Currently reading: Autocar notebook: Mercedes' wagon want wanes

Our reporters open share their notes from a week of industry events and interviews

Mercedes-Benz has long been candid about the uncertain future of estate cars.

Speaking about the flexibility of the next-gen EVA2 platform ahead of the EQS SUV’s unveiling, Mercedes EV drivetrain and architecture boss Christoph Starzynski said: “I always get the same question about station wagons. Of course it’s possible. The question is: is there demand to do another body variant?”

End of the Allroad?

In other electric German estate car news, Audi has hinted its Allroad models could get an EV reprieve.

Asked if the A6 Avant E-tron concept will be offered in jacked-up guise with protective body trim, product marketing boss Niko Martens said: “Never say never.”

But would it go on sale here? The A4 and A6 Allroads were taken off UK sale earlier this year and Audi said it has no plans to import further generations.

98 Autocar notebook audi allroad

Would zoo believe it?

We’ve heard of recycled fishing nets being used for sustainable car interiors, but fire hoses being turned into monkey hammocks is a new one.

As it repurposes its Ellesmere Port factory to build EVs, Vauxhall has donated 50 old fire hoses to Chester Zoo, which will turn them into bedding, puzzles and training aids for its ape and elephant enclosures.

96 Autocar notebook zoo

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Felix Page

Felix Page
Title: Deputy editor

Felix is Autocar's deputy editor, responsible for leading the brand's agenda-shaping coverage across all facets of the global automotive industry - both in print and online.

He has interviewed the most powerful and widely respected people in motoring, covered the reveals and launches of today's most important cars, and broken some of the biggest automotive stories of the last few years. 

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WallMeerkat 26 April 2022
Seems estates are going between 2 poles:

- Wanting a car but with practicality, things like the A5/A7 fastback hatchbacks offer a bit of practicality over the saloon versions.

- Wanting total practicality, these seem to be going towards the SUV trend

Why go for an A4 allroad when if I want a 4wd practical A4 I can get an A5 quattro, and if I need a rugged version to carry dogs/tow I can get a Q-something?