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Unfortunately wagons (Estates as they're called in Europe) just aren't popular in the US. Audi sells a couple here based on the A4 and A6 but they sell in tiny numbers vs. the CUV's and SUV's as you can imagine. I really like the Mercedes in the picture. Another favorite is the BMW 5 Series. I think they call it Touring, but not sure.
The reality is that most SUVs are really just lifted wagons. They are car-based, unibody vehicles which bear little resemblance to the original definition of an SUV (truck-based, body-on-frame).
Wagons are sport-ish SUVs.
I don't think most people like Wagons, I personally think they look goofy and I can't stand them. BMW is making an M5 Touring and bringing it to the US but I would NOT get that over the regular M5 Sedan.
I see the appeal - I really like the new Audi wagons when I see them around (which is rare). I'd own one - but it would be only when I was shopping for a new car/sedan. I wouldn't consider one to replace our SUV as one of the requirements would be ride height.
The first car I ever bought new from a Mercedes wagon. Why wagons are viewed as they are viewed escapes me. More space and practicality than their sedan equivalent, and better riding/handling and generally more efficient than any CUV/SUV equivalent. The line between a traditional wagon and some crossovers is pretty blurry, probably to avoid something being labeled a wagon...
Whenever I see an RS6 Avant, I am quickly reminded that wagons are cool. Well, some of them. I think it would be hard to choose between an RS6 Avant and an RS7 if I was in the market. I think the RS7 looks better, but I know underneath they are pretty much the same, with the RS6 being more practical.
I do like wagons, but they wouldn't work for my family as well as our CUV (Highlander) does. I like a bit of additional ground clearance for the snow, though it's not a showstopper. The extra interior height was always easier when loading the kids into car seats (a phase we're finally out of), and the taller doors assist in that as well.
The biggest benefit for us is the higher seating level, which is much easier for our parents, who are getting older. For example, I can't take my MIL with me in the GS, because the seating position is low enough that she must pull herself up to exit the car, which is a struggle. It's easier for her to go in the Highlander (or her Durango), to just turn, step down, and exit. Not unlike a minivan.
Whenever I see an RS6 Avant, I am quickly reminded that wagons are cool. Well, some of them. I think it would be hard to choose between an RS6 Avant and an RS7 if I was in the market. I think the RS7 looks better, but I know underneath they are pretty much the same, with the RS6 being more practical.
Sure the RS6 Avant is cool; but would bringing back the Camry wagon be "cool"? It's unfair to pick one of the best wagons ever produced to make the argument for wagons in general....
Inspired by post in General Car Chat, I thought it would be cool to make a thread about wagons since I just learned they still do exist.
Almost never see them anymore and when I do, they're very old.
Subaru is probably the most successful marketer of wagons still in the American market. More-so than most crossovers, the Forester and Outback are basically AWD wagons on a raised-suspension. They also have what is arguably the best car-based AWD system on the market.
How much of a price difference is there between a saloon and a touring?
About the same.
The M3 Touring (not offered in the US) is 1,000 Euros more than the Sedan. The RS7 "4-door coupe" is $2,000 more than the basically similar RS6 Avant wagon.
06-29-23, 09:29 AM
Where Did They All Go, No Love for Wagons?
