Germany’s Most Popular Cars The best-selling cars across Germany revealed

The Volkswagen Golf is the most popular choice in several states, including Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony) with a significant lead of 23,459 registrations, followed by Nordrhein-Westfalen (North Rhine-Westphalia) with 14,878 and Bayern (Bavaria) registering 12,530. The Volkswagen Golf also leads in Baden-Württemberg, Hamburg, Rheinland-Pfalz (Rhineland-Palatinate), Sachsen (Saxony), Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and Thüringen (Thuringia).

The Opel Corsa is the preferred model in Hessen (Hesse) and Brandenburg, with 11,301 and 1,084 registrations, respectively. In Sachsen-Anhalt (Saxony-Anhalt) and Saarland, the Fiat 500 takes the lead.

1. Tesla Model Y | 2,005,000 Google searches

The Tesla Model Y is best known for its advanced technology, zero emissions and low running costs. The compact electric SUV is the most searched in Germany, with 2,005,000 Google searches in the last year. The Tesla Model Y also ranked in Germany's top ten most purchased car models. 

2. Tesla Model 3 | 1,812,000 Google searches

Germany’s love for Tesla cars is undeniable, with the Tesla Model 3 ranking as the second most searched car in the country. Over the last 12 months, Germans searched for the rear-wheel drive around 1,812,000 times. The Tesla Model 3 also ranked in the top ten most purchased car models nationwide.

3. Fiat 500 | 1,750,000 Google searches

The Fiat 500 is one of the most-Googled cars across Germany, loved for its affordability and reliability. German residents searched for the popular model around 1,750,000 times.

The electric vehicle (EV) market has been growing in Germany, with more models than ever before available. But which are the most popular?

1. Tesla Model Y (35,308 registrations)

The Tesla Model Y leads the pack, with 35,308 registrations in 2022. This compact electric SUV has gained immense popularity due to its range, performance, and advanced technology features, including Tesla's renowned autopilot system. The Model Y's success in Germany reflects Tesla's expanding footprint in the European EV market and its appeal to consumers seeking a blend of luxury, technology, and sustainability.

2. Tesla Model 3 (33,839 registrations)

Another Tesla model, the Model 3, follows closely, with 33,839 registrations. The Model 3, a smaller and more affordable option than the Model Y, is known for its sleek design, impressive range, and high safety ratings. Its popularity in Germany underscores the strong market demand for Tesla's more accessible offerings, highlighting its ability to cater to a broad range of consumer preferences.

3. Fiat 500e (29,636 registrations)

The Fiat 500e, with 229,636 registrations, is Germany's third most popular EV. The Fiat 500e is an electric variant of the iconic Fiat 500, known for its compact design and stylish aesthetic. Designed to offer an eco-friendly alternative to its gasoline-powered counterpart, the 500e maintains the charm and character of the classic Fiat 500 while embracing the advancements of electric vehicle technology.

1. Volkswagen | 480,967 new registrations (2022)

Volkswagen ranks first as Germany's most popular car brand, with 480,967 new registrations last year. Established in 1937, Volkswagen is one of the best-known German car brands worldwide, renowned for its high-quality, stylish design. Volkswagen’s popularity in its home country is undeniable, producing Germany's top three car models.

2. Mercedes-Benz | 243,999 new registrations (2022)

Mercedes-Benz is in second place as one of Germany’s most popular car brands. There were 243,999 Mercedes vehicles registered in the country in 2022. These cars are best known for their exceptional performance, longevity and luxury feel.

3. Audi | 213,410 new registrations (2022)

Audi is one of the most loved car brands in the world, so it’s no surprise that the brand ranks in third place as one of Germany’s favourites. There were 213,410 new Audi cars registered in Germany last year.

1. Audi (31,533 increase)

2021 registrations: 181,877 registrations

2022 registrations: 213,410 registrations

Looking year-on-year, Audi saw a significant increase in its registrations, climbing from 181,877 in 2021 to 213,410 in 2022. Audi is a hugely popular brand in Germany, and it seems like this is only continuing to grow. Audi's success could be attributed to its diverse range of models, including luxury sedans and SUVs, and its expanding electric vehicle (EV) lineup.

2. Tesla (30,249 increase)

2021 registrations: 39,714 registrations

2022 registrations: 69,963 registrations

Experiencing a dramatic surge, Tesla's registrations more than doubled, skyrocketing from 39,714 in 2021 to 69,963 in 2022. As a leading manufacturer of EVs, Tesla's growth in Germany reflects a significant shift towards sustainable and electric cars among German drivers. This also shows the wider growing acceptance and demand for EV technology over fossil fuels.

3. Dacia (20,052 increase)

2021 registrations: 40,338 registrations

2022 registrations: 60,390 registrations

Showing impressive growth in third, Dacia's registrations rose from 40,338 in 2021 to 60,390 in 2022, an increase of 20,052. This Romanian car manufacturer, known for its budget-friendly models, has struck a chord with cost-conscious drivers. Dacia's growth could suggest that drivers prioritise affordability and practicality, especially during economic uncertainty and changing market dynamics.

1. Volkswagen Golf | 83,737 new registrations (2022)

The Volkswagen Golf was first produced in 1974 and has remained one of the most beloved cars ever since. In Germany, the popularity of this classic model is unwavering. Last year, 83,737 Volkswagen Golf cars were registered across Germany, making it Germany’s favourite car model.

2. Volkswagen Tiguan | 59,174 new registrations (2022)

The Volkswagen Tiguan is the second Volkswagen car to appear in our top three and the most popular SUV in Germany. Loved worldwide for its spacious interior and affordability, the Volkswagen Tiguan has remained one of the most successful Volkswagen models of all time. In 2022, there were 59,174 Tiguan cars registered in Germany.

3. Volkswagen T-Roc | 58,893 new registrations (2022)

The Volkswagen T-Roc is the third Volkswagen car and the second SUV to rank in our top three for Germany’s most-loved car models. This family car is often purchased thanks to its compact design and practicality. Released in 2017, the T-Roc is the most recently released car model in our top three. Around 58,893 Volkswagen T-Roc cars were registered last year in Germany.

1. Tesla Model Y (30,908 increase)

2021 registrations: 4,400 registrations

2022 registrations: 35,308 registrations

Dominating the list, the Tesla Model Y saw a staggering increase in registrations from just 4,400 in 2021 to 35,308 in 2022, an impressive rise of 30,908 units. This growth underscores the Model Y's popularity and reflects Germany's broader trend towards electric vehicles (EVs). The Model Y, with its combination of range, performance, and Tesla's strong brand appeal, has captured the interest of the German market, with the increasing environmental consciousness and the shift towards sustainable driving.

2. Volkswagen Taigo (18,029 increase)

2021 registrations: 718 registrations

2022 registrations: 18,747 registrations

The Volkswagen Taigo also showed remarkable growth, with registrations increasing from a mere 718 in 2021 to 18,747 in 2022, an increase of 18,029. This significant rise can be attributed to only launching in July 2021, meeting the current demand for compact crossover SUVs. The Taigo's combination of style, practicality, and Volkswagen's trusted brand name likely contributed to its rapid acceptance in the German market.

3. Fiat 500e (17,120 increase)

2021 registrations: 12,516 registrations

2022 registrations: 29,636 registrations

In third is the  Fiat 500e, also known as the Fiat 500 New, an all-electric version of the classic and popular model. It experienced significant growth in registrations, rising from 12,516 in 2021 to 29,636 in 2022, an increase of 17,120 units. This growth can be attributed to the model's enduring appeal, compact design, suitability for urban environments, and the fact that it caters to the growing demand for smaller, eco-friendly urban vehicles.

We wanted to reveal Germany’s most popular cars, so we sourced the number of registrations by car brand and model across Germany and each German state using Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt data on registered vehicles by Marken, Hersteller 2022. We looked at tables 18.1 and 4.4.

We used Google Ads Keyword Planner to source the number of Google searches in Germany between October 1 2022, and September 30 2023, for the top 50 registered car models in the country for 2022.