In many European countries, manual cars are much more common than in the US. And driving a car in a foreign country is stressful enough without having to worry about shifting gears. Even when you are cruising along the autobahn, our selection of premium automatic cars can keep up with the flow.

Traditionally, Germany has been a stronghold for manual transmissions, with the majority of drivers preferring the control and efficiency of a "stick shift." However, in 2026, the landscape has shifted dramatically toward automatic transmissions. This transition is primarily driven by the massive rise of Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Hybrids, which are inherently automatic. Furthermore, modern automatic gearboxes, such as the Dual-Clutch Transmission (DSG), are now more efficient than their manual counterparts. While many older Germans and driving enthusiasts still opt for manual cars—and driving schools often still teach manual to allow students to drive any vehicle—almost all new premium cars from brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi are sold exclusively with automatic transmissions. If you are renting a car in Germany today, a manual will likely be the "budget" option, while automatics are the standard for mid-range and luxury categories. For Americans visiting Germany, it is a "pro-tip" to specifically book an automatic to avoid the stress of shifting gears on the Autobahn.