Back to School: The Best Family Cars in the Premium Segment
School Starts Soon: Time for the Right Family Car
With the end of summer holidays, a new chapter begins for many families. School runs, sports clubs and weekend trips require a reliable, spacious vehicle.
Requirements for a Family Car
Important Criteria
| Criterion | Importance | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Trunk space | Very high | Min. 500 liters |
| Rear bench | High | Isofix, good headroom |
| Safety | Very high | ESP, multiple airbags |
| Reliability | High | Proven engines |
| Consumption | Medium | Under 10 L/100km |
Everyday Situations
A good family car masters:
- School run with multiple children
- Weekend grocery shopping
- Vacation trips with luggage
- Sports equipment transport
- Carpooling
Top 5 Premium Wagons for Families
1. BMW E39 Touring
| Property | Rating |
|---|---|
| Trunk space | 410-1,525 liters |
| Child safety | Very good |
| Average price | €7,800 |
| Recommended engine | 525i, 530i |
Why ideal for families:
- Generous, well-usable cargo space
- Reliable M54 engines
- Good all-round visibility
- Solid build quality
Watch for:
- Maintain cooling system regularly
- Check sills for rust
2. Mercedes W210 Estate
| Property | Rating |
|---|---|
| Trunk space | 640-1,975 liters |
| Child safety | Excellent |
| Average price | €5,800 |
| Recommended engine | E280, E320 |
Why ideal for families:
- Huge trunk
- Silky smooth suspension
- Outstanding seats
- Best long-distance capability
Watch for:
- Rust prevention important
- Check Airmatic condition
3. Audi A6 C5 Avant
| Property | Rating |
|---|---|
| Trunk space | 455-1,590 liters |
| Child safety | Very good |
| Average price | €5,400 |
| Recommended engine | 2.4 V6, 3.0 V6 |
Why ideal for families:
- Quattro for all weather conditions
- Low loading edge
- Good rear space
- Solid build quality
Watch for:
- Timing chain (some engines)
- Transmission at high mileage
4. BMW E46 Touring
| Property | Rating |
|---|---|
| Trunk space | 435-1,345 liters |
| Child safety | Good |
| Average price | €6,200 |
| Recommended engine | 325i, 330i |
Why ideal for families:
- Compact exterior dimensions
- More agile in the city
- Reliable technology
- Good value for money
Watch for:
- Rear subframe mounts (rust)
- Shifter bushings
5. Mercedes W124 Estate
| Property | Rating |
|---|---|
| Trunk space | 520-1,510 liters |
| Child safety | Good |
| Average price | €11,500 |
| Recommended engine | E280, E320 |
Why ideal for families:
- Legendary reliability
- Outstanding quality
- Value appreciation included
- “Heirloom quality”
Watch for:
- Prices have risen significantly
- Rust at known locations
Safety Comparison
Safety Equipment by Model
| Model | ESP | Airbags | Isofix | NCAP (then) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E39 Touring | Standard | 6 | Yes | 4 stars |
| W210 T | Standard | 8 | Yes | 4 stars |
| A6 C5 Avant | Standard | 6 | Yes | 4 stars |
| E46 Touring | Standard | 6 | Yes | 4 stars |
| W124 T | Optional | 2-4 | No | 3 stars |
The W124 is very safe despite fewer airbags thanks to its massive construction.
Cost Comparison
Annual Running Costs (Estimate)
| Model | Insurance | Tax | Maintenance | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E39 525i Touring | €680 | €240 | €750 | €1,670 |
| W210 E280 T | €620 | €220 | €700 | €1,540 |
| A6 2.4 Avant | €590 | €230 | €680 | €1,500 |
| E46 325i Touring | €650 | €200 | €650 | €1,500 |
| W124 E280 T | €580 | €220 | €800 | €1,600 |
The wagons are surprisingly similar in running costs.
Practical Tips for Families
Child Seat Compatibility
| Model | Isofix | Belt Length | Middle Seat Usable |
|---|---|---|---|
| E39 Touring | 2x rear | Good | Limited |
| W210 T | 2x rear | Very good | Yes |
| A6 C5 Avant | 2x rear | Good | Limited |
| E46 Touring | 2x rear | Medium | Difficult |
| W124 T | No | Good | Yes |
Daily Practicality
School transport:
- W210 T ideal for multiple children
- E46 Touring optimal for 1-2 children
Sports equipment:
- Skis: All wagons suitable
- Bicycles: Trailer hitch recommended
Grocery shopping:
- W210 T and E39 Touring best
Budget Recommendations
By Family Budget
| Budget | Recommendation | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Under €6,000 | A6 C5 Avant 2.4 | Best value for money |
| €6,000-8,000 | W210 E280 T | Maximum comfort and space |
| €8,000-10,000 | E39 525i Touring | Best all-round solution |
| Over €10,000 | W124 T | Value-stable investment |
Autumn Buying Time
Advantages of Autumn Purchase
- All-wheel drive: Demand rises, buy now
- Wagons: In demand at school start
- Convertible swap: Many switch to practical cars
September Market Development
| Vehicle Type | Price Development | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Wagons | +3-5% expected | Buy now |
| Quattro/AWD | +5-8% expected | Buy now |
| Convertibles | -10-15% expected | Good swap timing |
Conclusion
For back to school 2024 we recommend:
Budget tip: Audi A6 C5 Avant 2.4 – Lots of car for little money
Comfort tip: Mercedes W210 Estate – The most spacious wagon
All-round tip: BMW E39 Touring – The best balance
All mentioned vehicles offer premium quality, good safety and sufficient space for family life. With proper maintenance, they will accompany your family for many years.
Price data from our current market analysis. Happy start to the new school year!