Station wagons may have taken a backseat to modern SUVs, but they still have their unique charm. In fact, wagons often outshine SUVs in areas like handling, performance, and practicality. Over the years, some station wagons have been engineered to deliver jaw-dropping speed and power that rival the best sports cars in the world.
This list highlights ten incredible wagons that combine practicality with astonishing performance. Some were mainstays of the market, while others made only a brief but unforgettable appearance.
Cadillac CTS-V Wagon
The Cadillac CTS-V Wagon, introduced in 2010, is nothing short of legendary. It remains the world’s most powerful production wagon with a manual transmission. Powered by a 6.2-liter LSA V8 engine, it produces an astonishing 556 horsepower and 551 lb-ft of torque.
Derived from the LS9 engine found in the Chevrolet C6 Corvette ZR1, the CTS-V Wagon could hit a blistering top speed of 190 mph, cementing its place as one of the wildest wagons ever made.
Mercedes-Benz E450 All-Terrain
Mercedes-Benz has a knack for creating high-performance wagons, and the E450 All-Terrain is no exception. Its turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six produces 362 horsepower, enabling it to sprint from 0-60 mph in just 5.3 seconds.
Despite its size and weight, the E450 offers a surprising highway fuel economy of 28 MPG. This makes it a perfect combination of power, efficiency, and practicality for wagon enthusiasts.
Dodge Magnum SRT8
The Dodge Magnum SRT8 takes the concept of a high-performance wagon to a whole new level. It packs a naturally aspirated 6.1-liter Hemi V8 engine that delivers 425 horsepower.
In addition to its powerful engine, the SRT8 features upgraded suspension, larger Brembo brakes, and bold 20-inch wheels. This wagon wasn’t just fast—it was a statement piece.
Dax Shepard’s 1994 Buick Roadmaster Wagon
At first glance, the 1994 Buick Roadmaster Wagon doesn’t seem like a powerhouse. But Top Gear America host Dax Shepard turned this classic wagon into a performance monster by swapping its stock 5.7-liter V8 for a 6.2-liter supercharged LSA crate engine.
The result? A jaw-dropping 550 horsepower that transformed the Roadmaster Wagon into a sleeper with performance to match modern sports cars.
Brabus Mercedes-AMG E63 850 6.0
When Brabus gets its hands on a Mercedes, the results are always spectacular. The Brabus Mercedes-AMG E63 850 6.0 is a prime example, taking the already impressive E63 AMG wagon and pushing it into supercar territory.
Brabus upgraded the 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 to churn out an incredible 850 horsepower and 1,069 lb-ft of torque. This powerhouse wagon boasts a 0-60 mph time of just 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 217 mph, making it a true beast on wheels.
Porsche Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo
The Porsche Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo redefines what an electric station wagon can be. With its dual-motor setup, the Turbo S version generates a staggering 761 horsepower, allowing it to rocket from 0-60 mph in just 2.7 seconds.
Not only is it blisteringly fast, but the Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo also delivers practicality and cutting-edge technology, making it one of the most impressive electric wagons on the market today.
Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo
Alpina has long been known for turning BMWs into something extraordinary, and the Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo is no exception. Based on the 5 Series Touring, this wagon features a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces an impressive 608 horsepower.
The B5 Bi-Turbo can sprint from 0-60 mph in just 3.7 seconds, combining luxury, practicality, and jaw-dropping performance in one sleek package.
BMW M3 Touring
After years of anticipation, BMW finally released the M3 Touring, bringing the iconic M3’s performance to the station wagon segment. Under the hood, it features a 3.0-liter S58 inline-six engine, delivering 503 horsepower in the Competition variant.
With a 0-60 mph time of just 3.4 seconds, the M3 Touring blends practicality with the thrills of a high-performance sports car. While it’s not available in the U.S., it remains a dream car for wagon enthusiasts worldwide.
Jaguar XFR-S Sportbrake
Jaguar may be best known for its luxury sedans and coupes, but the XFR-S Sportbrake proves the brand’s capability in the station wagon arena. This stunning wagon is powered by a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 that produces 542 horsepower.
The XFR-S Sportbrake rockets from 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds and boasts a top speed of 186 mph. With its combination of speed, luxury, and practicality, it’s one of the most impressive wagons Jaguar has ever produced.
Audi RS4 Avant
Audi has a long history of creating powerful station wagons, and the RS4 Avant continues that legacy. Its 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine produces 444 horsepower, paired with Audi’s legendary Quattro all-wheel drive system.
The RS4 Avant can accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 4.1 seconds, making it as quick as many sports cars. Its subtle design belies the performance lurking underneath, making it the perfect sleeper wagon for enthusiasts.
