A car in Germany has to do more than just drive. It needs to be a reliable partner that can safely take you through a snowstorm on the A7 for a ski trip, withstand heavy rain on the North Sea coast, and keep you cool in a 35°C traffic jam in the city. "Weather resistance" is therefore one of the most important, yet often overlooked, criteria when buying a car.
But what really makes a car weather-resistant? It's more than just all-wheel drive. It's a combination of intelligent drive systems, clever comfort features, and robust construction. We have compiled a list of the top 10 vehicles that have proven to be particularly resilient to the whims of German weather—for maximum safety and comfort on every journey.
The Tiguan is one of the best-selling SUVs in Germany for a reason. It is the epitome of an all-rounder. Its 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system is not permanent but intelligently and instantly engages only when slip is imminent. This saves fuel in everyday driving but provides the necessary safety in snow, wet conditions, or on unpaved roads. A high seating position provides a good overview, which is particularly advantageous in bad weather.
For families and business travelers covering long distances on the motorway, the A6 Allroad is the perfect choice. It combines the comfort of a touring sedan with the robustness of an SUV. The legendary quattro all-wheel drive offers superior traction in wet and snowy conditions, while the standard air suspension not only provides comfort but can also increase ground clearance at the touch of a button—ideal for the snowy path to the ski lodge.
Who knows how to build a winter car better than the Swedes? The V60 Cross Country is an elegant estate car that is discreetly raised and comes standard with all-wheel drive. It's the perfect answer to the "SUV or estate?" question. Volvo is known for its outstanding seats and arguably the best heated seats and steering wheels in the industry—a blessing on cold days.
All-wheel drive doesn't have to be expensive. The Dacia Duster has proven for years that a capable all-weather car can be affordable. Its switchable 4x4 drive is simple but effective, reliably getting you through the snow to your holiday home in the Harz mountains or over muddy country lanes. Its high ground clearance and robust construction make it impervious to poor road conditions.
Subaru didn't invent all-wheel drive, but they perfected it. The "Symmetrical AWD" is permanent, always distributing power to all four wheels. This ensures exceptionally stable and neutral driving dynamics, especially on slippery surfaces. The Outback combines this with the practicality of a large estate and increased ground clearance.
An electric car in winter? Absolutely! An EV with all-wheel drive has a huge advantage: the two motors on the front and rear axles can regulate power distribution in milliseconds and independently of each other. This is faster and more precise than any mechanical system. The result is phenomenal traction on snow and ice. Additionally, the heavy battery is located low in the vehicle floor, providing a low center of gravity and high driving stability.
For those who don't want to give up a sporty driving style in winter, the BMW X3 is the right choice. The xDrive system is rear-biased, providing the typical, agile BMW driving feel. However, if traction is lost, power is instantly redistributed to the front. It's the perfect combination of driving fun on dry roads and confident safety in bad weather.
In the narrow, snowy alleys of an Alpine village, many large SUVs fail. This is where the Suzuki Jimny shines. With its switchable all-wheel drive, low-range gearing, and light weight, it climbs slopes where others get stuck. It's not a comfortable travel car, but for the journey to a remote mountain cabin, there's hardly anything better.
If you're looking for a car that will reliably take you through a snowstorm in the Alps, a desert in Africa, and the jungle in South America, there is only one answer: the Land Cruiser. It's not built for the city, but for the most extreme conditions on this planet. Its legendary reliability and outstanding off-road capabilities make it the ultimate escape vehicle from bad weather.
Ask a resident of an Italian mountain village what car they drive in winter. The answer will often be "Panda 4x4." Like the Jimny, it is small, light, and incredibly agile. Its simple but effective all-wheel-drive system makes it a true snow king on narrow, steep mountain roads where larger, heavier vehicles struggle. A cult car with surprising capabilities.
The perfect all-weather car doesn't exist—but the perfect car for your needs does. Whether you're looking for the comfortable Allroad for long distances, the affordable Duster for the holiday home, or the innovative EV for everyday life, a conscious decision for a weather-resistant vehicle is an investment in safety, comfort, and peace of mind. Because the best journey is the one where you don't have to worry about the weather.