Calling it world's fastest station wagon, Mercedes-Benz quietly debuted the 469-horsepower E55 AMG estate at the 2005 Los Angeles Auto Show. You'll need to look hard to identify this new AMG model, which hauls both family and ass with equal capability.

From the outside, only the 18-inch, split-spoke alloy wheels, subtle badges, and a tasteful body kit warn teenagers in Daddy's Infiniti G35 Coupe that they are about to get a good spanking. Modifications are minimal inside, with Nappa leather-upholstered sport seats, special black Birdseye maple wood trim, and a smattering of AMG badges in evidence to remind the driver that this is one wicked wagon.

Mash the throttle, and it's clear that the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG Wagon isn't your everyday grocery getter. With it's supercharged and intercooled 5.5-liter V8 engine, 469 horses, and 516 lb.-ft. of torque, this road rocket races to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds according to Mercedes-Benz. Power is delivered to the 265/35 Z-rated rear tires through a five-speed Speedshift automatic with shift paddles mounted to the steering wheel.

Other performance modifications include upgraded brakes, bigger performance tires, an AMG-massaged Airmatic suspension, and a reprogrammed stability control system designed to optimize the driving experience at the limit.

Standard equipment includes adaptive front airbags, side-impact and side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensing system, and seatbelt pretensioners. Every 2006 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG will also include four-zone automatic climate control and a Harmon Kardon Logic 7 surround sound system.

Prices have not been announced, but expect to pay a slight premium over the E55 AMG sedan for this hot-rod AMG wagon when it arrives later this year.

By Christian J. Wardlaw