The Best New German Cars

The latest 992-generation 911 continues to reign supreme, in our opinion, as the undisputed crown of German auto manufacturing and the leader of the sports car class. Retaining those iconic looks, the new 911 has actually changed two-thirds of its body, swapping out the steel for a more aluminium intensive build. It is a bit bulkier and wider, but it is still just as shapely and streamlined as older models. Inside, the interior has undergone a deeper transformation with added levels of comfort, which gives the car more of a grand tourer edge without losing any of the points that make the 911 an outstanding sports car. So it’s a win-win situation, increasing the 911’s daily use capacity. And how does it drive? Like a dream. The Porsche 911 has instant power at your finger and toe tips, a stacked roster of impressive technology to aid the driving experience, and precise and responsive steering – it remains the unmistakable benchmark of sporting prowess.

On the surface it looks like the latest BMW 5 Series has undergone a few minor tweaks and adjustments, a slight change to the styling (for the better) and updated technology. Indeed, if the formula works (and the 5 Series definitely ticks that box) why change it right? Well, the perfectionists at BMW have discovered how to advance the 5 Series further and that’s by improving the body with lightweight aluminium and giving it almost all new parts, parts based on the chassis of the new luxury 7 Series. So what can you expect from the renowned car? Well, more of what made it great in the first place: more luxury, more leading-edge technology and driver assist systems, and a more engaging driving experience, which says a lot because it was already one of the best cars to drive in its class.

A consistent best-selling car for Volkswagen, the Golf has wide appeal, with strong build quality and an excellent driving experience. The new Mk8 Volkswagen Golf looks to build on top of those solid foundations, with a roster full of the latest equipment to justify its higher starting price. As standard, the car comes with front and rear parking sensors, automatic LED headlights, ambient lighting and keyless start, in addition to a 10-in touchscreen infotainment system, with sat-nav, and a 10.25-inch digital instrument display. On top of all this kit, there is also a wealth of active safety tech and Volkswagen’s Car-to-X communication system, which allows the Golf to ‘communicate’ with other vehicles and the road ahead to warn of things like local hazards. To understand just how impressive this feature is, Car-to-X is the first piece of tech to be rewarded by safety stalwarts, Euro NCAP in almost six years. So I think it’s safe to say the new VW Golf earns its new price tag.

The Audi Q5 is an incredibly well-rounded vehicle and one of the best-selling mid-size premium SUVs. And if the winning formula works why change it? Enter the latest Audi Q5, where, perhaps unsurprisingly, little has been changed. The car has moved onto the firm’s MLB Evo model platform (shared by the Audi A4, A5, and Q7), which increases the Q5’s dimensions and at the same time decreases its weight by nearly 90kg. And that’s about it. As with the older models, you continue to get that unmistakable Audi sheen of quality, the premium feel, and the refined cabin (with its fantastic layout and luxury finish), but thanks to the lighter platform, you now get a more dynamic Q5 as well.

A consistent bench-setting car for its class, with rivals who struggle to keep apace, the winning BMW 3 Series formula was never going to see a radical overhaul. Arguably more impressive is the fact that the brains at BMW have even found a way to improve upon the formula in the first place. And those clever engineers have. More aluminium in the build and a lighter weight (around 50kg), as well as a clever suspension design, all add up to increase what was already a class-leading driving experience. Because of these changes, the 3 Series has even better handling, a new sharpness, and an even quieter and refined cabin. As far as German engineering goes, the 3 Series is near the pinnacle along with the Porsche 911.

Another massively popular vehicle, and a best seller for Mercedes-Benz, the new C-Class could easily have been released like the latest Audi Q5 with few changes, and no doubt it would have remained just as popular and exciting, again like the Q5. However, Mercedes went and changed almost 50% of the car, incorporating cutting-edge technology from the prestigious S-Class into the new model. This adds self-driving potential into the mix, a whole host of new safety features and equipment, and greater levels of luxury throughout the cabin. And how does the new C-Class perform with all these changes? Well, a lot like the old C-Class, but with more luxury, more precision, more tech, and even greater safety.

Older models of the Volkswagen Passat have a reputation for being reliable, affordable, comfortable, good value for money, and good fun to drive, in a sophisticated and refined manner. The new VW Passat gives you a little bit more of what makes the car great in the first place. It has a greater premium feel, higher levels of luxury, and a greater (yet still relaxed) driving experience. In fact, the latter is increased even further with Volkswagen’s IQ Drive, VW’s name for a host of clever semi-autonomous systems (paving the way towards self-driving cars), which include steering assist, park assist, lane assist, front collision mitigation, rear cross-traffic alert, and a whole lot more.

The third VW on this top 10 list of the best new German cars, the second generation Volkswagen Tiguan is an evolution of what made the vehicle such a hit and best-seller in the first place. The exterior design is now even more attractive, with a bulkier quality that perfectly fits the SUV market. Inside, the car stands up to rivals with a more spacious and practical cabin than before, and this now includes the option of a seven-seater (the Tiguan AllSpace). It also has sharper steering and proves even easier to drive. Quite simply, the new VW Tiguan is an accomplished and all-round great SUV that deserves its reputation and popularity.

The new Audi A3 is a premium mid-size hatchback that now sports a bolder exterior design and a more exciting style. Whilst older generations were available in both three and five-door formats, the latest A3 is strictly a Sportback model, which is Audi’s term for being a five-door. Inside, the cabin has an increase in quality with a Virtual Cockpit replacing the analogue dials and a 10.1-inch touchscreen (with sat-nav) included as standard. There are five trim levels to choose from and a wealth of personalisation options and optional safety equipment. As part of the Volkswagen Group, the Audi A3 also comes equipped with that useful Car-to-X ‘communication’ safety feature as well.

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a benchmark luxury saloon that stands out ahead of rivals with its high-quality premium feel and staggering levels of cutting-edge technology. Such tech includes a vast array of semi-autonomous driving features, like Remote Parking Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, and Active Speed Limit Assist. But that’s not all, the adaptive suspension uses cameras to monitor the conditions of the road, responding accordingly to always ensure a smooth and comfortable ride quality that is, as you can probably imagine, second to none. The cabin and the incredibly high-level of quality found throughout is nothing short of perfect, providing the most luxurious ride experience for drivers and passengers alike. The later even get to enjoy heated and reclining seats for added opulence. In short, the S-Class is a car that both defines the sector and pushes it forwards in equal measures.