Wagons are cool. In the event you’re struggling to grasp how I can probably assume that, the remainder of this record goes to be a battle.
Admittedly, there was a time when wagons have been most positively not cool. Huge household land yachts just like the Ford Nation Squire or Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser cemented the wagon’s standing as miserable household transport. Clark Griswald’s Wagon Queen Household Truckster made them a punch line. Minivans after which massive SUVs made them extinct. And extinct they’re.
To be clear, these are usually not the wagons we’re speaking about.
Over in Europe, the wagon or “property automobile” in the event you’re British, continued to flourish. These have been smaller, “long-roof” variations of compact and midsize sedans. They drove simply in addition to their sedan counterparts however offered superior cargo house and flexibility. True, we acquired a few of them over right here within the Nineteen Nineties together with comparable examples just like the Ford Taurus, Honda Accord and Toyota Camry wagons. Issues actually began to select up within the twenty first century, although, even because the variety of out there wagons continued to dwindle. That is as a result of carmakers more and more began making use of the high-performance engine and chassis upgrades of sport sedan fashions to their wagon counterparts. This seemingly oxymoronic fusion of max enjoyable and max practicality might be why automobile fans love them a lot. That they’re higher to drive and sometimes simply as sensible as high-performance SUVs are one other feather of their cap.
Whereas we’re fairly positive each wagon bought within the twenty first century is a minimum of considerably cool (we welcome your examples on the contrary), there are positively ones which are cooler than others. Most are these max enjoyable variations, be it when it comes to high-performance or sometimes off-road prowess. It is also essential to boldly state the next: We’re solely contemplating these wagons bought in the USA. As a lot as we might like to name out wagon variations of the V10-powered M5, Mercedes C63, Volkswagen Golf R and varied Audi RS fashions, plus the gorgeous Alfa Romeo 159 and any variety of scorching Subarus from Japan, we wished to maintain issues native so perhaps, simply perhaps, this will encourage an precise automobile buy.
Each Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG
Large energy, massive house. The Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG has been delivering that for the reason that ball dropped on the brand new millennium. OK, so the AMG model of the E-Class wagon was initially dubbed the E55 AMG on account of its smaller-displacement supercharged V8 after which the Mercedes-AMG E 63 as a result of Mercedes determined to futz round with its naming order. In any occasion, they’ve all been sensational.
Particular consideration goes to the unique, S211 technology E63 AMG, which swapped that E55 V8 for one of many coolest, snarliest V8s of all time: the 6.2-liter AMG V8. That marvel would dwell on within the significantly superior S212 technology (above in silver with the German plates) for under a handful of years earlier than a downsized turbocharged V8 changed it. Right this moment’s AMG E 63, pictured above in blue, has an excellent smaller displacement V8, nevertheless it’s essentially the most highly effective but with 603 horsepower.
Some have made higher noises than others (the 6.2-liter, no query), however all have been nice to drive and, get this, have seating for seven. That is proper, it has an old school, rear-facing third-row seat that pops up from the cargo flooring.
BMW 540i (E39 or 1999-2003)
The E39 BMW 5 Collection is broadly thought-about the quintessential sport sedan. Presumably THE greatest sport sedan. Logic would subsequently dictate that the 5 Collection Touring is the quintessential sport wagon, proper? Nicely, not fairly, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a rattling superb instance of the breed. The difficulty, in the event you might name it that, was powertrain combos. Initially, there was no E39 M5 Touring, which is a tragedy (the next technology would get an M5 wagon, nevertheless it wasn’t bought right here).
That meant the zestiest 5 Collection Touring was the 540i with its 4.0-liter V8 good for 282 or 290 hp relying on mannequin 12 months. Nice, however in contrast to the 540i sedan, you could not get it with a handbook transmission. Booo! That does not imply rowing your personal wasn’t a risk. For 1999 and 2000, you would get the 528i and its 193-hp 2.8-liter inline-six paired with a five-speed handbook transmission. Yay! Sadly, the 528i was discontinued for 2001 and the succeeding 530i was by no means supplied within the Touring. Booo!
Taking its place because the entry-level 5 Touring was the 525i. You can get it with the handbook, they usually do in reality pop up with some frequency nowadays on public sale websites. Sadly, its 2.5-liter inline-six may need made mainly the identical energy because the outdated 2.8, nevertheless it produced solely 181 lb-ft of torque, a 26 lb-ft drop. It was subsequently fairly gradual, which means you have been/are left with the selection of fast-but-auto, or manual-but-slow. On the very least, you may be handled to the identical distinctive E39 chassis and traditional beauty.
Cadillac CTS-V
Cadillac made its fame producing grand luxurious sedans, coupes and convertibles the scale of Connecticut. Then it turned one thing your grandpa drove. So when Cadillac determined to promote a fire-breathing, V8-powered monster of a BMW M5 fighter … nicely, it was a change in path. There was virtually an irony to the CTS-V. That Cadillac bought it as a wagon, and with a handbook no much less, virtually felt like a joke. Even these, like us, who thought it was the very best factor ever needed to admit we thought it was loopy that Cadillac was truly making the factor. Values on these suckers will solely go up because the years go on. You may learn our first drive of the CTS-V Wagon right here from manner again within the day.
Audi RS6 Avant
This is without doubt one of the best automobiles on sale right now. Big energy, razor-sharp dealing with, ample practicality and killer appears to be like. And by “killer” I imply each “wonderful” and “appears to be like like knowledgeable killer from a film would look proper driving it.” That Audi selected to promote this RS6 Avant in the USA, in seemingly the dying days of of wagondom, when it selected to not for earlier generations is equal components impressed and perplexing. No matter, we adore it. Perhaps not as a lot because the E 63, however actually, evaluating these two was like making an attempt to rank your kids. You can, however you in the end do love’em each.
Volvo V70 R (2004-2007)
One phrase: spaceball! No, not the Mel Brooks spoof, however the distinctive handbook transmission shifter discovered within the most-desirable variations of arguably the most well liked Volvo wagon (one other one on this record may need one thing to say about that). The spaceball shifter was mainly a shifter with metal-look shift boot that moved with the stick, fairly than a stick that moved round shrouded in a leather-based shift boot. It’s extraordinarily cool. Extra issues ought to have a spaceball.
The remainder of the V70 R wagon was rad, too, with its normal all-wheel-drive and large turbo energy. Its physique add-ons, blue gauges and distinctive inside colours (Atacama brown or Nordkap blue) clearly differentiated it from sedate V70s.
The previous-generation V70 R was bought within the 12 months 2000, and I assume I might’ve included it, however because it simply snuck into the century, I felt OK merely leaving it right here as an honorable point out.
Subaru Outback Wilderness
And now for one thing fully completely different. A cool wagon doesn’t have to attain its coolness with efficiency upgrades that align it with their sport sedan siblings. The Outback Wilderness goes within the actual wrong way, going past the Outback’s ordinary off-road functionality with all-terrain tires, beefy roof rails, meaner styling and an absurdly excessive carry that eclipses the overwhelming majority of SUVs. It might go virtually anyplace, and that’s cool. In fact, if it had larger energy, we wouldn’t complain.
Dodge Magnum
Talking of huge energy, the Dodge Magnum R/T packed an excellent, old-fashion Hemi V8 underneath its blocky hood packing 340 hp. The Magnum SRT8 had a much bigger Hemi good for 425 hp. Both manner, nothing like lightin’em up on the best way to high school. Whereas its Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger platformates would dwell on with a number of updates, the Magnum solely lasted a single technology. Jerks. There assuredly would’ve been a Magnum SRT 392 Scat Pack Widebody Daytona by now out there in purple, orange and slime inexperienced. So unhappy.
Saab 9-3 Turbo X Sport Combi
That is most likely the very best automobile on this record nobody has ever heard of. Or a minimum of ever seen, as Saab bought solely about 250 in America. However rattling it, I not solely noticed one, however drove one when it was new, and it was shockingly good. I can nonetheless recall the sharp, feelsome steering; distinctive highway holding courtesy a sport-tuned suspension, Haldex all-wheel-drive system and eLSD; and characterful snarl of its 2.8-liter 280-hp V6. As much as 90% of that energy might go to the rear, by the best way, because of that Haldex AWD.
It additionally appeared nice (black solely, BTW), and though the again seat was small in comparison with the BMW and Audi wagons of the time, the cargo space was a lot larger. The sooner 9-3 Viggen will get extra consideration, however this was a lot a lot better.
Audi S4 Avant (B5 and B6)
The primary S4 Avant bought on this nation stays one in every of my all-time wagon favorites, a traditional design that appears simply pretty much as good right now (particularly in yellow) because it did when new. Its bi-turbo V6 was a transparent improve over the turbo-four and a couple of.8-liter V6 engines of lesser A4 Avants, however the actual artillery confirmed up for the second, B6 technology S4 Avant that packed a 339-hp 4.2-liter V8. Additionally discovered within the S4 sedan and S5 coupe, I can nonetheless hear the deep, guttural rumble for this engine. There was a purpose we have been all unhappy when Audi went to a supercharged six-cylinder. Oh, and naturally, you would get it with a handbook.
Subaru WRX Wagon
This was the primary WRX to make it stateside. Whereas its unique “Bug Eye” face was very controversial on the time, leading to two facelifts throughout its technology, I believe it’s truly aged the very best. Additionally, elevate your hand if that is the physique model you consider when somebody says “first Subaru WRX.” I do know I do. Sadly, this was the primary and solely WRX wagon. The following-generation was a hatchback, which I suppose is healthier than the 2 subsequent sedan-only generations, however nonetheless isn’t as cool as a wagon.
Now, I would be remiss if I did not point out the Saab 9-2X, which was mainly a WRX wagon in a fancy-ish Swedish swimsuit. I at all times thought-about {that a} very unhappy and weird instance of badge engineering that foreshadowed Saab’s ignominious finish. In different phrases, I didn’t assume it was cool. There’s positively one thing to be mentioned, although, for 2 of the world’s quirkiest automobile manufacturers coming collectively. Jim Halpert from “The Workplace” owned one, too.
Volvo V50 T5 R-Design
You realize the first-generation Mazda3? Good to drive, so too was the mechanically associated second-generation Ford Focus we by no means acquired right here. Nicely, the Volvo V50 was on the identical sensible platform, albeit with much more polish. Driving it felt like a Mazda3 that had all its major controls coated in a skinny layer of marshmallow to make issues only a bit smoother, quieter and extra refined. It was nice! Timeless design, too, particularly inside with its floating heart stack that also appears to be like contemporary right now. The best of the V50s was the T5 R-Design, which had the larger engine and R-Design model thrives. Getting crimson advisable. And the handbook.
Volkswagen Passat W8
“So let me get this straight. You’ve spliced two narrow-angle V-4 engines collectively right into a crazy-pants W formation?”“Sure.”“And that is to pack eight cylinders into automobiles that usually couldn’t stuff that many inside?”“Sure.”“And a kind of automobiles goes to be the wagon model of your midsize household sedan?”“Sure.”“Okey dokey. Don’t suppose you’re additionally providing it with a handbook, trigger at this level, how might it get any wackier?”“It couldn’t. It’s simply that wacky. Take pleasure in!”
Audi Allroad Quattro (1999-2005)
On the identical time that guardian firm Volkswagen was out again smoking one thing fierce whereas concocting the Passat W8 Wagon, Audi was creating one thing way more forward of its time: a off-roading wagon. OK, so Subaru got here up with the concept. No wait, AMC did. No matter, the Allroad Quattro took the timelessly good-looking A6 Avant (C5 technology), gave it some physique cladding and greater tires, stiffened the chassis, added low vary to the Torsen-based Quattro all-wheel-drive system, and allowed it to attain 8 inches of floor clearance because of an adjustable air suspension. It might additionally decrease the Allroad to six inches and stiffen the spring and damper charges for higher on-road dealing with.
Certain, that air suspension has virtually definitely been a near-constant headache for each proprietor, a lot of whom have swapped it for a hard and fast suspension, nevertheless it was positively cool. So too was what was underhood: both the two.7-liter twin-turbo V6, or beginning in 2003, the 4.2-liter V8. You could not get both within the common A6 Avant. That is an especially cool wagon.
Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo and GTS Sport Turismo
I drove the Taycan GTS Sport Turismo up L.A.’s famed Angeles Crest Freeway on the best way to driving it to Willow Springs Raceway. As I emerged from the twisty bits, I took a contemplative deep breath and requested myself, “Is that this the very best automobile I’ve ever pushed?” The next laps on aforementioned raceway did nothing to dissuade that reply from being, “Yeah, I believe it is likely to be.” Now, is the Sport Turismo a lot of a wagon when it comes to added utility? Not likely, however it’s actually a wagon and it’s extraordinarily cool. Fewer factors go to the opposite Taycan wagon fashions, dubbed Cross Turismo, which have physique cladding and a minuscule carry to attain a form of Taycan Outback vibe. That is a bit lame, although the automobile itself stays cool.
Volvo V60 T8 Polestar Engineered
One of the best trendy Volvos are both wagons or plug-in hybrids. Alas, there is just one mannequin that mixes these two bests collectively: the V60 T8 Polestar Engineered. Whereas it’s against the law this costly, low-volume model is the one option to get a long-roof PHEV from Volvo, it’s nonetheless a really cool wagon. It’s essentially the most performance-oriented V60 out there, and actually, the one performance-oriented Volvo wagon out there now. Not solely do you get pleasure from some all-electric vary and the facility afforded by the PHEV powertrain, you get chassis upgrades engineered by Polestar (hey, it’s proper there within the identify!). Earlier than it was a stand-alone purveyor of EVs, Polestar was Volvo’s tuning agency, a form of equal to old-school AMG or still-school Alpina. It did good work right here.
Lexus IS 300 Sportcross
On the flip of the century, fuddy-duddy Lexus wanted so as to add some youthful sizzle to its lineup and current a solution to all these cool sport sedans popping out of Germany. Fortunately, there’s a complete whack of stuff Toyota sells in Japan that would at all times are available in from the bullpen (additionally see Scion), so voila, the Toyota Altezza turned the Lexus IS 300. It was a rear-wheel-drive compact sedan that was moderately sporty and had these candy clear taillights we have been all gaga for. Adequate! In fact, there was additionally an Altezza wagon, so somebody at Lexus USA should’ve shrugged their shoulders, gone “what the hell?”, and despatched a ship over to carry again just a few to promote because the IS 300 Sportcross. No, not a wagon, that will be uncool and bereft of youthful sizzle. A Sportcross. No matter it’s known as, it’s one of many coolest Lexuseses of all time.
Saab 9-5 Aero Sport Combi
Maybe that is stretching the definition of cool, however I believe the most well liked model of the Saab 9-5 Sport Combi is cool, and I am placing collectively the rattling record. Moreover, try these wheels! And the fighter jet! Saab! Oh, how I miss thee. The 9-5 would get actually unlucky because the years dragged on, however to start with, you would get the Aero seen right here packing a 2.3-liter turbo inline-four good for both 230 or 250 horsepower relying on 12 months. And yeah, you would get it with a handbook. That combo, very like the opposite Saab on this record, is clearly super-rare, but when I might discover one, I would fortunately give it the great, quirky house it deserves.
BMW 3 Collection Wagon
Admittedly, there’s probably not one specifically to name out right here. Partly that’s as a result of BMW by no means absolutely dedicated to creating these as cool as they might be. The primary 3er wagon to point out up stateside belonged to the famed E46 technology (it was actually the E46/3 and dubbed the “Touring”), a completely sensible automobile in each physique model. You bought the appears to be like, the chassis and even the handbook (a five-speed, however nonetheless) with the wagon, however BMW solely despatched over the smallest engine out there in America, the two.5-liter inline-six. That pattern would proceed with the next-generation, the E91 “Sports activities Wagon”, though the smallest engine was a minimum of the burlier 2.8-liter and you would get it with the six-speed handbook. Nonetheless, no 3.0-liter turbo-six and no M3 (although people have DIY’d them).
The ultimate 3 wagon confirmed essentially the most potential with its out there M Sport package deal that made it look scorching, particularly in Melbourne Pink or Estoril Blue pictured above. You can as soon as once more get it because the 328i, which was now a superbly cromulent four-cylinder turbo, however now added was the spunky turbodiesel 328d. Alas, the handbook was minimize.
After which, for this most up-to-date technology, the Sports activities Wagon was minimize altogether for the USA although it lives on elsewhere. The worst half? There’s lastly an M3 model! You may’t see it, however there’s a center finger being raised within the path of Munich.
