The Underdog Allure: Why Wagons Are Cool Again
Wagons haven’t always enjoyed a reputation for being cool. Once upon a time, models like the Ford Country Squire or the Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser cemented the wagon’s status as dreary family transport. Iconic pop culture representations like Clark Griswald’s Wagon Queen Family Truckster turned them into punchlines, with minivans and SUVs pushing them towards near extinction. In America, at least.
But make no mistake—those days are behind us. If yesteryear’s land yachts filled you with dread, today’s wagons are likely to turn your head instead.
The European Influence
While American wagons fell out of favor, their European counterparts continued to evolve. Across the pond, estate cars (as the British call them) flourished as sleeker, "long-roof" versions of compact and midsize sedans. These wagons offered the same driving dynamics but with added cargo space and versatility. They became the epitome of functional elegance. In the 1990s, some of these wagons made their way to the United States, typified by models like the Ford Taurus, Honda Accord, and Toyota Camry wagons.
Performance Meets Practicality
In the 21st century, automakers began to supercharge this genre by infusing their sport sedan engines and chassis upgrades into wagons. This created a heady mix of practicality and excitement that car enthusiasts quickly fell in love with. Thus, the high-performance wagon emerged, rivaling even the most performance-driven SUVs while offering superior driving experiences.
The Coolest Wagons of Modern Times
Sure, most wagons sold in the U.S. this century pack some degree of coolness, but some stand head and shoulders above the rest.
1. Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG
Big power and bigger space have defined the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG since it hit the streets. From the early E55 AMG with its supercharged V8, Mercedes upgraded to the snarling 6.2-liter V8 that still resonates today. The E63 AMG stands as a quintessential high-performance wagon, featuring power output up to 603 horsepower and a unique rear-facing third-row seat for added quirkiness.
2. BMW 540i (E39, 1999-2003)
Often touted as the epitome of the sport sedan, the E39 BMW 540i Touring brings this legacy to wagons. While it missed out on an M5 variant, it still offered a robust 4.0-liter V8 engine. Despite its lack of manual transmission, the E39 540i remains an exemplary sport wagon.
3. Cadillac CTS-V
What do you get when you combine Cadillac’s old-world luxury with monster V8 performance? The CTS-V wagon. Available with a manual transmission, it wasn’t just a car; it was a statement. Its limited production and unique appeal ensure its classic status in car enthusiast circles.
4. Audi RS6 Avant
Viewed as one of the greatest cars sold today, the Audi RS6 Avant is a blend of immense power, razor-sharp handling, and killer aesthetics. Whether for its potent performance or killer looks, the RS6 Avant is a heart-winning machine.
5. Volvo V70 R (2004-2007)
Known for its quirky but effective “spaceball” manual transmission shifter, the Volvo V70 R’s blend of all-wheel drive and turbo power makes it a miraculous mix of performance and practicality.
6. Subaru Outback Wilderness
Bucking the trend of high-performance, the Subaru Outback Wilderness emphasizes off-road capability with all-terrain tires, beefy roof rails, and an exceptionally high lift. It showcases that wagons can be just as cool when built for rugged terrains.
7. Dodge Magnum
Boasting a Hemi V8 engine, the Dodge Magnum melds American muscle with wagon utility. The Magnum SRT8, in particular, brings 425 hp to the table, keeping the spirit of burning rubber alive for wagon enthusiasts.
8. Saab 9-3 Turbo X Sport Combi
Rare but remarkable, the Saab 9-3 Turbo X Sport Combi packed a 280-hp V6 engine with a rear-biased AWD system, making it a sharply handling, power-rich wagon with distinct styling.
9. Audi S4 Avant (B5 and B6)
Boasting a design that has stood the test of time, the first S4 Avant came with a brawny bi-turbo V6. Its successor, the B6, took it a notch higher with a 339-hp 4.2-liter V8, which was music to enthusiasts’ ears, especially when paired with a manual transmission.
10. Subaru WRX Wagon
The original WRX made waves in the States, and its “Bug Eye” variant has aged gracefully despite initial controversy. Though its body style evolved, the first WRX wagon remains iconic.
11. Volvo V50 T5 R-Design
Sharing its platform with the agile Mazda3, the Volvo V50 T5 R-Design offered both style and substance. With solid drivetrain options and a striking design, it remains a standout wagon.
12. Volkswagen Passat W8
Packing an unusual W8 engine into a midsize family wagon, Volkswagen delivered a vehicle as eccentric as it was powerful, especially in its manual configuration.
13. Audi Allroad Quattro (1999-2005)
Marrying off-road capability with Audi’s elegant A6 Avant, the Allroad Quattro featured adjustable air suspension and off-road tweaks to deliver a versatile, robust wagon experience.
14. Porsche Taycan Cross and GTS Sport Turismo
Offering electric power with sleek styling, the Taycan Sport Turismo pairs blistering performance with part-wagon, part-sports car aesthetics. The Cross Turismo adds a rugged flair but maintains the core dynamism of the Taycan family.
15. Volvo V60 T8 Polestar Engineered
Combining PHEV technology with performance and the legendary Polestar tuning, the V60 T8 Polestar Engineered stands as a high-point in modern wagon design.
16. Lexus IS 300 Sportcross
Blending youthful appeal with practicality, the IS 300 Sportcross (neither true sedan nor full wagon) offered a fresh, unique flavor to Lexus’ lineup.
17. Saab 9-5 Aero Sport Combi
Packing up to 250 hp in a quirky but performance-oriented package, the Saab 9-5 Aero Sport Combi may split opinions, but its rarity and unique design land it among the coolest wagons ever made.
18. BMW 3 Series Wagon
From the early E46 to the modern iterations, BMW 3 Series wagons have consistently brought sporty driving dynamics into a practical format, especially in models featuring M Sport packages.
Conclusion
Wagons have evolved from their humdrum origins into some of the most exciting and versatile vehicles on the market. Whether through high-performance engineering or innovative design, they combine the best of both worlds: the thrill of driving and the convenience of spacious interiors. For those uninitiated into the cult of the wagon, now might be the perfect time to discover what all the fuss is about—before they vanish once more.
