A wagon’s absolutely perfect—tear up mountain roads on weekends, then play dad wagon for camping trips. What a great pick!

A wagon is absolutely perfect for mountain runs on weekends and family camping trips with the kids—what a great choice! When we talk about wagons and estate cars, many car enthusiasts first think of the Audi RS6. This high-performance wagon, equipped with a V8 engine and boasting practicality, has become a dream car for countless people, yet its steep price tag puts it out of reach for most. Fortunately, there are plenty of cost-effective "affordable" wagons on the market. A few simple upgrades, and you’re all set to chase your own poetry and distant horizons. As the saying goes, "Fit for the hall and the kitchen"—that’s exactly what a wagon is all about.

Volkswagen, a specialist in estate cars, offers a wide range of options, and the BBA trio also has well-known wagon models. Of course, other brands have unique yet underrated wagons worth considering too. Let’s take a look at some compelling wagons available in China!

A true icon of Volkswagen, the R36 is just as popular as the Golf R (a model once buzzed about for vehicle purchase tax incentives). Powered by the legendary 3.6L VR6 engine and paired with the 4Motion all-wheel drive system, it was a regular sight at car meets back in the day. With an original retail price of over 500,000 RMB for a new unit, you can now find a well-conditioned used R36 for less than 100,000 RMB—an ideal time to get one.

After the R36, Volkswagen has not launched a high-performance version based on the Passat (Magotan for the Chinese market), but wagons remain a staple in its lineup. The Passat Variant is one of the few genuine German-style Volkswagen wagons available in China. A used model with an 8-year service life can be purchased for around 100,000 RMB, offering exceptional value for money. Notably, the latest generation of the European Passat is only available as a wagon, with no word yet on its introduction to China.

As the wagon variant of the redesigned Arteon—hailed as "the most beautiful Volkswagen"—the Arteon Shooting Brake perfectly inherits the sleek lines of the sedan version. The elegant waistline of a shooting brake blends seamlessly with the Arteon’s design, resulting in a stunning overall look. The new Arteon Shooting Brake has an original retail price of around 240,000 RMB, and with market discounts, it’s an even more cost-effective pick. It’s worth mentioning that the domestically produced Arteon Shooting Brake comes with a crossover-style body kit, different from the imported version—though savvy car enthusiasts have found the perfect solution to restore the imported look.

Beyond full-size wagons like the Passat and Arteon, Volkswagen also offers a wagon version based on the Golf. It’s available not only with regular powertrains but also the high-performance Golf R variant. Combined with the wagon body, it’s a real sleeper car. What’s more, it was a limited-edition model in China, making it a rare gem among wagons.

Surprised to hear about the Skoda Octavia Combi? This model is quite popular overseas. The Chinese version is built on the 2019 Octavia and features a crossover-style kit, giving it an Audi allroad-esque vibe. For around 150,000 RMB, you can get a sophisticated Volkswagen-group wagon—an unbeatable value.

Audi is a true expert in wagons, and no conversation about them is complete without mentioning the brand. Far more affordable than the unattainable RS6, the A4 Avant is based on the Audi A4 sedan. As a mid-size car, it offers ample passenger space, and its classic wagon shape delivers a generously sized trunk—undeniably practical.

Mercedes-Benz has a long tradition of launching wagon versions for its C-Class and E-Class models, with the C-Class Estate being the more common choice in China. It’s available with both regular powertrains and the high-performance C43 variant, catering to drivers with different needs. The C-Class Estate boasts an elegant design while retaining Mercedes-Benz’s signature luxury and grandeur—this style is even more pronounced with a white body.

Like Mercedes-Benz, BMW offers wagon versions for its 3 Series and 5 Series. Compared to Audi and Mercedes-Benz, BMW’s wagons have a more upright, understated design—like a quintessential "science geek" with no flashy frills. The interior is exquisitely crafted and highly practical. Excitingly, BMW finally launched the M3 Touring in the latest generation, a model that has become a hot topic among car fans.

As a classic European automaker, Volvo also offers wagon versions for its models, with the V60 and V90 being the most common in China. The V60 is particularly popular among modification enthusiasts. Compared to the S60 sedan, the V60 wagon features more elegant body lines and a significantly larger practical space. You can also opt for the more exclusive Polestar high-performance version.

Naturally, there are many more wagons to choose from: the BMW 5 Series Touring, Audi A6 Avant, Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake, Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake, Genesis G70 Shooting Brake, and more—all offering great fun for car lovers.

In addition to these imported and joint-venture wagons, new energy brands have brought a host of wagon models to China in recent years. The NIO ET5T, Zeekr 007GT, SAIC Audi E5 and others have all gained immense popularity!