.
As for pricing, there's a huge variation from the least expensive (the Volvo) to the most expensive - the Mercedes-Benz. The German manufacturers are never afraid to charge for their wares.
As we've found in the past, though, it's Mercedes that is one of the best at upholding the luxury-price tag. As mentioned earlier, we asked for the E240, which comes with a 2.4-litre V6 and starts at a hefty $99,500. Instead, we got an E320T, which sells for a whopping $126,700: a sizeable payout.
The Benz is well-endowed with airbags (both front and side) and anti-lock brakes (ABS); it also has Benz's ESP, or Electronic Stability Program, which helps prevent and control slides. Another handy feature is the electronic sucker that closes the boot properly, even if you only half shut it. And for families wanting to carry seven people, the Benz is the only car we tested to have a third row of seats built in.
There are omissions in the E320T, too, such as the lack of a climate-control setting for the air-con, and little cost-cutting measures, such as no map lights for the back seats.
BMW's 528i Touring is also no bargain, having crept up in price to a substantial $106,500. But it's not lacking in features, either, and includes a boot sucker similar to the Benz's and rear electronic parking sensors to assist in tight spots. That price also includes eight airbags (the most of the lot), traction control, seat heaters and a power-operated steering column, as well as power-operated seats with a memory function.
Our particular test car was also fitted with about $10,000 in options (BMW and Mercedes are the kings of offering almost any option you can dream of), including a sunroof and larger alloy wheels.
Audi's A6 Avant is slightly more affordable than the BMW, at $104,200. It also comes with rear-parking sensors and a multitude of electronic extras. And the Audi's superb Bose concert stereo system deserves a mention for its sound quality.
But the award for the best sound system has to go to the Volvo V70 T5. With speakers all around, it's tuned for surround sound and makes for an awesome audio experience (not that it's the only feature on the Volvo). The Volvo, which sells for $79,936, has a heap of options, including map and sunglasses holders and even laminated side windows for extra security.
Like the Saab, though, the Volvo doesn't have side airbags for the rear doors, due to concerns about their safety with children. However, there is an inflatable curtain (IC) for head protection.
The Saab 9-5 Aero undoubtedly comes with the most gadgets. As well as matching its opposition on most things, it also gets heated and ventilated front seats, headlight wipers and a single CD/CD stacker sound system. Combined with a competitive $81,900 price tag, that makes the Saab the best of the bunch on value.
Saab 9-5 Aero Estate ****
Volvo V70 T5 ****
Audi A6 2.8 Avant quattro ***
BMW 528i Touring ***
Mercedes-Benz E320T **
Performance
Just like the prices of these luxury wagons, there's a huge variation in engine performance, refinement and how it's all delivered.
Both Volvo and Saab rely on a turbocharger to boost performance, and it shows, not only in the quoted figures, but out on the road, too. In line with their sporty images, these are the only two on test with manual transmission available (which means an engine with more torque in the Saab), although we've chosen to test what most people will go for, the automatics.
On paper, the Volvo looks to have the goods over the Saab. With 184 kilowatts (kW) of power, the Volvo is easily the most powerful of our group, and it matches the Saab on torque, or low down grunt, with a solid 330 newton-metres (Nm). Combined with the relatively light kerb weight of 1528 kilograms, the Volvo should easily be the quickest of the lot.
But it's not. It's still fast, very fast in fact, and has a distinctive five-cylinder engine note to match. But the V70 T5 needs to be revved to really extract the most.
The Saab, on the other hand, gives a better impression of acceleration, albeit with an engine note that has the character of your average Hoover. That's largely because its spread of torque occurs lower in the rev range, so the Saab jumps almost instantly. And although it's the only one here with a four-speed auto, it is masked by an engine that just goes and goes.
The German brands, on the other hand, rely on smooth six-cylinder go, which is a step down from the all-out grunt of the Volvo and Saab, but with a bigger kick of refinement.
At 3.2 litres, the Benz has the largest engine, so in many circumstances offers better performance than the less-powerful Audi and BMW. It sounds okay and offers a decent spread across its free-revving range.
But the big Mercedes was let down by a transmission that was sometimes unwilling to change down gears (accentuated by a dead accelerator feel) and it was also prone to gear change thumping, particularly from first to second gear.
The Audi and BMW are as close as you like in many respects, despite the fact BMW has chosen an in-line configuration while Audi has gone with a V6.
Both engines measure 2.8 litres, and both are matched on power (142kW a piece) and torque (280Nm). The Audi weighs 25 kilograms more, but has a better spread of torque, with the peak kicking in 750rpm below the BM's.
And while the Audi's initial throttle response is worth noting, it's ultimately the BMW that has the best all-round package, partly because its five-speed auto does a marginally better and smoother job of selecting gears.
And while there are big variations across the five contenders in how they go about their duties, each has its strengths and weaknesses, so ultimately there's not a lot between them. The Saab is the most useful, followed closely by the BMW, which is slower but makes up for it with ease of driveability and superb refinement. The Volvo has acceleration on its side, while the Mercedes outguns its German opposition in a straight line but is let down by its transmission. The Audi is similar in many ways to the BMW, just not quite as finely tuned.
Saab 9-5 Aero Estate ****
BMW 528i Touring ****
Volvo V70 T5 ****
Mercedes-Benz E320T ****
Audi A6 2.8 Avant quattro ****
On the road
Just like their engines and delivery of performance, there's something of a split way of thinking between the three German cars - the Audi, BMW and Mercedes - and the remaining two Swedes, partly because the Saab and Volvo have more of a sporting edge.
The Saab uses 17-inch alloy wheels that do little to help its ride quality. And combine a front-drive layout with a mountain of torque, and the 9-5 Aero is something of a handful on a wet road or around town.
The Volvo betters the Saab significantly on ride quality, but it still suffers from one of the most lifeless steering systems available, a trait no doubt brought about by Volvo trying to deaden the torque-steer (or wheel tug) that is still prominent when accelerating out of corners.
The Audi's road manners are a mixed bag. It feels the most nimble of the lot and it's reassuring through corners, thanks to the quattro 4WD system. If anything, it's been set up to cater for the more enthusiastic driver, even exhibiting some controllable oversteer, or rear-wheel-slide, when driven hard.
Jump in the Benz and you instantly notice you're in a far bigger car; and the three-pointed star on the bonnet adds to the feeling of presence. But with the 17-inch wheels on our test car, the ride quality is nothing to get excited about, the car banging and crashing into bumps a little too noisily (complete with the odd plastic groan). But it's very sure-footed, and despite a large steering wheel provides above-average driver feedback.
For the all-round best drive, though, the gong undoubtedly goes to the BMW 528i Touring. It's the quietest, very smooth and dead comfortable, all while offering a level of driver involvement and confidence that the other four don't match.
BMW 528i Touring *****
Mercedes-Benz E320T ****
Audi A6 2.8 Avant quattro ****
Volvo V70 T5 ***
Saab 9-5 Aero Estate ***
Packaging
In terms of quality, you'd be hard-pressed to fault any of these five cars, short of seeing how they hold up to 100,000 kilometres. The Saab's simple yet elegant interior presentation is inviting and warm. The Volvo's grey plastics and array of buttons may not be to everyone's choice, but are simple to use and comprehensive.
The Audi uses chrome and woodgrain tastefully to push the luxury image, while the BMW has a feeling of class that fits well with the rest of the car. The Merc is typically Merc, with a relatively basic interior that is well laid out and easy to operate.
Space will no doubt be an important factor in anyone's buying decision. If that's your sole criterion, then the Mercedes E320T should be close to the top of your list. The Benz has the most generous rear legroom and its boot is the best thought-out of the lot. Not only is it the biggest, but it is also super friendly when it comes to filling it up. For example, the rear cargo cover opens with the boot itself and the lighting at night is exceptional. Then there's the dead simple fold-out third row of seats and the self-sucking tailgate mentioned earlier.
Next down the rung is the Volvo, with its big, square, wide boot. It's not far off the Benz's cavernous size, running a close second. The rear seats offer plenty of space, but almost feel as if they're trying to push you out of the seats, plus there's no grab handles.
For the most comfortable rear seat, look no further than the BMW, which is hindered only by legroom that's a bit cramped for adults. And while the boot isn't huge, it's big enough for most and comes with the boot sucker and some rubber straps to secure light items.
The Audi's boot is quite shallow but, like the Volvo, it has the option of a bolt-in third row of seats for another few grand. The A6 Avant's tailgate opens very high, minimising the chance of a lump on the head. In the back, the A6's seats are firm but comfortable, with a pinch more legroom than the 528i.
That leaves the Saab, which as a wagon is a stylish-looking device. In the back seats, occupants sit very low with their legs perhaps too high. Other than a steep backrest angle, though, you sink into the seats and take in the ambience of the interior. For carrying loads, the Saab is not disgraced in outright size, and its optional slide-out floor makes loading and unloading heavy items that much easier.
Mercedes-Benz E320T ****
Volvo V70 T5 ****
BMW 528i Touring ****
Saab 9-5 Aero Estate ****
Audi A6 2.8 Avant quattro ****
Second thoughts
(If you don't need a wagon)
Alfa Romeo 166
The faithful few who loved the old Alfa 164 should prepare for a new affair with the 166, even if the $80,000-odd price tag is a bit scary. Crisp, 3.0-litre V6 power and anything-but-Germanic styling are the highlights, limited rear seat room and a less than impressive auto the downside.
Eunos 800
An oldie but far from a baddie, although conservative styling hasn't weathered well. Supercharged, small-capacity V6 is technically interesting, although it's questionable if it's better than bigger-engined opposition. Well equipped, but tends to disappear into the mid-priced luxury melee.
Honda Legend
Much improved with a mid-life facelift adding more style and equipment, yet there's no doubt this is one for the conservatives. Front-drive handling somewhat ponderous, even if its 3.5-litre V6 has torquey performance. You won't believe this is from the same company that brought us the S2000.
Jaguar S-Type
Last year we judged it second only to BMW's excellent 5-Series and the S-Type has plenty going for it, especially in 4.0-litre V8 guise. Great steering, traditional Jaguar luxury and an individual look are let down only by plain interior and less-than-perfect packaging.
Lexus GS300
More expensive than the Camry-based ES300, and a whole lot more exciting thanks to BMW-like in-line 3.0-litre six-cylinder power and rear-drive handling. Looks might polarise buyers, as will nigh-on $100,000 price tag, but this is a fun-to-drive, technology-laden luxo for the young at heart.
Conclusion
BMW 528i Touring
The BMW 5-Series wagon is almost as impressive as the sedan it's based on. It's a brilliant package, with a smooth and tractable engine, quick-thinking transmission and the sort of ride and handling expected from a luxury car. It's not cheap, and it commands a price premium over some of its competitors. As a sedan, the 5-Series lacks some interior space, and that's its main letdown as a wagon. The rear seat and load-carrying space is also far from class leading. ****
Volvo V70 T5
Volvo considers itself the expert at building luxury wagons, and the latest V70 is certainly a big step forward. The cornerstone of the whole design is the big, square load area, which makes it a darn good choice if outright space is important to you. The ride is comfortable, although the Volvo lacks when it comes to driver enjoyment and involvement. Like previous turbocharged Volvos, there's not an issue with acceleration, and the five-speed auto gets on with the job. On top of all that it's reasonably good value. ***?
Saab 9-5 Aero Estate
Saab's 9-5 Aero has a sporting edge that many may find hard to overlook. It has by far the gruntiest (and fastest) engine, which makes for strong acceleration and quick overtaking. But it's that engine grunt being delivered to the front wheels that can make the Saab something of a handful on wet roads and around city streets. The 17-inch wheels make for great grip but they give a firm ride. For the money, though, the Saab is certainly not lacking in equipment. ***?
Mercedes-Benz E320T
Value for money is not Mercedes-Benz's strong suit. Mercedes knows it can charge a premium for a car, so it does. And that is the E320T's main handicap: for families on a budget, it's very hard to justify the extra spend over its rivals. Still, the E320 offers the best package if you've got plenty of luggage and children. The boot is excellent and it gets top marks for the seven-seat capacity. Other than a less-than-impressive transmission, the mechanical package is hard to fault. ***
Audi A6 2.8 Avant quattro
The Audi may rank last in this comparison, but it's far from a loser. Its rank shows the quality of the opposition. There are many reasons to consider an A6 Avant; its distinctive styling is one of them. As a driver's car, the Audi can be very rewarding, although its tendency to kick-up off successive bumps can be a little off-putting. The engine, while no pace-setter, responds quickly and smoothly to driver inputs, much like the steering and overall roadholding. ***
Checklist
Make and model BMW 528i Touring Volvo V70 T5 Saab 9-5 Aero Estate
Mercedes-Benz E320T Audi A6 2.8 Avant
Body style 5-door wagon 5-door wagon 5-door wagon 5-door
wagon 5-door wagon
Price $106,500 $79,936 $81,900
$126,700 $102,550
Price as tested $117,550 $83,875 $81,900
$126,700 $102,550
Options fitted Individual features, Sunroof, laminated none
Elegance pack none
alloy wheels windows, spoiler
Insurance (RACV) $1165 $845 $925
$1625 $1080
Warranty 2-year, unlimited km 2-year, unlimited km 3-year,
100,000km 3-year, unlimited km 3-year, unlimited km
Mechanicals
Engine 2.8-litre in-line 6-cyl.2.3-litre in-line 5-cyl. turbo 2.3-litre
4-cyl. turbo 3.2-litre V6 2.8-litre V6
Power (kW) 142kW at 5300rpm 184kW at 5200rpm 169kW at 5500rpm
165kW at 5600rpm 142kW at 6000rpm
Torque (Nm) 280Nm at 3950rpm 330Nm at 2400rpm 330Nm at 1900rpm
315Nm at 3000rpm 280Nm at 3200rpm
Fuel con. (L/100km) 10.3 10.6 10.8
10.7 11.0
Driven wheels Rear Front Front Rear All
Transmission 5-speed auto 5-speed auto 4-speed auto 5-speed
auto 5-speed auto
Front suspension MacPherson struts, MacPherson struts,
MacPherson struts, Double wishbone, Double wishbone,
anti-roll bar anti-roll bar anti-roll bar
anti-roll bar anti-roll bar
Rear suspension Multi-link, Trailing arms, Multi-link,
Multi-link, Double wishbone,
anti-roll bar anti-roll bar anti-roll bar
anti-roll bar anti-roll bar
Wheels 16 x 7.0-inch alloy 16 x 7.0-inch alloy 17 x 7.0-inch
alloy 16 x 7.5-inch alloy 16 x 7.0-inch alloy
Tyres 225/55 215/55 225/45 215/55
205/55
Dimensions
Kerb weight (kg) 1650kg 1528kg 1681kg
1720kg 1675kg
Length (mm) 4805mm 4710mm 4808mm 4839mm
4796mm
Width (mm) 1800m 1804mm 1792mm 1799mm
1810mm
Height (mm) 1440mm 1488mm 1497mm 1505mm
1479mm
Wheelbase (mm) 2830mm 2755mm 2703mm 2833mm
2760mm
Turning circle (metres)11.3m 10.9m 10.8m
11.3m 11.7m
Fuel tank (litres) 70 80 70
70 70
Features
Remote central lockingyes yes yes
yes yes
Leather trim yes yes yes optional
yes
Power windows yes yes yes yes
yes
Front airbags yes, 2 yes, 2 yes, 2 yes, 2
yes, 2
Side airbags yes, front and rear yes, front only yes, front only
yes, front and rear yes, front and rear
Anti-lock brakes yes yes yes
yes yes
Traction control yes yes yes
yes no
Stability control no no no
yes no
Cruise control yes yes yes yes
yes
CD player yes, 6-stack yes, 4-disc in-dash yes, 6-stack
yes, 6-stack yes, 6-stack
Parking sensors yes, rear no optional
optional yes, rear
Specifications compiled with the assistance of Polk Autospec
© 2000 The Age
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