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The BMW 3 Series Touring goes to show that big, boxy estate cars can still be good fun to drive. If you need the biggest boot going, though, there are better options.

Overall verdict

Sporty SUVs aren’t the only fun-to-drive family cars that combine spacious cabins and big boots. Estate cars such as the BMW 3 Series Touring are just as practical, often cost less to run and prove more entertaining to drive on a twisty backroad.

Sure, the BMW 3 Series Touring doesn’t have quite the same street-cred as a high-riding X3, but its angular front end, gaping intakes and real exhaust tips help it out-do the likes of the Mercedes C-Class Estate and Audi A4 Avant in the styling stakes – especially in M Sport guise.

It’s a similar story inside, where the BMW 3 Series Touring’s low-slung seats, sweeping dashboard and tall centre console make you feel a bit like you’re cocooned in a slinky sportscar.

Unlike most sportscars, however, you get loads of plush-feeling materials and one of the best infotainment systems in the business with a slick touchscreen and a digital display in place of analogue dials.

So, there’s no doubt it comes packed with modern creature comforts, but (thankfully) this doesn’t mean the BMW 3 Series Touring’s cabin feels like a cramped Currys stockroom. There’s loads of room for you to stretch out in the front and ample space for tall passengers to get comfy in the back.

Fitting a child seat won’t present any problems if you carry very young passengers and there’s space for boatloads of family bits and bobs in the BMW 3 Series Touring’s boot. Sure, the TARDIS-like Skoda Superb is roomier still, but a couple of bikes will fit easily in the BMW 3 Series Touring once you’ve flipped the back seats down.

The BMW 3 Series Touring has always been the fun option if you’re looking for a practical family estate, but now it’s also one of the most high-tech and spacious models out there.

Whatever you’re carrying won’t be bounced around in the back thanks to the BMW 3 Series Touring’s comfortable suspension. It deals with potholes very well and stops the Touring’s body from leaning in tight corners.

M Sport models with their bigger wheels and lowered suspension feel sportier still, but if you do plenty of long motorway journeys you’ll be better off sticking with the standard car and opting for a 2.0-litre diesel engine. There’s also a smoother, more powerful 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel unit and a range of petrol engines including a seriously quick M340i model and a fuel-sipping 330e hybrid.

Some versions come with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, but the smooth eight-speed automatic is well worth paying extra for; it’s one of the best ‘boxes around and helps make light work of heavy traffic.

There are also plenty of high-tech driver assistance systems available that’ll let you while away long journeys without feeling too tired, but they do cost extra.

This is a common theme throughout the BMW 3 Series Touring; it’s an excellent family car that’s practical, comfortable and good fun to drive, but be prepared to hand over a bit of extra cash for some must-have options. If you do, you’ll find it’s one of the very best estate cars on sale.

Head over to our deals page to see how much you can save on the new BMW 3 Series Touring or read on for our detailed interior, practicality and driving sections.