If you want a car that is reliable, well-built, good-looking and good to drive, you barely have to look further afield than the fleet that German manufacturers have to offer.
With five top level brands coming from the central European country, there are a lot of options covering all segments of the market – from small hatchbacks up to the very best sports cars.
Here are our picks for the best models currently made by German manufacturers.
Volkswagen Up!
The smallest car on the list and one that defines the city car segment. With a go-kart-like drive and plenty of space despite its diminutive size, the Up! offers lots of great features in the urban environment – as well as out on the open road. Drivers will be happy to hear that it now also comes as a GTI version to make it even more fun. This car may not be fast, but it is a fantastic little runner and will make the urban commute much more bearable.
BMW i3
In terms of all-electric hatchbacks, the i3 leads the way and with its futuristic design, it is difficult to miss out on the road. Following an update towards the end of 2017, its range has improved to 124 miles on just electric power, while the Range Extender version fitted with a two-cylinder petrol generator has a range of over 200 miles. With no need for a drive shaft underneath or an engine up front, there’s plenty of space and is a great family option for the urban family.
Volkswagen Golf
Arguably the most iconic German car of the lot and one that remains to be a popular model here in the UK – well into its seventh generation. Coming with electric, hybrid, estate and sport models, the Golf range is one of the most diverse in the market – with the GTI almost certainly the best. Practical, great to drive and reliable, the Golf ticks every box and is the best large hatchback out there.
BMW M2
The smallest M car that BMW makes and one that really set the world alight when it went on sale back in 2016. Offering all the ferociousness of the rest of the M range but in a compact package, the M2 took inspiration from the 1M Coupe from earlier this century, and includes the latest twin-turbocharged engine technology that BMW has to offer. Strong styling paired with supreme performance – 0-60mph in 4.5 seconds and a limited top speed of 155mph – the M2 is truly superb.
Audi RS4 Avant
The latest addition to the fast German car line-up and arguably the best overall package. Fitted with a twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre 444bhp V6, you are catapulted into a world of speed, comfort and practicality – thanks to capacious boot and rear compartment. With all of the latest technology that Audi has to offer – including the Virtual Cockpit and safety systems – the RS4 Avant is a true all-rounder and can comfortably be classed as one of the best German cars on sale right now.
Porsche Panamera
Even the cheapest model can get from 0-60mph in 5.5 seconds, so the Panamera is a serious piece of kit whatever way you look at it. The executive sports saloon comes with petrol and plug-in hybrid models, as well as a Sport Turismo shooting brake, meaning that if you want a Porsche in your life, but are after a bit more practicality than a couple of rear seats and a small boot, then the Panamera can be the car for you. The top-end Turbo model can sprint to 60mph in under four seconds, so this car doesn’t mess around.
Mercedes-AMG E63 S Estate
The saloon version of the E63 S shook the automotive world last year with its barnstorming performance, excellent driving dynamics and thunderous engine note. So, the only way to make it better is to add more space – and that’s exactly what Mercedes-AMG did with the E63 estate. With a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 atomic bomb under the bonnet, the practical estate can launch from 0-60mph in 3.4 seconds and on to a limited top speed of 155mph. Add the well-made interior and excellent comfort options, this is up there with the best cars on the market.
BMW M5
If you want a definitive sports saloon, then look no further than the M5. By taking the brilliant 5 Series and adding a ridiculous amount of power, the M5 has been the last word in sporty four-doors and the latest version is one of the best yet. Fitted – for the first time – with four-wheel drive, the chassis is well-sorted and paired to a ferocious engine setup – meaning fun for hours on end. What also makes the M5 great is that it’s quite understated for most of the time – until you put your foot down of course, and then you’ll be half the way to your destination in no time.
Porsche 911 GT3 Touring
There are plenty of great German sports cars available, but one rises above the rest for sheer driving pleasure. The 911 is the benchmark that all two-seaters compare themselves to when driving feel and enjoyment is concerned – and the best of the bunch is the GT3. Fitted with a 492bhp 3.0-litre flat-six engine, it powers on to a top speed of 198mph after getting to 60mph in just 3.4 seconds when fitted with an eight-speed dual-clutch auto. Add the Touring package, and the huge rear wing is chucked away – leaving you with a timeless and truly excellent piece of motoring history.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Whatever you say about other luxury saloons, only one will be the king. The S-Class has led the premium saloon segment for years, and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Whenever a new version comes out, every manufacturer looks its way to see the latest technological features it has – and no other car really has that power in the industry. Comfortable, beautifully crafted and available with some truly potent powertrains – including a twin-turbocharged V12 – the S-Class reigns supreme wherever it goes.
