Mercedes offer very few cars as 4-matics, and are losing out to Audi and now BMW, who both do so.
Another good contender is the Alpine D3 x-drive touring, but rare and expensive.
Actually the Golf R32 Estate might be the answer...just need to drive one. Unfortunately I've not found a UK dealer with a R32 demmo car.
Peter, I know this isn't top of your priorities today, but MB must have been listening because their new small 'shooting brake' based on the A Class platform has 4matic / 7-speed auto.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=23&t=1463584&mid=0&i=20&nmt=RE%3A+Mercedes+CLA45+AMG+Shooting+Brake+&mid=0
Don't rule out the AMG A45 version on the basis that it is bonkers (it is!) my A45 gives 37-38 mpg daily and can touch 40mpg on a lazier cruise. You can have your performance cake and eat it, so long as you toggle the engine mode button quite actively to govern where you want the gearchange point, otherwise the car 'overrules' you when using the flappy paddles. Sounds complex, but it becomes instinctive and huge fun.
