100 Greatest German Cars of All Time

  1. BMW M3 (E30)

This wasn’t the first BMW Motorsport model, but for many M-series fans, it is considered the single greatest BMW ever built.

The E30 M3 is viewed as an ideal — a benchmark of perfection. Many believe that after this car, BMW never again created anything as legendary.

  1. Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3

In 1968, Mercedes engineers took the massive 6.3-liter V8 from the Mercedes 600 and installed it into the 300 SEL. The car also received an incredibly luxurious interior for its time. This model laid the foundation for future AMG vehicles.

  1. Audi RS2

A legendary model developed together with Porsche. Although it looked similar to an Audi 80 Avant, its performance was astonishing. One of the fastest wagons of its era.

  1. Volkswagen Golf (1st Generation)

In 1974, the Golf showed the world what a true family hatchback should look like. Seven generations later, it remains a global best-seller.

  1. Porsche 911 2.7 RS

The first RS — and perhaps the best ever. Launched in 1972, it sold out within weeks. Famous for its outstanding steering and for increasing in value over time.

  1. BMW M3 CSL (E46)

The E46 M3 was already excellent, but the CSL version was even better. Lighter, more aggressive, more powerful — and equipped with legendary steering. Only 11 units were ever produced.

  1. Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL 6.9

If the S-Class were the president of the company, the 450 SEL 6.9 would be the CEO. This model was decades ahead of its time, featuring hydropneumatic suspension and ABS — unheard of technology back then.

  1. Audi Quattro

The car that built Audi’s reputation. It revolutionized all-wheel drive for passenger cars and became one of the most influential cars in automotive history.

  1. Volkswagen Beetle

Love it or hate it, the Beetle had a massive cultural and social impact on the 20th century. Despite its origins in Nazi Germany, it became one of the most beloved cars worldwide.

  1. Opel GT

Considered by many to be the most beautiful Opel ever created. Its styling resembles the Corvette, though it was based on the simple Opel Kadett.

  1. BMW M1

A masterpiece by designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. Only 456 units were built. A rare and iconic BMW.

  1. Mercedes-Benz 300 SL

A true automotive work of art. Originating from the W194 race car, the 300 SL debuted in 1954 and became one of the most iconic cars ever made.

  1. Audi TT

When first introduced, many critics predicted failure — but the opposite happened. The TT quickly became a popular and long-lasting success.

  1. Volkswagen UP

One of VW’s best urban cars. Known not only for its efficiency and compact size, but also for its remarkably low cost.

  1. Porsche 911 3.2 Sport

During the 1970s, Porsche considered ending the 911 line entirely. The revival began in the 1980s with this very model — the 911 3.2 Sport.

  1. BMW 3.0 CSL

One of the most famous BMW special editions. Created for the track, later adapted for road use. A true motorsport icon.

  1. Mercedes-Benz W116 S-Class

One of the most advanced cars of the 1970s — and perhaps the entire 20th century. A benchmark of engineering and safety.

  1. Audi 100

With its aerodynamic body, lightweight construction, and available all-wheel drive, the Audi 100 became a global success.

  1. Volkswagen Golf (4th Generation)

The Mk4 Golf revolutionized the hatchback segment and is considered one of Ferdinand Piëch’s greatest achievements.

  1. NSU Ro80

A masterpiece of German engineering: rotary engine, modern design, and advanced technology for its era.

  1. BMW 328

This legendary model was a Top 25 finalist in the “Car of the Century” award. In its era, the BMW 328 was considered the most advanced sports car in the world.

  1. Mercedes-Benz W123

For many Mercedes fans and automotive experts, the W123 is the most iconic model in the brand’s history. It was extremely popular in North America and Europe, and became legendary in Africa due to its durability, comfortable suspension, and simple mechanics.

  1. Audi S8

One of the best cars Audi has ever produced — a perfect blend of performance, luxury, and technology.

  1. Volkswagen Corrado VR6

Often regarded as one of the greatest front-wheel-drive coupes ever built. The VR6 engine gave it a unique performance character and timeless appeal.

  1. Porsche 356 Speedster

Originally designed as a budget sports car, with minimal equipment and a shortened removable windshield for racing. Despite its simplicity, the clean and elegant design won the hearts of Porsche enthusiasts around the world.

  1. BMW M5 (E60)

Choosing the best M5 is difficult, but the E60 stands out due to its originality and its Formula 1–inspired V10 engine. A one-of-a-kind masterpiece in BMW history.

  1. Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR

Once the most expensive production car in the world, costing $1.5 million in the late 1990s. Built for FIA GT racing, it became an icon of exclusivity and engineering.

  1. Audi A2

A futuristic car even today. Its aluminum body made it extremely lightweight and fuel-efficient, surpassing environmental standards of its time.

  1. Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia

A beautiful design wrapped around the simple mechanics of a VW Beetle. One of the most elegant cars Volkswagen has ever produced.

  1. Porsche Carrera GT

The predecessor of the 918 Spyder and one of the most respected Porsche supercars. Equipped with a 5.7-liter V10 and capable of 0–100 km/h in 3.5 seconds, it became an instant legend.

  1. BMW 507

Considered by many to be the most beautiful BMW ever created. A rare and highly prized roadster.

  1. Mercedes-Benz 600

Winner of the global ranking of the most popular cars among politicians, presidents, and world leaders. The Mercedes 600 became the ultimate symbol of power and luxury.

  1. Audi A8

A luxury sedan that has retained its appeal over the years. Even today, it remains a technological and stylistic benchmark.

  1. Volkswagen Scirocco (1st Generation)

A revolutionary model for Volkswagen in the 1970s. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, Scirocco instantly became a masterpiece of automotive styling.

  1. Porsche 930 Turbo

Released in 1975, it was the fastest production car in Germany at the time. Known for its explosive turbo power and demanding driving dynamics.

  1. BMW 1 Series M Coupe

Many consider it the spiritual successor to the E30 M3. A purist’s car that delivers the classic BMW driving feel — raw, direct, and incredibly engaging.

  1. Mercedes-Benz SSK

The last car designed by Ferdinand Porsche before founding his own company. A legendary racing machine and a precursor to future supercars.

  1. Audi R10 TDI

In 2006, it became the first diesel-powered car to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans. A historic achievement in motorsport.

  1. Volkswagen Polo G40

An underrated gem in VW history. Small, lightweight, and surprisingly powerful for its time — now a collector’s favorite.

  1. Porsche Boxster

The model that saved Porsche financially in the 1990s. Introduced in 1996, it became a massive success and laid the foundation for modern Porsche sports cars.

  1. BMW 2002 Turbo

If the 1 Series M Coupe represents the modern spirit of the E30 M3, then the 2002 Turbo was the equivalent for BMW sports cars of the 1970s. It was the first European production car with a turbocharged engine. Only 1,672 units were produced.

  1. Mercedes-AMG GT S

A supercar that feels at home both on the track and on city streets. Powerful, refined, and unlike anything else on the market — a truly unique machine.

  1. Audi Sport Quattro

A racing-focused version of the famous Audi Quattro, created for WRC competition. With its shortened wheelbase and distinctive styling, it became one of the most iconic rally cars ever built.

  1. Benz Patent-Motorwagen

Without this invention, the list would be incomplete. Considered by historians to be the first true automobile, produced in 1886. In 1888, it completed the first long-distance automobile journey in history.

  1. Opel Senator 3.0 24V

Equipped with a strong 3.0-liter engine, the Senator offered both comfort and surprising performance, becoming popular especially in the United Kingdom.

  1. Porsche 911 997 GT3 RS 4.0

With only 600 units produced, this is considered the most powerful and largest-displacement naturally aspirated 911 ever made. Its value has since tripled on the collector market.

  1. BMW Z1

Famous for its unique sliding doors, unseen anywhere else in the automotive world. It also featured the same engine used in the BMW 325i of that era.

  1. Mercedes-Benz 190

One of the most successful Mercedes models ever built, forming the foundation for the modern C-Class. It was a long-time rival to the BMW 3 Series.

  1. Audi RS4

The first RS4 model appeared in 1999 as the successor to the legendary RS2 — combining extreme performance with everyday practicality.

  1. Volkswagen Golf GTI (1st Generation)

Ask any enthusiast to name the greatest hot hatch ever, and many will immediately choose the original Golf GTI. It transformed the compact sports car market and created a new segment.

  1. Trabant 601

Technically simple and far from outstanding, yet it became a symbol of East Germany. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, it found new popularity even in the West thanks to its low cost and basic charm.

  1. Porsche 968 Club Sport

A rare and highly regarded model that evolved from the 924–944–968 series. The Club Sport version was lighter, more aggressive, and aimed squarely at driving enthusiasts.

  1. BMW “Neue Klasse” (New Class)

Starting with the BMW 1500, this series revolutionized the brand, transforming BMW into a manufacturer of sporty premium cars. It laid the foundation for all modern BMW models.

  1. Mercedes-Benz Unimog

Not a passenger car, but one of the most capable utility vehicles ever made. The Unimog is often described as the Swiss Army knife of trucks — extremely durable, versatile, and nearly indestructible.

  1. Audi V8

Although it resembled the Audi 200, the V8 featured unique components and a special 3.6-liter engine essentially made from two GTI engines combined. It accelerated from 0–100 km/h in 7.6 seconds and paved the way for the Audi A8.

  1. Volkswagen Type 3

Another evolutionary step beyond the Beetle — more spacious, more refined, and ultimately a commercial success with 1.8 million units sold.

  1. Opel Omega GSI 3000

A rare but impressive car, especially popular in the UK. Known for its powerful engine and sporty character.

  1. Porsche 959

Porsche’s first true supercar, launched in 1986 to compete with the Ferrari F40. It featured active suspension, advanced aerodynamics, and reached a top speed of 317 km/h — extraordinary for its time.

  1. BMW i8

A futuristic hybrid sports car that anticipated the future of automotive design. Its technology and styling made it one of the most remarkable cars of the decade.

  1. Mercedes-Benz SL “Pagoda” (R113)

A rare and elegant version of the classic SL. Its concave roof earned it the nickname “Pagoda.” Today it is highly valued by collectors.

  1. Auto Union Type A–D

These 1930s racing cars featured incredibly powerful V16 engines (later V12). They dominated competitions and rivaled the legendary Mercedes Silver Arrows.

  1. Volkswagen Lupo GTI

A miniature GTI that surprised journalists with its performance. Similar in spirit to the original Golf GTI, but launched decades later. Rare and beloved by enthusiasts.

  1. Porsche 918 Spyder

A hypercar combining a 608 hp V8 engine with electric motors. It proved that hybrid cars can be extreme, not just efficient.

  1. BMW Z3 M Coupe

The high-performance version of the Z3 — quirky, powerful, and now a highly collectible driver’s car with a cult following.

  1. Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR

A legendary racing car associated with Stirling Moss, who achieved record victories in endurance racing with it.

  1. Volkswagen Golf Rallye

By today’s standards it may seem modest, but in its time it was a revolutionary rally car with turbo power and all-wheel drive.

  1. Porsche Cayman R

A model bold enough to challenge the 911 GT3 — and it performed surprisingly well. Sharper, lighter, and more focused.

  1. Smart

The Smart project cost Daimler billions, but it created an entirely new automotive class. Unique, innovative, and unmatched at its debut — the Smart became a global icon of compact mobility.

  1. BMW Z8

A stunningly beautiful roadster widely considered one of BMW’s finest design achievements. Rare, luxurious, and highly prized.

  1. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

One of the world’s most successful and reliable vans. It set a global standard for commercial vehicles.

  1. Volkswagen Type 2

No matter which version we’re talking about, the Type 2 became a global cultural icon. It influenced automotive history and became a symbol of freedom, travel, and counterculture.

  1. Porsche 718 RS 60 Spyder

Porsche plans to revive the 718 name, but the original model was a compact open-top race car known for its agility and excellent performance.

  1. BMW 3 Series

One of the most successful premium cars in history. For over 40 years, the 3 Series has set the benchmark for compact sports sedans around the world.

  1. Mercedes-Benz 300E

A sedan that proved four-door cars can also be true performance machines. Known for its balance between comfort and power.

  1. Volkswagen XL1

An ultra-efficient hybrid with a spectacular official fuel consumption of 1 liter per 100 km. Weighing only 795 kg and capable of driving 80 km on electric power alone, the XL1 is one of VW’s most advanced creations.

  1. Porsche 911 GT1

Built in the mid-1990s for endurance racing. The road-legal version is extremely rare and one of the most desirable Porsche models ever produced.

  1. BMW E30 Touring

This wagon version of the E30 proved that a practical family car can also be sporty and engaging. A cult classic today.

  1. Mercedes-Benz G-Class (G-Wagen)

Germany’s answer to the Land Rover Defender. One of the most respected and capable off-road vehicles in automotive history.

  1. Volkswagen Phaeton

An ambitious project developed under Ferdinand Piëch. Despite poor sales, the Phaeton was a technological masterpiece. Time will show whether it is remembered as a success or failure.

  1. Porsche 550 Spyder

Produced in only 90 units, yet one of the most iconic Porsche models ever built — partly due to its association with James Dean. A true motorsport legend.

  1. BMW-MINI

BMW reinvented the British MINI brand. Although some claim the modern models lost part of the original charm, they became highly popular and deserve recognition.

  1. Mercedes-Benz W140 S-Class

One of the most legendary luxury cars of the 1990s. The W140 set new standards in comfort, innovation, and safety — shaping the automotive industry for years.

  1. Porsche 911 Carrera RSR Turbo

A racing model that helped Porsche test and perfect turbo technology in endurance events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It proved the reliability of turbo engines under extreme conditions.

  1. BMW 7 Series (E65)

Designed by Chris Bangle, the E65 shocked the automotive world with its unconventional styling. Despite controversies, it was extremely innovative and influenced future BMW designs.

  1. Volkswagen Golf R32

An evolution of the Golf GTI platform, the R32 offered big power, a distinctive VR6 soundtrack, and all-wheel drive — instantly becoming a legend.

  1. Porsche 904

The first mid-engine Porsche designed for GT racing. Only 100 were built, making it extremely rare and valuable. It earned major victories in events like Targa Florio and Daytona.

  1. DKW Sonderklasse

A front-wheel-drive car introduced at the 1953 Frankfurt Motor Show. A technologically advanced model for its era.

  1. BMW i3

The model that transformed BMW’s brand image. With advanced engineering and a futuristic design, the i3 signaled BMW’s entry into the electric age.

  1. Mercedes-Benz 190 Evo II

Originally built for DTM racing, the 190E 2.3-16 battled the BMW M3. The Evolution I and II models pushed performance to a new level and became motorsport legends.

  1. Volkswagen–Porsche 914/6

A rare joint project between Volkswagen and Porsche. Today it is highly valued for its uniqueness and historical significance.

  1. Opel Monza

In the 1980s, Opel was competitive with Mercedes and BMW. The Monza proves that Opel once produced elegant, powerful coupes capable of standing alongside premium brands.

  1. Borgward Isabella

A beautifully styled and well-engineered car, unfortunately forgotten over time. Considered advanced and elegant for its era.

  1. Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

A stunning combination of practicality and extreme performance. The C63 AMG is one of the most beloved AMG models ever built.

  1. RUF CTR “Yellow Bird”

In 1987, the Yellow Bird surpassed the Ferrari F40 by reaching 339 km/h, becoming the fastest road car in the world. Although based on the 911, it was almost entirely rebuilt by RUF.

  1. Horch 853A

Produced in 1939. In 2012, a roadster version sold for $5.17 million. The Horch brand was created by August Horch, a former Mercedes engineer and automotive pioneer.

  1. BMW Isetta

Originally an Italian microcar built under license in Germany. BMW redesigned it and produced the 250, 300, and 600 models. By late 1955, over 10,000 units had already been manufactured.

  1. DKW Monza

Featuring a lightweight polyester body and exceptional aerodynamics, the DKW Monza set five world records in a single day.

  1. Opel Manta B400

A highly popular sports coupe in Germany. Designed as Opel’s response to the Ford Capri — and in many opinions, a better alternative.

  1. Wiesmann GT MF5

Powered by a 5.0-liter BMW V10, capable of 0–100 km/h in 4 seconds and a top speed of 310 km/h. Wiesmann aims to challenge major luxury sports car manufacturers.

  1. Mercedes Silver Arrows

From the 1930s to the 1950s, Mercedes produced a series of legendary racing machines. One of the most iconic was the 1937 W125 — a symbol of the glorious era of the Silver Arrows.

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