Boss-level fast estates | Six of the Best
Huge power, huge presence - space for a dog
Audi RS6 Avant, 2009, 79k, £18,750
A bearded sage of the motoring hack persuasion once announced to PH that the car world turned on attainable hot hatches and cutting-edge supercars (this was some time ago, obviously). Well, okay - but into that mix, we would insert the fast estate, mostly because it combines both underlying themes: it forced OEMs to make the most of otherwise conventional platforms, but the bigger margin (and engine bay) allowed the engineers to run wild. And boy did they: how else do you explain the gargantuan twin-turbo 5.0-litre V10 that Audi installed in the C6-generation RS6? Sure, better and faster versions of the flagship would follow, but none quite so preposterous. And now you can have a lovely looking one for less than £20k. Perfick.
BMW M5 Touring, 2007, 58k, PH Auction
Of course, the explanation for the C6 is that BMW M got there first. The E61 had its flaws, too (cough-gearbox-cough), but two decades on from its introduction this seems less important when it’s counterbalanced by a naturally aspirated V10 that revs to 8k. The M5 wagon also had enormous presence, as demonstrated by this wonderfully preserved example in Indianapolis Red Metallic, said to be just one of 11 produced worldwide in that fetching shade. Factor in a comparatively low number on the odometer and you’ve got yourself an old-school wagon of the first order. Expect enthusiastic bidding when the auction kicks off this coming Tuesday.
Brabus 800, 2015, 28k, £59,925
If a V10 is just too much engine for you, then you’ll be delighted to learn that the alternative - from a more recent generation of fast estate - is even more extravagant speed. For a good while, the turbocharged V8 has been the go-to engine for German wagon-makers (bless ‘em) and that affords all sorts of tuning opportunities. You can do little better in that regard than this undeniably rare Brabus 800 - the 800 obviously signifying its output. That level of grunt unlocks 200mph potential in the C63, underwritten by the sort of styling pack that screams ‘move over’. But not, a decade later, ‘empty your wallet’; sub £60k seems very reasonable for a wonderfully practical rocket ship.
Ferrari GTC 4Lusso V12, 2018, 17k, £172,500
If you’re prepared to compromise on the ‘practical’ bit, you can get even sillier with the rocket. With two doors and a V12, the Ferrari GTC4 Lusso - the update of the FF - is hardly what you'd call a traditional fast estate. But we’re talking about ultimates here, and as a shooting brake, those long-roofed two doors providing ample room for four, the GTC4 Lusso reigns supreme. It absolutely delivered on the AWD brief, too, being an unmitigated pleasure in any scenario. Such is the FF’s reputation, in fact, that unlike other front-engined V12s it has depreciated slowly - £80k is still required. For a later V12 like this, with Ferrari-approved used status, a glorious spec and few miles, expect to pay more than double that. But the family will never travel so stylishly again.
Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo, 2018, 60k, £48,980
What has just 10hp fewer than a Ferrari GTC4 Lusso, yet can be bought for less than a third as much? The Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, that’s what. Somewhat forgotten with the demise of the Sport Turismo (not to mention the furious pace of hybrid development and Porsche’s financial woes), the flagship Panamera was one of those creations that answered just about every question that could be asked of such a car. There was V8 thunder and some useful EV range, all wrapped up in a very polished Porsche package. Always a niche choice, because buyers were also offered a non-hybridised V8 (which was better to drive), but they’re a tempting used prospect. The latest PHEVs offer more, but they can't deliver almost 700hp for less than £50k. Still more than 400 litres of boot space, too.
Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Shooting Brake, 2019, 61 miles, £384,500
As we’re pushing the estate to the extremes here, why make do with just one shooting brake? The Aston Martin Vanquish V12 Shooting Brake was arguably the most interesting of the four Zagato Vanquishes from a decade ago. While most were expected, the Shooting Brake really was a bold new thing for the Aston Martin special edition, immediately recognisable as both an Aston and a Zagato design. Unique commissions with Aston badges had existed in the past, but nothing quite so glamorous as the Vanquish. It actually sat on a different wheelbase to the other Zags, borrowing from the Rapide to get rear seats and a fuel tank in what was typically two-seat architecture. The Shooting Brake’s special status ensures the kind of residuals a regular Vanquish could only dream of: this costs two Ferraris, and a little bit more…
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