Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2002

Luxury Station Wagon

Winner: BMW 5 Series
"A sports car masquerading as a grocery getter."

You're an adult now. You've got Responsibilities with a capital R, possibly meaning kids, lots of stuff or a yellow lab to take to the vet. Does that mean that you must forego any semblance of driving pleasure? Not if you have a 5 Series wagon. You can mate the 185 horsepower 2.5-liter engine of the 525i to either a Steptronic five-speed automanual tranny or the Getrag-equipped manual unit, but only the auto is available with the 4.4-liter powerplant of the 540i. With 290 horses on tap, you'll barely notice. You can also equip your BMW with a Sport package, further enhancing its sporting potential with a self-leveling sport-tuned suspension and 17-inch wheels. The 5 Series wagon can hold 32.7 cubic of cargo with the rear seats up. Fold the seats flat to reveal 65.2 cubic feet of storage space. This maximum volume is even more than the X5's 54 cubic feet. The 5 Series proves that you can have your tiramisu and eat it, too.