Is there anything better than a car that can delight family outings, shopping and leisure drives while waiting for the moment when the road is empty to show its power? Meet the top selection of wagons for 2024 that combine performance, practicality and driving pleasure.
If you are a fan of cars that allow you to drive fast without having to give up comfort and spaciousness, they are this year's fast wagonsbut the years are the right choice for you. The combination of practicality and adrenaline-pumping performance offers the best of both worlds. We've tested the latest models, from fuel-efficient hybrids to classic petrol beasts that will wow you with raw horsepower. Here's our list of the best fast family wagons for 2024.
1. BMW M5 Touring
Remember the days when sports cars also meant some compromises in weight and space? The BMW M5 Touring will pleasantly surprise you with its powerful 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, which produces an incredible 727 horsepower (535 kW) and 1000 Nm of torque. This allows it to reach 0-100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 304 km/h. Although it weighs 2,510 kg, it behaves surprisingly agile when driven, almost like a Swiss army knife - useful for everyday tasks, but always ready for the challenge of fast driving.
2. Mercedes-AMG E53 Estate
If you're a fan of Mercedes elegance and power, but don't care for the raw power of old V8 engines, then the new AMG E53 Estate is the perfect choice. With 612 horsepower (450 kW), it accelerates to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, which means that despite the smaller engine, it still offers impressive acceleration. However, it lacks a bit of AMG's sporty soul, so it cannot be compared to the legendary E63.
3. Mercedes CLA45 Shooting Brake
The CLA45 Shooting Brake is the station wagon that brings Mercedes' sporty character to the fore. With an impressive 2.0-liter engine and a power of 420 horsepower (309 kW), it reaches 100 km/h in just 4 seconds. You can take it on an authentic British country rally, enjoying a combination of lightness and ferocious performance.
4. Peugeot 508 SW PSE
The Peugeot 508 SW Sports Engineered combines the elegance of the French brand with the power provided by a hybrid drive. With 360 horsepower (265 kW) and an electric range of around 20 kilometers, it offers you the opportunity to drive peacefully through the city on electric power. But when it's time for pleasure, it shows itself in all its sportiness with an acceleration to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds.
5. BMW M3 Touring
The M3 Touring is one of the most complete cars you can buy if you're willing to accept its somewhat unusual looks. This car combines BMW's legendary driving dynamics with elegance and spaciousness. The 503 horsepower (375 kW) engine provides acceleration that rivals many a sports car, while the interior is designed with comfort and luxury in mind.
6. Audi RS6 Avant GT
If you want a car that looks like it came straight out of an action movie stunt scene, the RS6 Avant GT is the way to go. With 630 horsepower (463 kW) and a top speed of 304 km/h, this Audi shows everything the German automotive industry can achieve. Its extremely wide and aggressive appearance will certainly not go unnoticed.
7. Volkswagen Golf R Estate
The Golf R Estate is the ultimate choice for those looking for performance, but without excessive glitz. With 330 horsepower (243 kW) and four-wheel drive, it looks like it can handle anything thrown its way. Practicality, roominess and easy driving make the Golf R one of the best all-rounders on this list.
8. Audi RS4 Avant Anniversary Edition
For all Audi fans, the RS4 Avant Anniversary Edition is a true tribute to history. Audi has made sure that this is a special version of the RS4 with a bit more power and a lot more character. With 470 horsepower (346 kW) and acceleration to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds, it takes you back to the golden age of fast station wagons.
9. BMW M340i xDrive
If the M3 Touring isn't to your taste, but you still want BMW's six-cylinder engine, the M340i xDrive is a smart choice. With 380 horsepower (280 kW) and friendly fuel consumption, it seems to be perfectly balanced in all respects, both around town and on the open road.
10. Alpina B3
For many years, the Alpina B3 has been known for offering something special. This time, Alpina decided to add some more performance and elegance to their version of the BMW models. With 468 horsepower (344 kW) and superbly tuned suspension, the B3 proves to be a car for those who want something different, but still quite capable.
Conclusion: If someone told you that station wagons are only for families and boring drives, then they definitely haven't sat in one of these cars. These models bring a breath of fresh air to the world of fast cars, offering everything - space, power and speed. So that's our list of the best fast family wagons of 2024!