The great thing about generalists is the breadth of the class. This is merely a consequence of the fact that whatever the type of car the public wants, there will always be a part that wants it with added practicality.

At the extremes of this world are such oddities as the stretched Mini Traveler of 1960 and the V12-equipped Ferrari GTC4 Lusso, but even the more modest average level is filled with diversity. This is because while the next ten cars have a common practical reason, they supply it differently.

Look past the big boot and aim for wealth. Others use every trick in the book to make life easier for their owners. And the couple calmly set the priorities. A handful, we might add, managed to do it all, albeit at a price. So what are the best options if you are an Auto car reader who only wants one machine to do all this?

Best estate cars on sale in 2019

1. BMW 5 Series Touring

The mid-size BMW is our preferred mid-size premium sedan, and it can be argued that rear end is swelling only increases its broad all-round appeal. The first reason for this is that the standard air suspension is approved for the rear axle, and in combination with additional adaptive shock absorbers, this provides the highest quality ride.

The second reason is that a wide range of BMW diesel and gasoline engines allows you to priorities economics with four cylinders or to make progress with little effort with a straight six under the hood. The fact that the G30 generation car is not as sharp as its predecessor is also irrelevant for the Touring version, whose 1,700-liter cargo compartment with the rear seats down is correct.

2. Skoda Superb Estate

Read our complete Skoda Superb road test, and you’ll find out that this car is “one of the best family cars in the world.” It is not difficult to understand why. In the form of a versatile Skoda model with a beautiful body, it has1950 liters of capacity with the rear seats folded down - more than even a Mercedes E-Class Estate.

Finding a notable mistake in cabin ergonomics, the quality of materials, or improving rolling quality is also a stupid assignment, considering that the range starts with a much smaller amount than you pay for regular premium applicants.

3. Ford Focus Estate

The cheapest car here breaks through significantly more of its weight both in its attractiveness for the driver and in practicality, not least because its length is almost 4.7 meters much more than before. As a result, the capacity of the trunk increases from 375 liters in the hatch to 608, rising to 1653 with the seats folded.

For longer trips on family cars, we would complete our Focus Estate with Ford adaptive shock absorbers, which help to improve ride quality, which otherwise deviates from roughness.

4. Alpine B3 S BiTurbo Touring

Perhaps the most impressive offer on this list is the most expensive. Paying over £ 60,000 for the 3rd series - especially one without the M badge on the trunk lid - may seem silly, but the deft change-over of the Alpine suspension and the engine of the standard model leads to an exquisite combination of handling, performance and comfort.

It is for this reason that these rare Q-class cars are among the favorites of our road testers, and the luxurious Alpine interiors — which use the same skin as Rolls-Royce — are another reason to consider these versatile 190 miles from the family. At one o'clock.

5. Mercedes E-Class Estate

Is the E-Class - also available in coupe and saloon - becoming more compelling than it?  because if the role of Big Benz is to transfer the whole family in excellent comfort, then in this estate you have to spend your money. In this list, only cavernous Skoda can compete with the full carrying capacity of Mercedes.

The quality of the ride and the ease of driving are so cultivated that piloting an E-Class Estate is as relaxing as sitting in a passenger seat. However, those who want to have fun, when the road starts to wind up, it is better to serve in other places.

6. Audi A6 Avant

Audi may have diversified its range to include a midi-class supermini and supercar, but the mid-size all-wheel-drive station wagon, preferably driven by light, smoothly rotating V6 diesel, illustrates what the brand is about.

And although the BMW 5 Series will better reward its driver every day of the week, in terms of machining, technological sophistication and perceived quality of the cabin, Audi loves his compatriot. Along with a reserve of luggage, this car provides an authentic Audi experience. Just do not forget to choose a pneumatic suspension.

7. Volvo V90

Just five miles in the V90 is enough to firmly show you where Volvo’s priorities are when designing this car. High waists and abruptly shelled cocoon passengers on the dashboard in a tangibly comfortable cabin, and the V90 feel incredibly safe and secure, given the luxury offered. The ride quality justifies this promise of isolation from the outside world, and although the suspension may handle a bit brittle at low speeds, it is ideally suited for a cruiser on the freeway.

Few cars burn great mileage in this style and comfort, but the V90 ultimately lags behind the class leaders due to its poor body control, a small inaccuracy in driving power and relatively coarse four-cylinder engines.

8. Peugeot 508 SW

With a higher roofline, the 508 Wagon immediately surpasses its sibling because the backspace for the head is not so limited. Of course, this estate is not so spacious for some rivals and not so good in management, but it rides quite well at speed, handles with pleasant precision and is probably the most beautiful station wagon in any segment.

Those who have not stepped into Peugeot for some time will also be pleasantly surprised not only by the interior but also by the imagination on display. Economy - albeit not particularly expressive - engines are another reason why the 508 SW at least deserves your attention.

9. Jaguar XF Sport brake

The new WLTP emission tests deprived Jaguar of the only property of its V6 gasoline engines, although it is still possible to equip the car with a V6 diesel engine with a capacity of 296 hp, which is noticeably better than the proposed 2-litre diesel. But whatever the driver in the Sport brake’s nose, you get perhaps the best in this class of chassis with handling, and it changes direction correctly due to the weight and responsiveness of the steering Jaguar.

The top model of gasoline combines the same 2.0-litre gasoline engine producing 296 hp. from the F-Type with all-wheel drive and is a superbly competent all-weather family car. Machining and cab lag behind German competitors in terms of technology and do not allow the beautiful Yage to take a higher position.

10. Volkswagen Passat Estate

There are two ways to get close to the extended grooved offer, which is Volkswagen’s most important estate. Either it is an affordable alternative to competitors from BMW, Audi and Mercedes, with an impressive little compromise in trim and trim, as well as excellent motorway driving; or is it an expensive snobbery exercise on the badge next to the even more spacious Skoda Superb Estate.

Of course, processing, although safe and predictable, is not something unique in dynamic terms, so the question is whether you are willing to fork out for the visual presence of the Passat and the quality of perception.