5 Wagons You Must See At The New York Auto Show

“This is the Year of the SUV,” my colleague reluctantly remarked as we spent hours at NYIAS watching endless SUVs spin on stages. Everyone from Lincoln to Nissan put their SUVs on a physical pedestal slinging sales figures they thanked their SUV saviors for. Sadly this isn’t just the year of the SUV, this is the decade. Every car company is launching new products in this segment and it’s easy money. There’s a guaranteed return on investment to build a new SUV as customers flock to these cash cows. 

I was starting to lose hope for the cars we love. SUVs are killing sedans, sports cars, and worst of all wagons. I’m not sure why people flock to SUVs when a wagon can fulfill all their needs. Luckily there’s a glimmer of hope at the New York Auto Show, five wagons of note to break up the gray SUV landscape.

Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon

The E63 wagon is Mercedes gift to the automotive world. It combines the superb E-Class wagon with AMG’s 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. This all-wheel-drive wagon can handle just about anything a family of four can throw at a car. It does this while delivering a superb driving experience. In the S trim, the E63 develops 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque all wrapped in a practical wagon body. With a 0-60 time of 3.4 seconds, we cannot fathom a better family car.

Volvo Amazon

One the Second press day of NYIAS Volvo broke out some classic metal to celebrate 90 years of Volvo. Amongst a well-done presentation and gallons of free champagne, there was a classic Volvo Amazon wagon that immediately became my best in show. This completely restored classic Volvo was finished in a superb British Racing Green and featured a perfect interior. It reminds us of a time when wagons were the ultimate choice in practical family cars.

Porsche Panamera SportTourismo

I’ve been waiting to see the SportTourismo in the flesh for a very long time. This Porsche wagon promised to take the ugly duckling Panamera and turn it into the ultimate Porsche wagon. I’m very happy to say it looks even better in person. This Porsche wagon comes at a time when even Porsche relies on SUVs for much-needed revenue. For them to build a wagon shows their commitment to car enthusiasts who want a driver’s car that is still practical.

Volvo V90 Cross Country

Volvo has been killing it lately. Their new model lineup is strong and growing very quickly. They’re best new model is the V90 Cross Country. This lifted S90 wagon features all the utility of a crossover with the looks and driving dynamics of a wagon. It’s the best of both worlds and a car I hope sells well. It must be ordered directly from Sweden so be sure to check out the Volvo stand in case you never see one in the flesh.

Stelvio QV

The Stelvio is sold as an SUV but trust me, this thing is basically a wagon. This is the lowest SUV I’ve seen direct from the manufacturer. In true Alfa fashion, their first SUV is gorgeous. With its low wide stance and factory stretched rear tires it looks more than ready to conquer a mall parking lot near you. Although it killed the Giulia wagon the Stelvio is an honorary wagon this year.

So there you have it, SUVs haven’t killed off all the wagons but they’re close. So do the world a favor look at these amazing wagons and tell the world about their awesomeness.