Station wagons have long been seen as practical, family-friendly vehicles, but some models have taken bold steps to break away from that image. These 18 station wagons defied convention with their unique designs, blending style, innovation, and performance in ways that turned heads and changed perceptions. From sleek, sporty lines to rugged, off-road capabilities, each one made a lasting impression in the automotive world. Here’s a look at the most striking station wagon designs that dared to be different.
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Volvo 1800 ES (1972-1973)
The Volvo 1800 ES stood out as one of the sleekest station wagons of its time, earning the nickname “shooting brake” for its coupe-like silhouette. Its distinctive curved glass rear hatch was both practical and visually stunning, allowing for easy access to a spacious cargo area. Powered by a reliable 2.0L engine, it delivered 125 horsepower, giving drivers a balanced mix of performance and style. The design broke away from the traditional boxy Volvo look, making it a classic that still attracts attention today.
AMC Eagle Wagon (1980-1987)
As one of the first station wagons to incorporate all-wheel drive, the AMC Eagle Wagon was a pioneer in merging SUV-like capability with family-friendly practicality. Its elevated ground clearance and rugged appearance appealed to adventurers, setting it apart from more traditional, road-bound wagons. It offered versatility for those who needed both off-road capabilities and everyday comfort, a rare combination for its time.
Chevrolet Nomad (1955-1957)
Chevrolet’s Nomad combined the sleek look of a sports car with the utility of a station wagon, something unheard of in the 1950s. The two-door wagon sported a slanted roofline, bold chrome accents, and smooth curves that gave it an unmistakable presence on the road. Beneath its stylish exterior, the Nomad packed a powerful V8 engine, giving it performance capabilities that rivaled many sedans.
Citroën DS Break (1958-1975)
Citroën took the futuristic design of its DS sedan and stretched it into a station wagon format with the DS Break. Known for its hydropneumatic suspension and avant-garde looks, the DS Break defied the conventional boxy wagon shape with its flowing, aerodynamic lines. The unique front fascia and innovative lighting system further set it apart from competitors.
BMW M5 Touring (E34) (1992-1995)
When BMW introduced the M5 Touring, it completely shattered the notion that station wagons couldn’t be high-performance machines. Powered by a 3.8L inline-six engine that produced 335 horsepower, the M5 Touring was capable of reaching 60 mph in just over six seconds. With its aggressive lines and sporty stance, it looked more like a performance sedan than a family hauler.
Saab 95 (1959-1978)
The Saab 95 was a small, quirky station wagon with an aircraft-inspired design that broke the mold of traditional wagons. Its initial two-stroke engine was later upgraded to a V4, offering a unique mechanical experience. The Saab 95’s compact size and sloped rear hatch made it easy to distinguish on the road, while inside, it could seat up to seven people—impressive for its class. Its innovative approach to design and engineering set Saab apart, emphasizing practicality without sacrificing its distinctive Scandinavian flair.
Mercedes-Benz W123 T-Series (1977-1986)
Renowned for its build quality and understated elegance, the Mercedes-Benz W123 T-Series redefined luxury in the station wagon market. Its robust yet refined exterior, coupled with a high level of interior comfort, made it an aspirational choice for families and executives alike. Known for reliability and durability, many W123 wagons are still on the road today, a testament to their engineering.
Audi RS2 Avant (1994-1995)
The Audi RS2 Avant was a groundbreaking station wagon, co-developed with Porsche, that redefined what a performance wagon could be. Its turbocharged 2.2L engine delivered a blistering 311 horsepower, making it one of the fastest wagons of its time. Porsche also lent its expertise to the car’s brakes and suspension, further enhancing its driving dynamics.
Peugeot 504 Break (1969-1983)
The Peugeot 504 Break earned a reputation as an incredibly rugged and versatile station wagon, particularly in regions with harsh driving conditions. It was a popular choice in Africa and the Middle East due to its reliable suspension and ability to handle rough terrain. The design was both practical and elegant, offering plenty of interior space while maintaining a classic European aesthetic. The 504 Break’s blend of style, comfort, and resilience made it a beloved vehicle across various markets.
Dodge Magnum (2005-2008)
The Dodge Magnum was a bold, aggressive take on the station wagon that stood out with its muscle car-inspired design. Featuring a wide grille, sloping roofline, and powerful V8 engine options, the Magnum was as much about performance as it was about practicality. Its muscular appearance was unconventional for a wagon, attracting attention from drivers who wanted a family car that didn’t sacrifice excitement.
Jaguar X-Type Estate (2004-2009)
Jaguar’s X-Type Estate was a luxurious take on the station wagon, blending British refinement with practicality. Its elegant wood and leather-trimmed interior provided a touch of class not often seen in wagons, while its all-wheel drive system offered year-round usability. Although it was not a huge commercial success, the X-Type Estate showcased that Jaguar could take on the family car market without losing its signature style.
Volvo V70 R (2003-2007)
Volvo took its reputation for safety and practicality and added a serious performance twist with the V70 R. Powered by a 300-horsepower turbocharged engine and featuring all-wheel drive, the V70 R could hold its own against many sports cars. Its aggressive stance, large wheels, and signature Volvo styling made it an attractive yet functional family car. Volvo successfully demonstrated that a station wagon could be thrilling to drive without compromising on space or safety.
Subaru Legacy Outback (1994-Present)
The Subaru Legacy Outback was a trailblazer in blending the practicality of a station wagon with the off-road capabilities of an SUV. It introduced raised suspension and rugged styling that appealed to adventure seekers, while still providing the comfort and cargo space of a wagon. All-wheel drive became a standard feature, making the Outback a favorite for those living in areas with harsh weather conditions.
Opel Insignia Sports Tourer (2008-Present)
Opel redefined station wagon design with the Insignia Sports Tourer, offering a sleek, aerodynamic profile that emphasized both style and functionality. Its sharp lines and sculpted body gave it a modern, dynamic look, while the spacious interior made it practical for families. With advanced technology and efficient engines, the Insignia Sports Tourer balanced performance with comfort. This design proved that wagons could be as visually appealing as they were practical, blending form and function seamlessly.
Pontiac Safari (1955-1989)
The Pontiac Safari combined elements of muscle car design with the functionality of a station wagon, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s. It featured wide bodies, bold grilles, and chrome accents that mirrored Pontiac’s performance-focused cars. The Safari’s powerful V8 engines provided impressive performance for a family vehicle, making it stand out among more conservative wagons of the time.
Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake (2012-2017)
The Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake took the concept of a station wagon and infused it with sleek, coupe-like lines, creating one of the most elegant wagons on the market. With its long, sloping roofline and frameless windows, it blurred the lines between practicality and high-end luxury. The interior was nothing short of opulent, featuring premium materials and advanced technology.
Ford Flex (2009-2019)
The Ford Flex broke all the conventional station wagon design rules with its boxy, retro-inspired look that set it apart from the crowd. With its bold lines, wide stance, and contrasting roof colors, the Flex was a modern take on the classic family hauler. Inside, it offered three rows of seating and a spacious, tech-filled cabin, making it ideal for families.
Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon (1991-1996)
The Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon was one of the last full-size, body-on-frame station wagons, offering a nostalgic nod to the grand American wagons of the past. Its massive size, rear-facing third-row seats, and woodgrain paneling made it a standout on the road. Powered by a 5.7L V8 engine, the Roadmaster combined luxury and performance in a practical package.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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