Dodge isn’t the only one that can boast about a Power Wagon — a few of today’s wagons haul as much ass as they do family members. If you’re about hitting the apexes and dragging sports cars after you’ve finished toting the kids to their sports practices, you have several options. Do you spend north of six figures for the big German rocket or significantly less for home-grown wagon speed? You’ll spend a decent chunk of change for the hatchback horsepower either way, but it’s worth it to keep your lead foot addiction alive.
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Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG S 4-Matic Wagon
The previous E63 AMG was no slouch, but the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG S 4-Matic Wagon takes things to a whole new level in terms of design and oomph. Via the 5.5 liter twin-turbo V8 (turbo boost has been increased from 13.0 psi to 14.5) the E63 AMG Wagon offers 577 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, which, along with all-wheel-drive 4-Matic and a limited-slip differential standard, results in a 0-60 sprint of 3.3 seconds. Yes folks, that’s supercar fast. Plus, its 33/67 percent front-to-rear power split can also be routed to a max of 70 percent to front or back when needed.
Backing up those crazy numbers is the new E’s design language, which boasts double hook LED headlamps and a sleeker profile. To reason this purchase out: you’ll take a gut-punch to the bank account, but you’ll be the fastest dad on four wheels.
Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon
On the cusp of the next generation of Caddy wagon, the current CTS-V Sport Wagon is still the best-looking American wagon out there. Since looks aren’t enough, the 556 horsepower Eaton-supercharged V8 engine backs them up with 60 mph clocked in 4 seconds flat. How’s that for a grocery-getter? Brembos on four wheels bring it to a stop with authority, and 58 cubic feet of storage ensures that your race to the supermarket captures plenty of booty (your eggs may be scrambled on the return trip).
It’s not as posh or as quick as the five-door Merc, but you save at least $35k and sacrifice only a half second in the sprint to 60. Our favorite part? The earth-bound family stealth fighter can be ordered with a 6-speed manual transmission.
