German Car Brands (2024)

FAQs

What car brands are made in Germany? ›

Germany is renowned for being home to some of the largest and most influential automakers in the world, all of which most of us will be familiar with. These include Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, and Volkswagen.

In short, German cars are reliable as long as you maintain them properly. Have a proper maintenance schedule, and they should last longer without any issues. Brands like Audi have good depreciation values, but contrarily, Mercedes Benz decreases in value.

Germany is home to renowned luxury car manufacturers such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi.

1. Volkswagen | 480,967 new registrations (2022) Volkswagen ranks first as Germany's most popular car brand, with 480,967 new registrations last year. Established in 1937, Volkswagen is one of the best-known German car brands worldwide, renowned for its high-quality, stylish design.

Mechanically, German cars are better than most, according to critics. Reliability issues aside, German cars are ideal for those craving speed and comfort, and the peace of mind that they only have to change vehicles on average every 200,000-250,000 miles (with proper maintenance).

Founded in 1883, the German carmaker Mercedes-Benz is the oldest car brand still being produced today.

AUDI AG is a German company that produces cars under the Audi brand. It is part of the Volkswagen Group. The name Audi is based on a Latin translation of the surname of the founder August Horch, itself the German word for “listen!" Audi is headquartered in Ingolstadt, Germany.

The VW Golf has been the best-selling car model in Germany for every calendar year since 1981.

German manufacturers have an unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in automotive technology. One prime example is the development of turbocharging and direct fuel injection systems. These technologies, pioneered by German engineers, have revolutionised engine efficiency and power delivery.

Which German car is the most comfortable? ›

According to Product Reviews and Ratings - Consumer Reports , the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the most comfortable luxury car for a ride. Auto Express also lists the Mercedes S-Class as the most comfortable car to drive or be driven in.

The acronym BMW stands for Bayerische Motoren Werke GmbH, which roughly translates to the Bavarian Engine Works Company. The name harks back to the company's origin in the German state of Bavaria. It also indicates BMW's original product range: engines for various applications.

The BMW X3 ranks #1 for the best German luxury small and compact SUVs (8.6 quality rating). The best German midsize SUV is the Volkswagen Atlas (7.4 quality rating) and the best German luxury midsize SUV is the Mercedes-Benz GLE (8.2 quality rating).

Both Audi and BMW are known for their luxury vehicles, but Audi comes out as the superior brand for earning its trust in providing the best features for the greatest value. Where BMW expects you to spend more for less, Audi believes you should pay less for more.

However, there are some differences in reliability between the two brands. According to J.D. Power's Vehicle Dependability Study, BMW ranks slightly higher than Audi in overall dependability. However, both brands are considered to be above average in reliability, with a low number of reported problems.

German cars like BMW and Audi have an impeccable record for their build quality. The craftsmanship that goes into a BMW 7-series is exemplary, putting this brand firmly in the luxury car category. A long automotive history and a powerful racing heritage give German cars the edge when it comes to build quality.

All three car brands produce reliable and high-quality vehicles that promise an endearing driving experience. However, Audi is considered to be less reliable by some people as compared to BMW and Mercedes. Having said that, the choice is purely based on experience and different people can have varying experiences.