20 Lightning-Fast Family Cars

Who doesn't want a supercar? 0-60 in nothing flat and the feeling that you can crush any other driver off the line. Yeah, we're about that. However, practicality occasionally rears its ugly head. You might be required to haul a sofa, a child, or cart around some ungrateful friends. Have no fear. There are several cars built for both speed and the normal challenges of everyday life, some of which are legit family cars. Others are souped-up versions of the always useful pick-up truck. Either way, they satisfy a need for a speed balanced with a healthy dose of reality. These are 20 Lightning-Fast Family Cars.

RELATED: Fastest Cars that are Street-Legal

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Years Produced: 2008-2011

Powered by the same 414 horsepower as the M3 coupe and convertible, this sedan adds real-life practicality to the range, while still dealing with 60 in 4.3 seconds. Unfortunately, the sedan is no longer for sale. Don't let us stop you from hunting down a used M3 sedan, though.

Years Produced: 2004-2006

This big coupe easily functions as an actual four-seater due to its hefty size. With 400 horses, this big coupe also crushes 60 in 4.7 seconds.

Years Produced: 2008-2009

With 415 horsepower, this Pontiac could hit 60 in 4.5 seconds. Its full-size status also makes it quite the hauler. If only it lasted longer on the market...

Years Produced: 2012-Present

In four-door form, the Golf R presents a compelling family hatch with a lot of room for cargo, the kids, and even the dog. With a turbo four developing around 250 horses and a 0-60 time of 5.5 seconds, anyone's inner dad can get excited.

Years Produced: 2007-Present

Sure, this Merc SUV is a bit gaudy. But with an optional 550 horsepower on tap, it is also one of the most outrageous, practical, fast SUV's on the market today. It's pretty hard not to have fun with that.

Years Produced: 2011-Present

This badass wagon can reach 60 in under four seconds. That's serious sports car territory. And your dog can come too? 'nuff said.

Years Released: 2009-Present

With a six-speed manual, the TL can do away with 60 in 5.2 seconds. This could be the perfect alternative to other, more showy Germans. Also, everyone likes the confidence of AWD in a family sedan.

Years Produced: 2006-2009

A practical Audi with a Lamoborghini-derived V10 can be fun. Sure, 5.4 seconds to 60 isn't that reminiscent of a true Lambo, but who wouldn't like a German sedan with an Italian engine?

Years Produced: 2008-Present

The current S600 features a monstrous V12 with 510 horses. This quiet luxo-barge can hit sixty in 4.6 seconds. While your friends relax in comfort and luxury, you'll be having fun toying with all that unexpected power.

Years Produced: 2008-Present

The Supercharged XF makes itself less known than an M3 or AMG C-Class. A current supercharged XF can run to 60 in under 5 seconds, making it a perfect speedy family sedan.

Years Produced: 2005-Present

6.2 seconds does not sound so fast, especially in a modern car on this list. But a car weighing more than 2.5 tons posting that sort of time is impressive.

Years Produced: 2007-Present

No one would expect a classy Mercedes wagon to be able to hit 0-60 in 4.4 seconds. End of story.

Years Produced: 1998-2008

No matter which generation you're looking at, the S4 Avant accelerates 0-60 in the mid-five-second range with the security of Quattro all-wheel drive. The S4 Avant is a bit smaller than the S6 Avant, but will still haul a good amount of stuff along with at least three of your mates.

Years Produced: 2009-Present

Welcome to the fastest four-door sedan in the world. With 610 horsepower, this 2.5 ton behemoth can reach the venerable 200-mph mark.

Years Produced: 1993-2003

This under-the-radar wagon packed a 4.2-liter V8 with 335 horsepower and a 5.7-second dash to 60. Like all fast Audis, the S6 came standard with all-wheel drive. This is possibly the fastest and most understated wagons you can buy. Well, at least when you can find it used.

Years Produced: 1989-1999;2010-Present.

Back in 1989 the Taurus SHO could accelerate from 0-60 in 6.6 seconds, quick even by today's standards. The first generation car helped create the "sleeper" car genre. In its current generation, the SHO packs 365 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and a 0-60 time of 5.2 seconds. The SHO is a full-size sedan waiting to embarrass GTI's and Porsche Boxsters at the light.

Years Produced: 2010-Present

Okay, so we know the Panamera is quick. However, there is no doubt that the four-door Porsche is also a fairly practical machine. The optional four-wheel drive is perfect for jaunts in inclement weather.

Years Produced: 1993-1995; 1999-2004

Those looking for power and practicality should focus on the Lightning models built between 1999 and 2004. These trucks featured a supercharged V8 with 360 horsepower. Those produced after 2001 had 380. The Ford GT can trace its supercharged engine to the one found in the SVT Lightning.

Years Produced: 2004-2006

This sport truck featured an 8.3-liter V10 lifted out of the Viper supercar. This beast can hit 60 in 4.9 seconds, or 5.2 with the family friendly quad cab.

Years Produced: 2007-Present

A previous generation Cherokee SRT8 with 420 horsepower will hit 60 in 5.2 seconds. A new one has 470 horsepower, but is a bit slower to 60 than the previous one. Still, it will beat out every other SUV headed to Saturday's soccer game.