There’s no denying that the car industry wouldn’t be where it is today without Germany. German car brands led the expansion of the industry in the early 20th century and, since then, haven’t looked back.
Today, they’re a heavyweight in the industry, known for producing state-of-the-art vehicles that excel in performance, luxury, and reliability. Think about it: have you ever been to a different country and not seen a German car? Probably not!
But why is this the case, and what German cars have that others don’t? In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at German car brands, exploring which manufacturers stand out, what makes them so popular, and how they’re adapting for the future. We discuss:
Choosing the ‘best’ German car brand is pretty subjective, and the answer depends on what each driver values most, whether that’s performance, luxury, or affordability.
One of the things I like about German car brands is that there aren't many different choices available. There are five big players, all of which stand out for their own unique characteristics.
Here’s a quick overview of the options:
- Mercedes-Benz - Mercedes-Benz is steeped in history, with their founder, Karl Benz, credited with creating the first modern car way back in 1885. Since then, Mercedes has grown its reputation for comfort, refinement, and high-end features, and they’re now deemed the standard-setter for premium motoring.
- BMW - For those who love driving, BMW is renowned for its performance, sporty handling, and aggressive road presence. When behind the wheel of a BMW, you feel completely at home, and the roar of one of its engines is second to none.
- Audi - If you’re all about cutting-edge technology and sleek and stylish design, Audi is the German car brand for you. Its car design is fantastic, and its interiors are the definition of luxury. You’ll feel right at home thanks to modern technology, high-quality materials, and smooth performance.
- Volkswagen - It’s no surprise that Volkswagen is one of the most popular manufacturers around the world. Known for its reliability, practicality, and excellent technology, Volkswagen cars tick a lot of boxes and offer brilliant value for money.
- Porsche - When it comes to thrilling performance, Porsche is in a league of its own. Although slightly more expensive than their German competitors, driving a Porsche will certainly leave a good impression. You’ll get powerful performance, excellent handling, and an interior fitting for a god!
The main reason why German cars are so popular is that they tick a lot of boxes. They’re great to drive, feature excellent technology, and are available at a relatively affordable price (depending on the model).
Take Volkswagen, for example, which literally means ‘people’s car’. They’re the most affordable out of the German brands, but they don’t skimp on anything. VW’s are superb to drive, look fantastic, and are incredibly practical.
It’s no surprise that the Golf has been one of the most popular cars in Europe for the past 40 years!
Other reasons why they are so popular include:
- Engineering - If there’s one thing for sure about German cars, it’s that they come with sharp handling, powerful engines, and solid infrastructure. BMW’s are known for their power and long-distance driving proficiency, while Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive is known for its performance and stability.
- Build quality - Germans are a people known for their attention to detail and reliability, and this is evident in the cars they make. Brands like Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz have a reputation for producing cars that seem to last the test of time.
- Innovative technology - German brands have often been the pioneers of new vehicle technology. From Mercedes-Benz’s crumple zones that revolutionised car safety way back in the 1950s to BMW’s excellent iDrive infotainment system nowadays, German manufacturers have constantly been pushing the boundaries.
- Resale value - Because of their prestige and build quality, German cars are known for holding their value much better than their counterparts.
If you find yourself embarking on long-distance drives a lot of the time, you’ll want a car that you can look forward to driving. Look no further than a German option.
Excelling in comfort, efficiency, and technology, a German car will make long trips feel like a breeze.
Here are some of our top choices:
- Volkswagen Passat - Now available exclusively as an Estate car, the Passat is spacious, efficient, and built for motorway driving. It’s available with an e-hybrid engine, which has up to 82 miles of range and can charge up to 80% in as little as 26 minutes.
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class - The E-Class is the definition of luxury. A compact saloon car, it comes with a comfortable cabin, state-of-the-art technology, and a range of advanced driver assistance features.
- BMW 5 Series - The 5 Series is a perfect blend of power, refinement, and comfort that belongs cruising along the motorway. It looks fantastic, has a wonderful cabin, and is available with diesel, petrol, and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
- Audi A6 - The A6 is where design meets efficiency, and sportiness meets style. A sophisticated saloon car that belongs to cruising on the motorway, it comes with excellent ride comfort, super infotainment, and up to 265ps of power.
- Porsche Panamera - The Panamera is something different. A four-seater sports car, it provides the perfect balance of power and comfort. There’s up to 353ps of power, excellent driving dynamics, and a cabin that blends retro design with modern technology.
Why are these cars so good? It’s because they have the tools at their disposal to make a long drive straightforward, such as adaptive cruise control and great safety technology, comfortable seating, and efficient engines that provide the required power.
Electrification this, electrification that. It’s on everyone’s minds right now in the industry, especially German manufacturers. But there’s no denying that the transition to electric has been tough.
News emerging from the German automotive industry has been glum in the last couple of years, with manufacturers announcing profit warnings, job cuts, and possible plant closures. At the same time, they’re trying to switch over to electric, something that has never been done before,
If there’s one thing that’s now obvious, it’s that in terms of electrification, German brands are way behind. Rivals from China and Japan are miles ahead (at the moment), offering excellent EVs at a much lower price.
But this is now, and I’m sure German brands will fight back. Volkswagen, Audi, and BMW are drastically expanding their EV line-ups, appealing to more and more drivers every day. Volkswagen’s ID series, Audi’s e-tron range, and BMW’s ‘i’ range are certainly ones to keep an eye on.
Yes, if you’re considering a German car, go for it. They offer a great blend of performance, technology, and build quality that you simply can’t get anywhere else.
You’ll get a refined driving experience and a powerful powertrain, modern infotainment and driver-assistance technology, and excellent reliability.
However, they’re not the cheapest out there and aren’t leasing the way for EVs. If these are something you prioritise, we’d look elsewhere.
For more deep dives and explainers, check out some of our blogs, such as A Look Into Japanese Car Brands and All You Need to Know About Cruise Control.
If you’re thinking about leasing a German car, explore our latest offers and find your perfect match today. For more information, give us a call at 0345 811 9595, and we’ll be happy to help.
