Isbark.com

You could count on both hands the performance wagons that are available today. It’s an understaffed but beloved segment that was thriving in the early 2000s, but now consists of a handful of performance wagons offered by an even smaller number of manufacturers.

While few in number, the wagons available in 2025 are mighty machines that, unless weight is their Achilles heel, offer impressive performance not too far from their sedan counterparts. Still, this has been the case for years, and with the scarcity of these often spacious, almost always exciting wagons today, we’ve set our sights on some of the older members of this segment that will always be cool.

Alfa Romeo 156 GTA Sportwagon

Production: 2000–2005

The Busso engine deserved more. Instead of sulking, let’s move on to one of the last cars ever to use that vocal V6: the Alfa Romeo 156. Introduced in the late 1990s as a compact executive sedan, the Alfa Romeo 156 lineup eventually saw the introduction of a high-performance offshoot called the Alfa Romeo 156 GTA. This model was also offered as a station wagon, powered by the same athletic V6 engine but with greater trunk space.

An all-wheel-drive version, called the Alfa Romeo 156 Sportwagon Q4, debuted near the end of the 156 range. This version benefited from the addition of three differentials, a raised ride height, and unique wheels.

Audi RS2 Avant

Production: 1994–1995

The Audi RS2 Avant was a gem, and that isn’t an overstatement. This German wagon from the 90s was the lovechild of Audi and Porsche, powered by what was Audi’s most powerful turbocharged five-cylinder engine. It was the first RS model and would be succeeded by the RS 4 Avant. However, until that model arrived, the RS2 Avant was a 311-hp wagon with an engine developed by Porsche, and it was as quick to 60 mph as the 996-gen Porsche 911.

Not only did Porsche have a hand in the RS2 Avant’s engine, it was also responsible for designing its braking and suspension systems. The latter offered a 1.6-inch drop in ride height compared to the standard model it was based on. Ultimately, not only would it be remembered as the first RS model, but also as one of the most important models to wear the RS badge.

Audi C5 RS 6 Avant

Production: 2002–2004

It would be eight years between the first Audi RS model and this, the Audi RS6 Avant. Unlike the RS2 Avant and RS4 Avant, which utilized a five-cylinder and V6 engine, respectively, the Audi RS6 Avant featured a powerful V8 engine, shared with its sedan counterpart. Based on the same platform as the A6, this high-performance offspring featured independent suspension with a four-link system at the front axle.

At the same time, the rear was supported by a double wishbone suspension system that contributed to its lowered ride height and was also assisted by its Dynamic Ride Control system, which adjusted the pressure in the dampers to achieve optimal handling. It was only in production for two years, with roughly 8,000 examples produced. Still, near the end of its life, a limited-edition high-performance variant was introduced, called the Audi RS 6 Avant Plus, which had even more power and better handling.

BMW E61 M5 Touring

Production: 2007–2010

Only two BMW models have ever used a V10 engine. Those were the BMW M5 and BMW M6, specifically the E60/E61 M5 and the E63/E64 M6. The E61 M5 Touring is the only V10-powered wagon BMW has ever produced, and it was one of the heaviest, weighing 4,398 lbs, albeit that’s far less than the current M5 Touring, which weighs 5,390 lbs.

However, that weight was the result of a longer, wider body that has a cargo volume of 436 gallons. Alongside impressive cargo space was a potent powertrain that consisted of the sonorous – yet infamous for its issues – S85 V10 engine paired with a sequential seven-speed transmission. These are unbelievably rare M models, with just over 1,000 units made available worldwide.

Cadillac CTS-V Wagon

Production: 2010–2014

Following the debut of the second-generation Cadillac CTS-V, the model range was expanded in 2010 with the introduction of a station wagon that shared the same power and athleticism as the sedan variant. While it shared the same supercharged V8 engine, its physique was altered, characterized by a new V-shaped deck and tailgate motif, vertical tail lights, an electric liftgate, an integrated roof spoiler, and you could option it with a panoramic sunroof.

Reporting the efforts of its mighty V8 engine was a dual exhaust system that culminated in a pair of three-inch exhaust tips, serving as defining features of its rear. Although larger than the sedan, it was supported by Cadillac’s Magnetic Ride Control system, which was the world’s fastest-reacting suspension system, offering enough poise to keep its hulking frame steady through corners. Meanwhile, large Brembo brakes provided ample stopping power, with the sum of all its hardcore parts culminating in the best Cadillac for everyday use.

Dodge Magnum SRT8

Production: 2005–2008

They don’t make ’em like they used to. Imagine, for a second, that today we heard news that Dodge plans to build a station wagon powered by one of its most powerful V8 engines, capable of converting it into one of the most prolific muscle cars available today. That was the reality for enthusiasts in 2005 when news broke that the Dodge Magnum SRT8 was showcased at the 2005 Los Angeles Auto Show.

There were other derivatives in the lineup, but the SRT8, fettled by Dodge’s Street and Racing Technology, imbued this range-topping Magnum derivative with improved components like firmer suspension, larger brakes, and its Hemi V8 engine.

Jaguar XFR-S SportBrake

Production: 2014 -2015

In 2012, Jaguar unveiled an R-S version of the Jaguar XF called the Jaguar XFR-S. While some might not be familiar with this model, it was, in essence, a high-performance version of the British automaker’s XF sedan. Shortly after the arrival of this model, Jaguar would introduce another R-S model that was based on the Jaguar XF, but configured as a station wagon, and offered the same potent go-faster hardware. This included the 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine tucked under its bulbous hood that allowed the Jaguar XFR-S Shooting Brake the ability to reach 60 mph from a standstill in nearly 4.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 186 mph.

Its powertrain was significantly revised and improved to allow for a nearly 40-hp bump in its total output compared to the vanilla XFR. For this application, its suspension system was overhauled, with an active rear suspension system introduced to accommodate the added weight over the rear axle, resulting in improved turn-in ability and poise. Ultimately, this would be remembered as a mighty performance wagon, the likes of which are absent in the automaker’s modern lineup.

Lexus IS300 SportCross

Production: 2002–2005

Two years after the debut of the first-generation Lexus IS 300, Lexus introduced the Lexus IS 300 SportCross wagon that relied on the same naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE inline-six engine that powered the rear wheels. Still, they could also be optioned in all-wheel drive. While an automatic transmission was the only option available in this model, a five-speed manual transmission was later added.

However, the SportCross was not offered with this transmission. Regardless, these were impressive and appealing options when they were in production, leveraging the beloved 2JZ inline six engine in a visually appealing wagon format. The SportCross remained in production until the end of the first-generation Lexus IS 300.

Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Estate

Production: 2010–2013

Don’t you miss Mercedes-Benz’s 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 that sent shivers down everyone’s spine and characterized some of the automaker’s most prolific performance models? That same V8 engine would eventually find itself under the hood of the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Estate, introduced in 2010, which offered more cargo space than the BMW E61 M5 Touring and demanded more power from its power unit. Supporting its aggressively styled physique was the AMG Ride Control sport suspension system that relied on electronically controlled dampers and a new front axle.

This configuration offered impressive poise and handling capabilities to this German performance wagon. It also employed a new power steering system designed to achieve a more direct steering feel, which was achieved by the use of a speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering system. Today, it is remembered as one of the best performance wagons ever that can be had for roughly $50,000.

Volvo 850 R

Production: 1996–1997

This is arguably one of the most noteworthy and well-known performance wagons ever created. The Volvo 850 R was introduced in 1996 as a replacement for the Volvo T-5R and was also based on that car. Compared to the five-cylinder engine in the T5-R, the 850 R’s five-cylinder relied on a larger turbocharger, an ECU revision, and a handful of other modifications to achieve its nearly 250-hp output. For a limited time, Volvo offered a beefier manual transmission that worked alongside a viscous coupling, limited-slip differential.

Interestingly, because of emissions regulations in Italy, the Volvo 850 R was diluted and offered with a less potent engine. Although it had the makings of a family car, it was anything but, considering it had a notoriously untamed ride, and the engine wasn’t something you’d call docile. Still, this would ultimately be remembered as one of the best performance station wagons ever and cemented as a highlight in the Swedish automaker’s history.

Sources: Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Lexus, Mercedes-AMG, Volvo, Jaguar, Dodge, Alfa Romeo, Collecting Cars