Don't like station wagons?

There's one vehicle that might change your mind: the 2006 BMW 325xi wagon.

It's sexy, with an aggressive profile and a sloping roof line. All-wheel drive gives it terrific traction. And performance? Sparkling on all levels.

Our test example had a base price of $34,600. Adding the metallic paint, a cold weather package, the six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, fuel injection, multi-function steering wheel, Xenon headlamps, navigation system and other items brought the final price tag to $49,640.

	Standard equipment on BMW's 325xi wagon includes a moon roof, power accessories, all-wheel drive and on-board computer. Click photo for larger image.

Standard equipment is extensive, though: wood trim, a marvelous "Panorama Moonroof" that seems to stretch to the back seat, full power accessories, all-wheel drive, rain-sensing windshield wipers, ground lighting in the door, heated mirrors, on-board computer, etc.

Just because this is a station wagon doesn't mean that it's any less a BMW. Open the door, sit down and find out for yourself. You are gripped by some of the best sports seats in the business that wrap around your rib cage, shoulders and other parts of your body. The gearshift comes to hand easily, and the other controls are simple to operate -- except for the dreaded iDrive, which operates many controls with a single large, multifunction knob located in the console between the front seats.

Start the engine, and you'll first hear the melodic chimes telling you to buckle up. A good idea because this car's ready to rock! The acceleration from the 3.0 liter, in-line six is awesome, pushing you back in your seat firmly. The car is rated at 20 mpg in the city and 27 on the highway. And the engine/exhaust sound? Incredible. I'd call it angry and insistent -- not unlike a jet engine. The more you push, the stronger and lustier it gets.

Cornering ability is absolutely flawless, as is handling as you go down the road. Yes, you feel bumps because it's pretty tightly wound, but not so much so that it bothers the passengers or driver.

The chief concern is with the iDrive. In past models, I haven't had much of a problem, but in this one, I tried in vain to tune in the radio stations. No matter how closely I followed the owners' manual, it just didn't work. I finally just gave up.

And apparently I'm not the only one. In an owner online chat room one person wrote: "Please -- a simpler iDrive interface. Don't play with the iDrive in traffic. It's just too complicated."

I also didn't care for the turn signal stalk. And I think that the new wagon still is space challenged in the back seat where leg and shoulder room are tight.

Still, most of the chat room comments are positive. "It's got a great suspension and cornering characteristics. The navigation system, beautiful fit and finish are all great. I love feeling that I am part of the car, not just a passenger," one owner wrote.

I agree. There simply aren't many other cars, let alone station wagons, that can hold a steering wheel to this stellar performer from BMW.

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BMW 325xi Sport Wagon
Base price: $32,950
Engine: 184-hp., 2.5-L inline V-6
Mileage: 19/26
Traction control: standard
Stability control: standard
Side air bags: dual front
Luggage capacity: 27.3 cu. ft

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Audi A4 Avant S-Line
Base price: $38,960
Engine: 255-hp., 3.1-L V-6
Mileage: 19/26
Traction control: standard
Stability control: standard
Side air bags: dual front
Luggage capacity: 27.8 cu. ft

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Volvo V70R Wagon
Base price: $39,545
Engine: 300-hp., 2.5-L Inline 5
Mileage: 18/24
Traction control: standard
Stability control: standard
Side air bags: dual front
Luggage capacity: 37.4 cu. ft.

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Jaguar X-Type Sport Wagon
Base price: $36,330
Engine: 227-hp., 3-L V-6
Mileage: 18/24
Traction control: standard
Stability control: standard
Side air bags: dual front
Luggage capacity: 16 cu. ft.