The best German cars on sale in 2026

BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Volkswagen and Porsche are household names, with decades of engineering excellence and design know-how, plus a long list of legendary models.

Here are 10 of our favourite cars from German brands. And, if you don't fancy paying the new-car premium, check out thousands of nearly new and used car for sale at Motorpoint.

Best German Cars

• BMW X1
• Mercedes C-Class
• Audi A6
• Volkswagen ID.7
• Porsche 911
• BMW 3 Series
• Mercedes CLA
• Audi TT
• Volkswagen Passat
• Porsche Cayenne

BMW X1

BMW has a proud history of building sports saloons, so petrolheads might get upset that an SUV is now one of its best cars. The BMW X1 is the real deal, however. It has plenty of practicality for a family of four, and its compact footprint means it's still easy to park in tight urban spaces. And none of that vital 'BMW-ness' has been sacrificed from the driving experience – it's still sharp around corners and utterly unflappable over uneven roads, nor does it punish you over bumps and rough surfaces. Every engine option is reasonably punchy, and you'll now find fuel-sipping plug-in hybrid versions and a fully electric iX1 with a 293-mile range.

Browse used BMW X1 cars or read our BMW X1 review

Mercedes C-Class

German brands created the sports saloon recipe, and Mercedes' take on it is a little softer and more luxurious than BMW and Audi. The materials and cabin design are a touch more upmarket, and there's less focus on the car's sporty side – though AMG Line models at least look the part with big wheels and a racier body kit. On the road, Mercedes has set the C-Class up to soak up the bumps more effectively than its rivals, while the steering and controls are light and responsive, making the car feel effortless to drive. There's plenty of choice under the bonnet, with smooth petrols and frugal plug-in hybrid versions, along with seriously quick AMG models.

Search used Mercedes C-Class cars or read our Mercedes C-Class review

Audi A6

Audi's big executive cars have always struck a balance, ending up somewhere between their sportier BMW rivals and comfier Mercedes alternatives. That might put cars like the A6 in the 'Goldilocks' zone for you, with enough cushioning for long drives, and enough control to enjoy the car on twisty roads. This most recent A6 has a simply enormous infotainment screen like most cars in the class, but Audi's software is refreshingly free from fuss and graphical overload, so it's easy to spot the option you're looking for. All engine options are powerful and smooth, while the PHEV versions offer a long electric range.

Shop used Audi A6 cars or read our review of the previous-generation Audi A6

Volkswagen ID.7

Volkswagen's growing ID range gets better with each new model, and the ID.7 is one of the best so far. This is the battery-powered VW to pick if you're travelling long distances. The 'smaller' 77kWh pack manages a claimed 380 miles while long-range 86kWh versions can go more than 430 miles on a full charge. Its bespoke EV platform means the motors and axles can be pushed further apart for massive amounts of passenger space and a boot that'll cope with a holiday's worth of luggage. Performance is swift and pretty much silent, with the ID.7 effortlessly gliding around thanks to its 286hp electric motor.

Shop used Volkswagen ID.7 cars for sale or read our Volkswagen ID.7 review

Porsche 911

Porsche's lineup includes some of the best cars you can buy but, even among such talented siblings, the 911 remains the most iconic. And, after seven decades on sale, you'd expect Porsche to know a thing or two! Modern 911s now pack an enormous amount of performance with even entry-level models able to challenge some much more established supercars on track. Despite this, it's not the outright pace that impresses – it's the car's laser-like precision and the almost telepathic way it follows your instructions down the road. That would be enough to justify its vast price tag on its own, but the superb build quality and bank-busting desirability seals the deal.

Check out used coupes and convertibles or read our Porsche 911 review

BMW 3 Series

The X1 above might be the new default choice for families who want a BMW on the drive, but the 3 Series saloon and estate still have a lot to offer. This is, perhaps, the definitive BMW, with athletic handling and enough maturity to its ride quality that passengers won't feel bounced over bumps. The premium cabin features the brand's excellent iDrive infotainment system and enough space for adults to stretch out in the outer four seats. There's a boot large enough for a couple of big suitcases, or even more if you pick the sizeable 3 Series Touring estate, which has a clever opening rear windscreen if you just want to load small items.

See a choice of used BMW 3 Series cars or read our BMW 3 Series review

Mercedes CLA

Mercedes was one of the first brands to experiment with four-door coupes with the CLS twenty years ago. The CLA is more attainable than the pricey CLS, and it's an easier size to live with in the UK. Underneath, you have the tried-and-tested mechanicals from the A-Class hatch, but they're draped in longer, lower bodywork with much more dramatic styling. It's set up to be a little sportier than the A-Class too, with more alert handling and only the more powerful engines to choose from. Rear headroom does take a slight knock in pursuit of ultimate style, but you'll still be able to fit average-sized adults on the second row without complaint.

Shop used Mercedes CLA cars or read our Mercedes CLA review

Audi TT

Sadly, this is the last planned generation of the Audi TT, with no immediate successor in sight. That means there's all the more reason to enjoy this top-tier sports car while you still can. We rightly applaud 'stripped-back' sports cars like the Mazda MX-5 for their visceral driving experience, but the TT tries to do something different. It aims to capture the spirit of a proper sports car without losing the refinement, comfort and composure needed to cover long distances without tiring from firm suspension and a noisy cabin. The result is a wonderfully balanced car that's entertaining when you're in the mood, and easy to live with when you aren't.

Search used Audi TT cars or read our Audi TT review

Volkswagen Passat Estate

Big estates like the Volkswagen Passat aren't quite as popular as they used to be with family buyers. That's a bit of a shame because they're nearly as practical as pricier SUVs and tend to drive a little better thanks to their lower weight and centre of gravity. The Passat's one of the best, too, with calm, composed handling that'll waft along the motorway for hundreds of miles without complaint, and a cabin that'll seat six-footers with space to spare. Used car buyers might want to consider the previous-generation Volkswagen Passat, too – it feels more old-fashioned but at a noticeably lower price.

See used Volkswagen Passat cars or read our Volkswagen Passat review

Porsche Cayenne

As much as it pains us to admit it, some of Porsche's best cars these days are SUVs. Despite making its name with sports cars like the 911, it's models like the Cayenne that make up the bulk of Porsche sales since they're much easier to use every day. And just a few minutes behind the wheel of a Cayenne is enough to see why it's so special. Its handling seemingly defies the laws of physics with the big Porsche able to throw its weight into tight corners with far more gusto than you'd expect. Plus, once you settle down, the Cayenne relaxes into an easy-to-control long-legged motorway cruiser.

Browse used SUVs for sale

From the autobahn to your parking space

Buy or finance a great-value nearly new or used car from Motorpoint. Fancy something a little less Teutonic? Check out our choices for the best British cars on sale.