Fast estate cars are a classic enthusiasts' choice.
You get family-friendly practicality and plenty of power – plus better handling and value-for-money than an SUV with the same performance.
Several of these sporty estate options are available as nearly new or used cars on sale at Motorpoint with thousands off the brand-new price.
Audi S5 Avant
Audi's hottest estate cars wear 'RS' badges but don't dismiss the lesser 'S' range. Models like the S5 Avant sit at a much more sensible price point and still feel rocketship fast in the real world. Under the bonnet, you'll find a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 firing through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and Audi's quattro four-wheel-drive system. As a result, it'll grip and go from a standstill, outrunning most sports cars to 62mph in just 4.5 seconds. Audi's already shown off the new plug-in-hybrid RS5, but we think you'll get more out of the S5 in the real world.
View used Audi A5 cars or read our Audi A5 review
BMW M340i Touring
The BMW 3 Series has always been the sportiest option among the 'big three' posh German brands. However, standard 3 Series models are so composed that their 2.0-litre engines lack a bit of drama when you pin the throttle. That's why upgrading to the M340i version totally transforms the car, bestowing it with 392hp and a 4.5-second 0-62mph time. The 3.0-litre 'B58' powerplant dominates the experience with a rumbly 'big-engine' sensation at low speeds, building up to ferocious acceleration when the turbocharger kicks in – all accompanied by a distinctive straight-six wail.
Browse used BMW 3 Series cars or read our BMW 3 Series review
Cupra Leon Estate
There's a wide range of Cupra Leon models, with several 'normal' engine options across the entry-level trims. Jump up to a sporty VZ model, though, and you get access to some seriously speedy choices under the bonnet. There's a guilt-free way to go fast with the Leon's plug-in-hybrid engine – a 272hp unit shared with the Volkswagen Golf GTE, with an impressive 70+ mile electric range. But, if you're looking for the full-fat version, the range-topping 2.0-litre turbo engine makes 333hp and includes four-wheel drive for stonking off-the-line performance.
Shop used Cupra Leon cars or read our Cupra Leon review
Mercedes CLA 45 S AMG Shooting Brake
This version of the Mercedes CLA has recently been replaced by a newer model. However, with no high-performance AMG version yet, you'll need to shop nearly new CLA models for a dose of extra speed. It's still worth considering, however, because the 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder fitted to the AMG 45 S version is one of the most over-the-top engines ever created. You get a scarcely believable 420hp, plus a rapid dual-clutch auto gearbox and four-wheel drive. The 0-62mph sprint is dispatched in four seconds flat, matching supercars from just a few years ago.
See used Mercedes CLA cars or read our Mercedes CLA review
Mini Clubman JCW
The Mini Clubman is another model that's just gone off-sale, so you'll be shopping nearly new and used versions. JCW (or John Cooper Works) is the hottest spec available for the Clubman, outfitting it with a 306hp 2.0-litre turbo engine, an eight-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive. As you'd expect, that means huge real-world speed and grip, all with the Mini's famously agile handling. The ride quality is on the firm side and you'll have to remember which order to open and shut its barn-style boot doors, but the entertaining performance and premium cabin make it a very likeable package.
Browse used Mini Clubman cars for sale
Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo
The Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo is the swoopy estate version of the regular Taycan. It's worth considering if this is a family car as the cargo space and rear headroom is noticeably better thanks to the longer roof. There are many different ways to spec your Taycan, but even entry-level models have the rapid performance and graceful handling you'd expect of a car wearing a Porsche badge. Step up to one of the range-topping GTS or Turbo models, however, and you'll feel like you're driving with all the cheats turned on – the car feels like it simply has infinite acceleration and grip, and you'll give out long before the car does.
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Skoda Octavia Estate vRS
The Skoda Octavia vRS uses parts from the same bin as the rest of its VW Group stablemates. But its blend of understated styling and best-in-class practicality make it an extremely compelling choice, especially as a fast family car. Earlier models were available with diesel and plug-in-hybrid engines, but the only remaining brand-new option is the 245hp 2.0-litre turbo petrol shared with the Volkswagen Golf GTI. Of course, that won't outgun many cars on this list, but it's still enough to make the Skoda feel very sporty and means it's easier to use in the real world before you start risking your license.
Shop used Skoda Octavia cars or read our Skoda Octavia review
Toyota bZ4X Touring
This is a sensible Toyota electric estate car, borrowing the slightly SUV-shaped bodywork of the regular bZ4X. So, what's it doing on this list? Well, despite its humdrum billing, Toyota's seen fit to equip range-topping bZ4X Touring models with a dual-motor four-wheel-drive setup adding up to 380hp. That means a 0-62mph time in less than five seconds, so this rational, reliable family car should be able to outrun proper sports cars without burning a drop of petrol. Avoid mashing the right-hand pedal and you should see range figures north of 300 miles.
Browse used Toyota electric cars for sale
Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer GTX
Another battery-powered contender is the Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer GTX. This entry into the brand's ID range rights some of the wrongs of earlier models, adding more stylish interior details and simplifying the fussy infotainment system. Its dual-motor setup means four-wheel drive and a total of 340hp, launching the ID.7 Tourer from 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds. Range on a full battery is 364 miles so you and your family can comfortably cross continents without constant recharge stops.
Check out used Volkswagen electric cars or read our Volkswagen ID.7 review
Volvo V60 T6
Volvo is another brand with a long history of sporty estates that hide serious performance under stealthy bodywork. All the fastest V60 models are plug-in hybrids, blending a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine with a big wallop of electric power. Currently, the only model available brand-new is the T6, with 335hp and four-wheel drive – plus a three-digit mpg figure and 61-mile electric range – and this will still bait hot hatches with its 5.4-second 0-62mph time. However, shop nearly new examples and you might encounter a T8 version with up to 449hp and a lightning quick 4.4-second 0-62mph dash.
Take a look at used Volvo V60 cars for sale
Long roof and launch control
Shop a massive choice of nearly new and used estate cars for sale at Motorpoint. For more inspiration, check out the best fast family cars on sale.
