Comfort instead of control? – More and more Germans prefer automatic transmission

Gearshift or automatic? This question no longer arises for many German drivers – the automatic transmission is on the rise, as data from the car portal Carwow show.

More and more motorists who are looking for a new vehicle on the online car portal Carwow are opting for an automatic transmission. In the first half of 2025, for example, 83% of vehicle inquiries were for automatic models, compared to 76% in the same period last year, and only 75% in 2023. This means that the proportion has increased by 8% within two years. The share of requests for classic manual transmissions was still 25% in the first half of 2024 – in 2025 it will be only 17%.

Automatic transmission is no longer a luxury

"Automatic transmission used to be a comfort feature of the luxury class – today it is standard in most vehicle classes," explains Philipp Sayler von Amende, Managing Director of Carwow Germany. Especially in city traffic, in traffic jams or in daily rush hour traffic, the automatic gearshift provides more comfort and reduces stress while driving."

Modern gearboxes are technically and economically competitive

"The idea that manual transmissions are more economical no longer applies across the board," explains Sayler von Amende. "Modern automatic systems such as dual-clutch transmissions (DSG), Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) or classic torque converter transmissions work very efficiently today – often even more economically than manual transmissions. In addition, there are smooth gear changes and a smooth drive, which brings noticeable advantages, especially in stop-and-go traffic."

"The automatic has also caught up economically: Although the acquisition costs are often somewhat higher, this difference often balances out when reselling – especially in the mid-range and luxury class."

Electromobility accelerates change

Another driver: electric cars, which basically do not have a manual transmission. "With the increasing spread of electric vehicles, the manual transmission is disappearing," Sayler von Amende continues. "Electric cars basically have no clutch and no gears in the classic sense, they always drive automatically. Anyone who has ever experienced the fluid and low-noise drive of an electric car rarely wants to go back to the manual transmission."

Manual transmissions remain a niche product with a fan base

"For a certain target group, the manual transmission remains attractive – especially for sporty drivers who value direct control and an active driving experience," explains Sayler von Amende. "Even for small cars and inexpensive entry-level models, the manual transmission can continue to be attractive in terms of price."

"However, the decision for a transmission is also a question of the driver's license: If you take the driving test exclusively on an automatic vehicle, you are not allowed to drive vehicles with a manual transmission later on – unless he or she takes an additional driving test on a manual car."

Conclusion: Automatic on the rise, but not a total displacement

"The development is clear: more and more people are consciously opting for the comfort and efficiency of modern automatic transmissions," summarizes Sayler von Amende. "But that doesn't mean that the manual transmission will disappear completely. It will assert itself as a niche solution for certain target groups – for example, among sporty drivers or in the entry-level classes."