I’VE always been a huge fan of estate cars - while they’re not for everyone given their larger proportions when compared to their saloon siblings, I’m sure most petrolheads will have a fondness for many.

Things like multiple Audi RS models - the 2, 4 and 6 - immediately spring to mind, as does the new BMW M3 and M5. Fast estates are just cool; their looks, their practicality and their Swiss army knife-like attributes mean they’re everything to everyone.

With the exponential rise of electric vehicles, there aren’t many in estate form, so Volkswagen’s ID7 Tourer is somewhat of a unicorn. It’s a handsome-looking thing, too: it’s unmistakably VW, with telltale ID touches which we’ve grown to love on its smaller 3, 4 and 5 stablemates. It’s sleek, it’s modern and its interior matches that, too, with acres of plush-feeling materials helping to justify its £50,000-plus price tag. You get the model-wide 15-inch touchscreen, which in truth does work well, but haptic buttons on the steering wheel do because irksome as in every car which uses them.

There are two electric motor configurations to pick from, but most will go for the standard car, which isn’t what you’d call short on power despite its considerable bulk - for reference the estate is a touch under five metres, so it is a long one and with that comes weight.

It has 286bhp, so it can get to 62mph in 6.6 seconds, but in reality the ID7 isn’t about that. It’s quick enough, and there’s a 335bhp GTX version if you’re wanting more, but it’s the way in which it goes about its business that’s the best thing. As with every EV, its mid-range is instantaneous but it then settles into pure comfort when on the move - the damping is superbly judged.

Given its genuine 300-mile-plus range, typical EV anxiety just never becomes an issue, meaning the ID7 becomes a trustworthy partner on long-distance journeys. I found its charge-up times fast, too, so when you do need a top-up, you’re not waiting an age for the privilege.

It seems pointless talking about its cornering abilities given it weights well over two tonnes, but it isn’t actually that bad - its low centre of gravity and sticky Bridgestone Potenza Sport help, but it’s never going to feel at home tackling a few tight turns.

What the ID7 Tourer is is a wonderful family car, one that’s supremely comfortable and a genuine alternative to a petrol-powered estate.