Audi A4 Avant vs Merc B-class vs Volvo V50 vs BMW X3

**ryan** · January 28th, 2006 01:25 PM

Para maiba naman, which among these small premium wagons would you choose? I like wagons cuz trunk space is very flexible compared to a regular sedan.

Also, I know the X3 is not supposed to be in the list but since BMW here doesn't offer the 3-series wagon, I just added this even if I'm not after its 4x4 feature. Lets saw pre-owned pag X3 para di sobrang layo sa price.

I just put some criterias but you can of course use your own..

1) looks in and out
2) usable interior space (I've checked and B-class is roomiest, A4 smallest)
3) drive, fun factor
4) features, options
5) uniqueness/prestige/feel good factor
6) economical to run? (unit cost, repair cost, fuel, etc)

**wren** · January 28th, 2006 01:28 PM

A4 Avant...i like audis.

**kimpOy** · January 28th, 2006 02:02 PM

me too...
A4 for me...

**the_wildthing** · January 28th, 2006 02:04 PM

Puwede bang RS4? :evillaugh

Though I'm not much of a wagon fan... but it might change if I actually use one for a couple of weeks.

**empy** · January 28th, 2006 02:21 PM

test drove them all about 5 months ago (except the B-class, which isn't available where i live). A4 hands down on every dimension - utility, performance, looks, interior, you name it.

**ryan** · January 28th, 2006 02:44 PM

Ahh I see.. I was thinking about the models offered here...

Audi A4 Avant - 2.0L 130hp
BMW X3 - 2.5L 190hp ?
Merc B-class - 2.0L 136hp
Volvo V50 - 2.4L 170hp

I've test driven the A4 1.8T sedan and it seemed a bit better than the Volvo S40 and you also don't feel that there's a turbo inside. But it wasn't offered in Avant version and I haven't driven the base 2.0L engine.

**squala** · January 28th, 2006 10:54 PM

For wagons, I'd choose the V50. It's simply versatile and safe, and now, it's got the attitude.

**empy** · January 28th, 2006 11:37 PM

ryan, is the A4 offered in 2.0 or 2.0T over there? i drove the 2.0T and that thing felt like a V6...zero turbo lag and plenty of pickup for even a heavy car (the Avant with Quattro weighs almost 4000 lb). i highly recommend it.

it's also highly 'chippable' if you're into that sort of thing. if you need a lot of hauling capacity, you can't beat the X3. typical BMW smoothness, power, and handling even with the relatively small 2.5L. my dealer loaned me one for a week while my car was in service and i liked it so much i got an SUV as my next car (i got something bigger than the X3 though)

**carlocaraddict** · January 28th, 2006 11:42 PM

i test drove the b-class (B170) last year. very light steering and the interior looks plain and bland.

Interms of design, A4 Avant!

**ryan** · January 29th, 2006 12:00 AM

Originally Posted by M54 Powered

ryan, is the A4 offered in 2.0 or 2.0T over there? i drove the 2.0T and that thing felt like a V6...zero turbo lag and plenty of pickup for even a heavy car (the Avant with Quattro weighs almost 4000 lb). i highly recommend it.

it's also highly 'chippable' if you're into that sort of thing. if you need a lot of hauling capacity, you can't beat the X3. typical BMW smoothness, power, and handling even with the relatively small 2.5L. my dealer loaned me one for a week while my car was in service and i liked it so much i got an SUV as my next car (i got something bigger than the X3 though)

I think our local dealer only offers the A4 in either 2.0 (non-turbo) or 1.8T. The 1.8T felt fine, not fast but good enough although I haven't tried the A4 w/ base engine. Interior design is very classy (better than 3-series for me). My only main complaint on the A4 is that interior space is quite small.