In the year 2000 BMW revealed a concept M3 Touring. Its fast estate never made it to production but in honour of the news that, 20 years later, BMW is finally going to build an M3 Touring, here are a few of our favourite fast estates of the last couple of decades. Some are truly great, others stand out for other reasons, and we’ve left off the really modern stuff as it’s just too obvious.
7. Audi RS6 (C6)
With twice as many cylinders as the RS2, the second-gen RS6 is 5 litres of understated aggression. A V10 engine borrowed from the Lamborghini Gallardo makes this big beast good for 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds and a 170mph top speed Photo: Audi
8. BMW M5 Touring (E61)
In the mid-2000s it was all about size and power, which is why BMW had to have a 5.0l V10 estate to rival the RS6. The E61 sent all its 500bhp to the back wheels, could hit 62 in 4.8 seconds and still carry an Ikea wardrobe Photo: BMW
9. Volkswagen Passat R36
A proper sleeper car, the Passat R36 had subtle styling but a 300bhp V6. Ideal if you want to make quick progress without a fuss, this understated four-wheel-drive wagon could hit 62mph in under six seconds Photo: Volkswagen
10. Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG
Speaking of understated, the E55 AMG of the early 2000s was another subtly styled monster. looking similar to the standard diesel car, the AMG packed a 5.5l V8 with 469bhp and a supercar worrying 0-62 time of 4.7 seconds Photo: Mercedes-Benz