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20 Times a Wagon Was Cooler Than a Coupe

Cameron Eittreim June 21, 2025

Throughout automotive history, wagons have often been underestimated—overshadowed by their sleeker coupe counterparts. Yet, from the bustling streets of Europe to adventurous American highways, wagons have repeatedly proven their worth. Their practicality, expansive cargo space, and family-friendly designs make them versatile icons. But beyond utility, wagons have stunned the world with their surprising speed, striking aesthetics, and cult status.
In this article, we celebrate 20 unforgettable moments when wagons didn’t just compete with coupes—they stole the spotlight, proving that coolness can come with a roofline that stretches just a bit further.

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1. Audi RS6 Avant Outsprints Sports Coupes

The Audi RS6 Avant is a perfect example of a wagon redefining cool. With a turbocharged V8 under the hood, this wagon blitzes past many revered coupes—matching the acceleration of a Porsche 911 while offering seating for five and a cavernous trunk.
Its blend of supercar performance and everyday usability has made it a cult favorite among enthusiasts, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice practicality for power.
Source: Top Gear

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2. Volvo 850 T-5R: The Racing Square

The Volvo 850 T-5R shattered stereotypes about wagons with its daring entry into motorsport. Its unmistakable boxy silhouette became an icon in the British Touring Car Championship, where it ran rings around sleeker coupes on the racetrack.
Not only was it strikingly practical, but its high-performance turbo engine and racing pedigree made it a legend among enthusiasts. The 850 T-5R proved that a family-friendly wagon could earn respect—and even admiration—on the world’s toughest circuits.
Source: MotorTrend

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3. Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon: The Family Rocket

The Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon defies expectations with its rare blend of luxury, space, and jaw-dropping performance. Packing over 600 horsepower, this wagon launches from zero to sixty in under 3.5 seconds—quicker than many celebrated coupes.
Yet, it offers a lavish interior and the cargo space needed for family adventures or daily errands. The E63 S Wagon is proof that you can have supercar speed, executive comfort, and practical utility all in one irresistible package.
Source: Car and Driver

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4. Subaru Outback: The Adventure Icon

The Subaru Outback has become synonymous with outdoor adventure, thanks to its rugged construction and standard all-wheel drive. Whether traversing snowy mountains or muddy trails, the Outback is a staple for explorers who need more versatility than any coupe could dream of offering.
Its spacious interior and dependable engineering make it a trusted companion for camping, kayaking, and road trips—cementing its status as the ultimate adventure wagon.
Source: Edmunds

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5. BMW M5 Touring: The Ultimate Sleeper

The BMW M5 Touring stands out as a true “sleeper” car—packing supercar performance into a wagon body that looks almost ordinary. Its rarity makes it even more coveted, as only select markets were lucky enough to receive this high-powered hauler.
With the heart of a sports machine and the subtlety of a family wagon, the M5 Touring is often more exclusive—and surprising—than its coupe siblings, turning heads for those who know what’s under the hood.
Source: Road & Track

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6. Tesla Model S Long Range: Electric Wagon Versatility

Tesla Model S shooting brake conversions have electrified the wagon world, merging the speed and innovation of a coupe with the practicality of a family hauler. These custom builds offer blistering acceleration, long-range capability, and eco-friendly credentials—qualities few traditional coupes can match.
With a spacious, versatile interior and futuristic powertrain, the Model S wagon showcases how electric vehicles can redefine cool, making sustainability and performance go hand in hand.
Source: Jalopnik

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7. Cadillac CTS-V Wagon: The Muscle Car Hauler

The Cadillac CTS-V Wagon rewrote the rules for American muscle, boasting a supercharged V8 and a rare manual transmission option. This wagon delivers the raw, tire-shredding thrills of a classic muscle coupe—plus enough space for the whole family and their gear.
Its bold styling and thunderous power made it a cult favorite, turning heads wherever it roared. For enthusiasts, the CTS-V Wagon is the ultimate blend of muscle car spirit and wagon practicality.
Source: Hagerty

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8. Jaguar XFR-S Sportbrake: British Brute

The Jaguar XFR-S Sportbrake is a rare sight, but its supercharged V8 and agile chassis set it apart from the crowd. This British wagon delivers coupe-like speed and sharp handling, yet offers far more cargo space than any coupe could dream of.
Its exclusivity and muscular performance have earned it a loyal following among enthusiasts seeking something truly unique—blending practicality with the classic allure of a Jaguar performance machine.
Source: Autocar

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9. Volkswagen Golf R Variant: Hot Hatch, Extended

2022 volkswagen golf r wagon press kit golf r wagon 002 — Image Credit: Creative Commons

The Volkswagen Golf R Variant takes everything enthusiasts love about the hot hatch and stretches it into wagon territory. With all-wheel drive, a turbocharged engine, and razor-sharp handling, it’s quick enough to embarrass many coupes.
Add in the practicality of a larger cargo area and flexible seating, and this wagon becomes the ultimate do-it-all machine—proving that performance and real-world usability don’t have to be mutually exclusive.
Source: CarBuzz

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10. Ferrari GTC4Lusso: Prancing Horse, Wagon Spirit

Ferrari gtc4lusso 5692 40 — Image Credit: Creative Commons

The Ferrari GTC4Lusso reimagines the wagon as pure automotive exotica. With a thunderous V12 engine and advanced all-wheel drive, this shooting brake delivers breathtaking performance—yet offers a roomy, practical layout.
It’s a true grand tourer for those who demand both speed and everyday usability, proving even the most prestigious marques recognize the allure of a wagon shape. The GTC4Lusso is a rare fusion of passion, luxury, and versatility.
Source: Evo

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11. Mercedes-Benz 300TD: Diesel Durability

Mercedes benz 300td station wagon 1600x1063 — Image Credit: Creative Commons

The Mercedes-Benz 300TD wagon is legendary for its unmatched durability and timeless practicality. Powered by a reliable diesel engine, these wagons have become known for racking up hundreds of thousands of miles—outlasting many coupes by decades.
Beloved by families and collectors alike, the 300TD is a testament to what a wagon can endure and accomplish as a daily workhorse.
Source: Hemmings

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12. Subaru WRX Wagon: Rally Roots for Real Life

2003 subaru impreza wrx wagon img 1222 4 98030 — Image Credit: Wiki Media

The Subaru WRX Wagon channels the brand’s rally-bred spirit into a package that’s both thrilling and practical. With a turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive, it delivers exhilarating performance on twisty roads and confidence in all weather conditions.
Unlike most coupes, the WRX wagon also offers generous cargo space and seating for the family, making it a true enthusiast’s car you can live with every day.
Source: Car and Driver

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13. Buick Roadmaster Estate: American Icon

1994 buick roadmaster estate wagon 57 lt 1 11 — Image Credit: Wiki Media

The Buick Roadmaster Estate is a rolling symbol of American automotive nostalgia. With its V8 power, classic wood paneling, and enormous cargo space, the Roadmaster outshines most coupes in both sentimentality and day-to-day usefulness.
This wagon evokes memories of epic road trips and family adventures, all while delivering the muscle and comfort that made it a favorite for generations.
Source: Autoblog

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14. Volvo V90 Cross Country: Scandinavian Swank

The Volvo V90 Cross Country is a masterclass in Scandinavian design, blending luxury, state-of-the-art safety features, and surprising off-road capability. Its raised ride height and all-wheel drive let it go places coupes simply can’t follow, without sacrificing comfort or style.
This wagon bridges the gap between refined estate and rugged crossover, making it a smart and stylish choice for families and adventurers alike.
Source: Car and Driver

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15. Dodge Magnum SRT8: Mopar Muscle Wagon

2008 Dodge Magnum Srt8 — Image Credit: Wiki Media

The Dodge Magnum SRT8 injected raw Mopar muscle into the wagon world with its rumbling HEMI V8 and unmistakably aggressive styling. It delivered true muscle car performance, yet provided room for five passengers and a trunk fit for a family road trip.
With bold lines and a soundtrack to match, the Magnum SRT8 proved you could have all the excitement of a classic coupe—in a package built for real life.
Source: MotorTrend

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16. Audi Allroad: The Quattro Utility

1280px 2014 Audi A6 Allroad Tdi Quattro Automatic 3.0 Front — Image Credit: Wiki Media

The Audi Allroad combines signature quattro all-wheel drive with the style and comfort of a luxury wagon. Its raised suspension and rugged cladding make it perfect for tackling rough roads and unpredictable weather—territory where most coupes simply can’t compete.
With a premium interior and clever cargo solutions, the Allroad is a go-anywhere, do-anything wagon that delivers versatility and refinement in equal measure.
Source: Edmunds

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17. BMW 3 Series Touring: The Driver’s Wagon

The BMW 3 Series Touring delivers the engaging handling and sporty dynamics BMW is famous for, but with a level of practicality coupes just can’t match. Its spacious cargo area and versatile seating make it the go-to choice for driving enthusiasts who need more from their daily ride.
This beloved wagon proves you can have genuine fun behind the wheel without sacrificing everyday usability.
Source: Autocar

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18. Peugeot 508 SW: French Flair and Function

6 peugeot 508 sw hybrid hibrido enchufable movilidadhoy — Image Credit: Wiki Media

The Peugeot 508 SW combines elegant French design with the practicality only a wagon can offer. Its sleek lines and luxurious interior rival those of any coupe, yet it boasts a spacious cargo area and versatile layout.
For drivers who crave style without compromising on function, the 508 SW is proof that wagons can be as desirable as they are usable.
Source: Top Gear

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19. Toyota Camry Wagon: Everyday Hero

1995 toyota camry 4 dr le wagon pic 4943080212493806114 — Image Credit: Creative Commons

The Toyota Camry Wagon is the embodiment of unpretentious reliability and family-friendly practicality. Known for its legendary dependability, this wagon quietly outperformed coupes in real-world usefulness, offering generous space for both passengers and cargo.
While not flashy, the Camry Wagon became an everyday hero for countless families—proof that greatness often comes in practical, humble packages.
Source: MotorTrend

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20. Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo: The Luxury Speed Hauler

Photo credit: car & driver — Image Credit: Creative Commons

The Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo is the ultimate blend of performance, luxury, and practicality. With its blistering acceleration and agile handling, it stands shoulder to shoulder with Porsche’s sportiest coupes—while its wagon body offers generous space for passengers and cargo.
This model proves that you truly can have it all: speed, sophistication, and everyday usability.

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20 Times a Wagon Was Cooler Than a Coupe

1. Audi RS6 Avant Outsprints Sports Coupes

2. Volvo 850 T-5R: The Racing Square

3. Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon: The Family Rocket

4. Subaru Outback: The Adventure Icon

5. BMW M5 Touring: The Ultimate Sleeper

6. Tesla Model S Long Range: Electric Wagon Versatility

7. Cadillac CTS-V Wagon: The Muscle Car Hauler

8. Jaguar XFR-S Sportbrake: British Brute

9. Volkswagen Golf R Variant: Hot Hatch, Extended

10. Ferrari GTC4Lusso: Prancing Horse, Wagon Spirit

11. Mercedes-Benz 300TD: Diesel Durability

12. Subaru WRX Wagon: Rally Roots for Real Life

13. Buick Roadmaster Estate: American Icon

14. Volvo V90 Cross Country: Scandinavian Swank

15. Dodge Magnum SRT8: Mopar Muscle Wagon

16. Audi Allroad: The Quattro Utility

17. BMW 3 Series Touring: The Driver’s Wagon

18. Peugeot 508 SW: French Flair and Function

19. Toyota Camry Wagon: Everyday Hero

20. Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo: The Luxury Speed Hauler

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