Yes, there is something about a station wagon that shouts "Labrador!" when you see it. Especially that bulky rear-end, with space intended for a whole junior hockey team plus the family dog. But throughout the years, there have been some standout wagons that have defied the notion of being only a Labrador-carrier.The modern leaders of the pack are the BMW M5 Touring and the Audi RS6 Avant, though you won't get those at a reasonable price. We've rounded up a list of wagons that we think are some of the cooler versions of the auto industry's uncool category of cars.For our list, we've considered any wagons that we would think were cool, or different in some way than their peers. It is by no means a conclusive list, so please feel free to shout out your favorite contributions in the comments. We've ranked them in no particular order. Saab 9-3X Model Years: 2010–2011 Saab 9-3XWhat could be cooler than a svelte Swede in station wagon guise? In its final years, Saab tried everything to get some market traction. Faster than you could say "Husky," the small Swedish automaker beefed up its 9-3 Sport Combi (the station wagon based on the 9-3 Sedan) just as the new craze for crossovers started to take shape at the turn of the century.With four-wheel-drive, a lifted riding height and some extra cladding on the wheel arches, the 9-3X looked cooler than Ray-Bans on Tom Cruise. Just remember your skis on the roof, right? Audi RS2 Avant Model Years: 1994–1995 1993 Audi RS2 Avant As a maker of family cars, Audi has a long history of wagons. But in the mid-1990s, the automaker from Ingolstadt got the great idea to make a performance version of its bigger wagon, based on the humble 80. As Audi, at the time, didn't have all the expertise at hand for performance models, and maybe also to get a bit of marketing traction, a collaboration with nearby Porsche was started. The wagon would be sent to Zuffenhausen to get the Porsche 968 Clubsport's brakes, wheels and tires, plus the uprated 2.2-liter-inline-five from Audi, a six-speed manual, plus new door mirrors. The package was then sent back to Ingolstadt, where the rest of the fitment was done.In today's terms, the performance figures wouldn't really get anyone's attention, but in the mid-1990s these were Ferrari-matching numbers. The RS2, the brand's first RS car, sparked quite some interest, and the limited production run was quickly grabbed up. If anything, we just love those red brake calipers with their "Porsche" branding. How cool is that? Alfa-Romeo 156 GTA Sportwagon Model Years: 2002–2005 Alfa Romeo 156 GTA Sportwagon Alfa Romeo's 156 GTA is one of the best sports sedans ever made, and then the Italians made it even better by offering it as a wagon. Turin knew it had to stand out from the boxy crowd offered by European competitors, so it came up with a timeless design by Walter de Silva that is even today still in fashion. Just look at the smooth lines, no creases, and the hidden rear door handles.It's equipped with the 3.2-liter version of the famous Busso V6 engine. Fitted with broad, low-profile tires, wrapped around a rim with an aggressive spoke pattern, the GTA demanded attention on the school run. Sadly, it was never sold in the USA, although it won't be long before this striking wagon is import eligible — it's 2.5-liter little brother already is. Ford Focus Wagon Model Years: 2000–2007 2003 Ford Focus WagonNot everything things a chunky V-something engine, sports seats, and an aggressive body kit to be cool — sometimes just a well-designed commuter can make the cut, as is evidenced here with Ford's first-gen Focus. Remember Ford's New Edge design language of the late 1990s? The Focus was one of the first to carry the theme, and if you thought it looked quite fine on the hatchback, the longer wagon was a revelation. Up to the B-pillar, everything was standard Focus hatchback. But then the lines extended slightly further, and more horizontal, but luckily not quite too far over the rear wheels. It kept the hatchback's feel of compactness, combined with the new design language's edgy style.As was the case up until the 2000s, the glass house was quite big. That's one thing a modern designer will change today, but the rest is still classic and timeless. And so proportionate. Just look at the beautifully integrated roof rails, the slightly forward angled tailback and compact size. It was a favorite then, and would still be today. RS and GTA-badged wagons are awesome, sure, but also out of reach for many a motorist. The Focus enables the more shallow-pocketed among us to get behind the wheel of a wagon with a bit of style about it, and it certainly makes for a more refreshing choice than just plonking yet another cookie-cutter crossover on the road. Acura TSX Sport Wagon Model Years: 2011–2014 2011 acura tsx sport wagon front1 silverThe Acura TSX sedan was, well, really nice. But in wagon format, Acura really got something right. The interior was spacious with front seats so big and comfortable you could drive coast to coast without wanting to get out. The design was clever, as well. Acura hid the longer rear end quite well with the angled rear hatch, and in all the car looked quite sporty even for a big wagon, which it was.It was only available with a 2.4-liter inline-four, and not the sedan's optional 3.5-liter V6. Not that it matters, because the V6 was never available with a manual gearbox, while the 2.4 could be ordered with a slick-shifting six-speed. Consider this the thinking man's choice when it comes to carefully curated wagons. It slips under the radar, but stands out all at the same time. Mini Clubman Cooper S Model Years: 2009–2014 2008 - 2010 Mini Cooper Works Clubman (1)Let's be honest, BMW has done really well to capture the essence of the classic Mini, presented as a modern, practical hatchback along with its various other iterations in the model lineup. Shortly after the hatchback was presented around the turn of the century, BMW got round to extending the family with new versions, one of which was the Clubman, a modern shooting brake if you like. The Clubman's coup de grâce was, of course, its two rear doors, which opened like a cupboard, and not like a normal hatchback that would swing up to open. BMW did initially produce the Clubman with a 2+1 door design, where there was a half-sized door on one side to aid entry to the rear, but this was ditched for two full-sized doors in later generations.Lesser models were available, but it's the Cooper S you want — just be wary that earlier models did have their fair share of engine woes, namely timing chain trouble. A boosted inline-four took care of propulsion, and the cabin was quintessentially Mini, with retro design language implemented everywhere, and fine, high-quality materials used throughout. Volvo 850 T-5R Estate Model Years: 1994–1996 1996 Volvo 850 T-5R WagonYes, the Swedes' wagons are the archetype of safety, stability and families around Christmas trees. The 850 is no exception to this stereotype, but much like Jekyll and Hyde, it sports a dark side — especially in 'T-5R' guise. In a stroke of marketing genius, Volvo decided to enter an 850 Estate into the very popular British Touring Car Championship. In the late 1990s, this was where Audi A4s and Alfa 156s battled it out. Not a soccer-mom wagon. Kudos to Volvo, though. The big estate hurtled around the tracks and gave a good outing of itself. For the brazenness to race in a wagon, we'll give Volvo all the thumbs up. Jaguar X-Type Sportwagon Model Years: 2005–2008 2008 Jaguar X-Type SportwagonCritics lambasted the new, small Jaguar X-Type as a Ford Mondeo in drag. Which it technically was, as the Brits became part of Ford's Premier Automotive Group. But, just look at the X-Type Sportwagon. It retained the sedan's squarish lines, and up until the B-pillar it was all X-Type sedan.Stateside, the Jag had Ford's Duratec 3.0-liter V6, which was a bit thirsty, but it was worth it because the Mondeo had one of the best chassis in the business at the time. So, while it might not be as svelte as the later XF, it still packs all the character of a proper Jag, and a playful soundtrack to match, but for a laughably low price on today's used market. For lugging kids around, there really is little else that can match the old X-Type for the money. Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo Model Years: 2017–2024 Porsche-Panamera_Sport_Turismo-2018-4This is no slight sports car, but it sure can still accelerate like one, all while keeping the groceries intact in the back. Until a few years back, no-one would've given it a chance that the revered German sports carmaker would try its hand at a station wagon. But, if Ferrari and Rolls-Royce can build an SUV, then Porsche certainly can make a wagon.The Panamera Sport Turismo has a bit of Italian in its name, some Audi RS2 in its long, square looks, and a lot of Stuttgart desirability that we're sure more would admit if they could stay anonymous. It is a practical Porsche, and a great alternative to the Cayennes and Macans of this world, if you're trying to steer away from the all-too-easy SUV route. Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake Model Years: 2012–2018 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake front, three-quarterIt might not have ever made it to American shores, but the CLS Shooting Brake is still worth celebrating. Stuttgart nailed the design of the CLS with that elongated profile that drops elegantly down from the B-pillars to the rear end. Open the tailgate, and you'll find a stunningly beautiful wooden floor with metal strips to load your baggage onto. If it reminds you of a Lake Como boat's deck, you're right. That's where the inspiration came from.The CLS Shooting Brake is a bit more understated than the Audi RS2 and the modern Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo. But with Merc's powerful engines, it still produces the goods — and is efficient. For us, it hits all the right buttons: stunning and unique design, fine touches inside, and a quality brand name. What more would you want?
