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As soon as upon a time in America, station wagons have been the best factor on 4 wheels. With sweeping fenders, chrome for days, and area for the entire neighborhood, they dominated the highway. Then got here the minivans… then the crossovers… and someplace alongside the way in which, we misplaced the plot. Which is a disgrace, actually, as a result of the common-or-garden station wagon may simply be the last word all-around automobile.
With their lengthy, elegant traces and just-right mixture of practicality and efficiency, wagons have a means of balancing kind and performance like few others. And at this time, we’re celebrating them for one easy purpose: they give the impression of being superior. So my fellow American client, in case your crossover leaves you chilly, open your self as much as the world of killer station wagons.
Our Choice Course of
Let’s be sincere — what makes a automotive handsome is completely subjective. That’s a part of the enjoyable. This record isn’t primarily based on spec sheets or resale worth; it’s constructed on private expertise, a little bit of nostalgia, and a deep appreciation for the long-roof life.
I’ve spent a lifetime loving station wagons—from childhood rides in an ’80s Buick Electra Property to maturity behind the wheel of a Volvo V70R and a Saab 9-5 Aero. I’ve learn the critiques, lived with the quirks, and possibly daydreamed about extra wagons than most individuals can identify. When a mannequin actually caught with me—or with the broader fanatic crowd—it earned a spot right here.
I’ve additionally nodded to revered voices within the automotive world after they put it higher than I ever might. However make no mistake: this can be a ardour venture. A love letter to the long-roof heroes that turned heads, raised eyebrows, and made sensible look cool.
So, no — there’s no scientific components behind this record. Simply years of expertise, a well-worn set of automotive keys, and a smooth spot for wagons that make you do a double take.
Volvo V70R
The second-gen Volvo V70R, constructed within the mid-aughts, is an instance of the right station wagon and an simply forgotten cool automotive. Its crisp traces have been discreet indicators of how particular it’s. Observe the refined entrance air dam, the Pegasus 5-spoke alloys, and the roofline spoiler.
Squat down to soak up the Brembo brakes clamped by calipers branded with the letter R. As The Fact About Vehicles says, the V70R’s lowered stance and twin-tip exhaust make clear the “adrenal agenda” of this 300-horse turbocharged Swedish sled.
Alfa Romeo Ti 159 Sportwagon
Europeans get all of the cool wagons, and the Alfa Romeo 159 Ti in Sportwagon guise is a first-rate instance. Once I first laid eyes on one, my thoughts instantly started scheming methods to get it Stateside. The entrance finish is simply so menacing with that sharp-edged Scudetto grille flanked by a pair of triple headlights and round fogs tucked low within the corners.
Deep hood creases sweep again to a tidy rear finish, and beautiful 19” multi-spoke alloys tie all of it collectively. Little surprise the 159 received the Fleet World Honours Design Award in 2006.
Dodge Magnum SRT8
Earlier than Dodge went full-bore into bro territory, it created the comparatively refined Magnum wagon, top-of-the-line used wagons below $30,000 at this time. The SRT8 variant leaned into European sleeper territory, shortly turning into fanatic catnip.
A broad entrance finish with a deep entrance spoiler whetted the whistle, however chunky staggered-width 20s have been one of the best half. With a low roofline and excessive beltline, these Magnums regarded unbelievable, helped alongside by the ½” decrease experience peak in comparison with base fashions. SRT badging with crimson quantity 8s accomplished the package deal.
Nissan Stagea 260RS Autech
Occupying the realm of JDM unobtanium is the Nissan Stagea 260RS Autech wagon, a traditional import poised to leap in worth. If the common Stagea is neato, the Autech mannequin is radical. Trying each bit the GT-R station wagon that Nissan by no means created, these Stageas are onerous to overlook with boxy traces, fats aspect skirts, and a wild rear spoiler.
Extra fashion factors are awarded for the Autech Model entrance grille badge and lovely Autech-exclusive wheels with Stagea S emblem heart caps fashioned by a pair of unicorn graphics.
Subaru Legacy GT
One other killer Japanese station wagon that truly did make it into the palms of American shoppers is the Subaru Legacy GT — particularly the fourth-generation collection. It was the uncommon automobile that truly regarded higher with a hood scoop.
Clear traces, good-looking 17” alloy wheels, a rear roofline spoiler, and twin exhaust shops have been the few visible giveaways that this was the range-topping Legacy circa 2006. With the Legacy GT, it’s these unassuming design cues that make it so onerous to withstand on the few events they’re noticed within the wild.
Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo
“So slippery it appears to be like alive” are the phrases utilized by Jalopnik to explain the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo. Very apt. Allow us to additionally keep in mind this can be a Porsche station wagon with an obtainable 4.0L twin-turbo V8, good for a heady 690 horsepower in hybrid kind.
That’s good, however Jalopnik’s use of descriptors like “flawless” and “ravishing magnificence” are what earns the Panamera Sport Turismo a spot on this record. Given the 56” peak, sheet metallic that seems draped over the physique, and elective 21” 911 Turbo Design wheels, I couldn’t agree extra.
Mercury Nation Cruiser
Going again a number of a long time from the Panamera, get a load of the 1960 Mercury Nation Cruiser. This, buddies, is a hardtop station wagon. They don’t make ‘em like they used to — as a result of the roof would collapse in a rollover — however oh my, there isn’t a higher strategy to imbue a wagon with beauty than by eliminating the B pillar.
That, together with the 4 particular person headlights, enormous wrap-around rear glass, and chrome-coated tail lamp pods. Bonus factors for the sweep of fake wooden paneling on Colony Park fashions.
Buick Electra Property
Buick has constructed many glorious wagons over time, and no disrespect to the swagger of Dax Shepherd’s 700-horse Roadmaster, however I’m keen on the Electra Property that marked the efficient finish of GM wagons within the late Nineteen Eighties. Is that this as a result of I grew up in a single? Maybe. However let’s check out one among these previous bricks.
Tremendous lengthy with an upright entrance grille, turbine-style wheels, and a chromed roof rack ending in a fats spoiler. Positive, the wheezebag 5.0L V8 solely made 140 horsepower, however there’s no denying these massive Buicks had fashion in spades.
Audi RS6 Avant
Within the restricted fashionable area of station wagons, none look higher than the all-time German sleeper Audi RS6 Avant. You don’t should be a gearhead to understand this wagon is one thing particular. So menacing on the highway with ultra-wide fenders, an enormous frontend seeming to almost scrape the pavement, and the fats oval exhausts out again.
Even the Audi laser mild headlights add panache to this uber-wagon. Although for max visible affect, it’s onerous to outdo an RS6 Avant completed in Sebring Black Crystal Impact with elective 22” Y-spoke alloys.
Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG
As with all the good wagons, there are many Mercedes E-Class AMG station wagon generations to select from. However I’m keen on the S210 collection E55 with its easy, rounded traces, refined AMG bodykit, and staggered-width 18” Monoblocks tucked neatly below the wheel arches.
That chromed twin-tip exhaust doesn’t damage. Completely proportioned, it’s doable this coronary heart has grown fonder for these E55 AMGs as a result of Mercedes by no means noticed match to promote them in America.
Ford Focus ST Wagon
Nothing in opposition to the latest Ford Focus ST wagon, however the Mk3 variant? It’s higher wanting. These 5-spoke Y-design rims are what automotive desires are made from. Sharp creases galore, much less bulgy than the brand new one, and with that twin-tip heart exhaust? Sure, please.
Can’t neglect concerning the gloss black mesh entrance grille and refined ST badges. Now if solely Ford would stuff the RS gear in right here…
Alpina B10 V8 S Touring
The BMW 5-Collection Touring is a wagon that wants no introduction. However with so many to select from, which one is one of the best? For me, it’s the E39 by Alpina, formally generally known as the B10 V8 S Touring.
Alpina Inexperienced paint, the must-have Deco-Set physique stripes in gold, and people signature 20-spoke wheels. Heavens to Betsy! Few do the sleeper factor higher than Alpina, and with the E39 Touring, it’d simply be perfection.
Alfa Romeo 156 GTA Sportwagon
Together with its innate Italian capability to design head-turning station wagons, Alfa Romeo is aware of what’s up relating to wheels. The 156 GTA Sportwagon, a glossy long-roof if ever there was one, supplied so many robust wheel designs, however the setup with 10 teardrop-shaped perforations is my decide for the best look.
Ever so barely deep-dished out again, they excel within the fashion division, complemented by a physique package that hugs the bottom, sharp entrance lip, and “extractor fin” rear fascia.
Audi S4 Avant
The primary time I laid eyes on a B6 Audi A4 Avant, I needed to have one. That dream has but to come back true, however I nonetheless stroll into bushes once I see one on the highway. Is it the 18” Avus wheels, the color-keyed door sill blades, or that 20 mm lowered experience peak? Sure.
The massive 4.2L V8 isn’t so unhealthy both, however discover one in Nogaro Blue, settle in to gaze upon the brushed aluminum aspect mirrors, and end up in station wagon paradise.
Volkswagen Passat VR6 Wagon
The VW household is aware of the way to make a great-looking station wagon, and for the Sixth-gen Passat, it crushed the design transient. Usually, I can’t say chrome is my jam, however on the 2008 Passat VR6 wagon, the shiny entrance finish works.
It ties in with the brightwork across the home windows and down the physique sides, bringing the entire thing collectively. The contoured headlights and large crimson and clear tails leap out. I’ll take mine in Twister Purple with the 18” Samarkand wheels, please and thanks.
Volvo V60 Polestar Engineered
Volvo’s first-gen V60 Polestar has one of the best blue finishes, nevertheless it’s the second-gen variant that hits a house run within the styling division. Automotive and Driver says this highly effective PHEV “wears its fashion effectively”, which is spot on.
Solely eagle-eyed lovers will discover the sq. white Polestar Engineered badges, gold-finished brake calipers with matching seat belts, and Öhlins dampers that require greater than a passing look to take pleasure in. In live performance with the old-school Swedish brick-like traces, it simply WORKS.
BMW M3 Touring
I’m no fan of BMW’s monster kidney grille of late, however on the M3 Touring, I’ve to grudgingly admit I dig it. On this first-ever 5-door M3 wagon, mentioned kidneys are frameless, which I believe helps, however maybe the additional size of this wickedly styled station wagon helps dampen the garishness of the grille.
All is forgiven when you get a have a look at the flared fenders, the staggered-width basketweave wheels — sporting 285 section-width rubber out again — and the bladed rear diffuser with quad exhaust cannons. Aggressive.
Volkswagen Golf R Property
Volkswagen simply unveiled the most recent Golf R Property, and it’s good, however I’m keen on the Mk7 variant. Particularly, an Property completed in Lapiz Blue with the chunky 18” Cadiz wheels. Like its Audi brethren, the aluminum mirror caps look so good on the R wagon, as do the matching roof rails.
Subtly flared wheel arches and a pair of twin-tip exhaust shops end the look on this splendidly squared-off station wagon.
A Wagon For Everybody
Deciding what constitutes a handsome station wagon is solely a private choice. Whereas I’ll routinely salivate on the sight of a brand new V90, some may even see only a strange-looking Volvo. The excellent news is, station wagons are available in sufficient types to please nearly anybody.
They could be fewer and additional between lately, however have a look round and also you is likely to be stunned at what you discover.
