San Francisco Chronicle

Other sports wagons

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Audi A4 Allroad Quattro

MSRP: $45,475 While the Allroad may not be a hard-core off-roader, as competent all-weather transporta­tion, it hits the mark. Plus, we really like wagons, and with a maximum of 58.5 cu ft of cargo space, the Allroad meets the needs of most buyers. A 252-hp turbo 2.0-liter four teams with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic; all-wheel drive is standard. It’s a fine highway cruiser and easily tackles country roads thanks to its Offroad mode. And it’s far more fun to drive than a comparably priced crossover.

Mercedes-Benz E-class Wagon

MSRP: $64,045 Exceptiona­lly quiet, extremely practical, and exceedingl­y comfortabl­e, the E-class wagon offers SUV-like space in a svelte body — snagging it a 10Best Cars win for 2018. A 329-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 drives all four wheels through a nine-speed automatic; an air suspension keeps the ride smooth. All modern amenities are present and accounted for, such as touchscree­n infotainme­nt, ambient lighting, automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and a semi-autonomous driving mode.

Jaguar XF Sportbrake

MSRP: $71,445 With a seductive blend of beauty and performanc­e, the XE says “luxury” with a very British accent. Four engine options provide the XE its gumption—two gasoline turbo fours, a turbo-diesel inline-four, and a mighty supercharg­ed V-6, each with rear- or all-wheel drive — but none of them are very refined. The infotainme­nt system is crash prone, the back seat is cramped, and trunk space is lacking. But excellent handling, polished looks, and communicat­ive steering make up for the XE’s shortcomin­gs.

Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo

MSRP: $97,250 Porsche rearranged the rear sheetmetal of its standard, short-wheelbase Panamera sedan to create one of the world’s most exotic luxury sport wagons. It’s more about style than practicali­ty: The butt lift adds rear headroom and a bit more cargo space. All-wheel drive is standard; all the Panamera powertrain­s are available, from the 330hp V-6 to the 550-hp twin-turbo V-8 as well as two hybrid models. A three-across rear seat is standard; individual buckets, as found in the sedan, are optional.

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