Where to Visit Germany’s Most Famous Car Brands (and Actually Drive Them)
You can visit BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche in their home cities — and not just see their history, but drive their cars where they were meant to be driven. From the Autobahn to the Nürburgring, this is where German engineering comes to life.
Why Germany Is the Home of Automotive Legends
When people talk about automotive heritage, they often start — and end — with Germany. It’s not just that BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche were born here. It’s that Germany has nurtured these brands into global icons through a culture of relentless innovation, pride in engineering, and a national love of driving.
The German approach to performance isn’t loud or flashy. It’s deliberate, refined, and built to last. Whether you're walking through a museum in Munich or cruising the Autobahn in a finely tuned machine, the experience feels cohesive — like you're stepping into a country that understands cars on a deeper level.
What You Can Actually See (and Do) at Germany’s Car Brands
Visitors often ask, “Can I visit the Porsche Museum?” or “Is the BMW factory open to the public?” But the better question is: What can you actually experience once you’re there?
In Germany, car museums aren’t just showrooms. They’re immersive spaces built to tell stories and spark emotion. At BMW Welt, you might catch a glimpse of a customer receiving their new M-series car, or explore exhibits that blend architecture, innovation, and design. Audi’s museum highlights racing heritage and forward-thinking tech. Porsche’s museum is tightly curated around motorsport icons, and Mercedes-Benz walks you through the full arc of automotive history.
Where to Find Each Brand — And What to Expect
BMW — Munich
BMW Welt and the BMW Museum sit side-by-side, creating a futuristic campus that blends brand philosophy, heritage, and technology. The optional factory tour gives you an inside look at the production floor, and the architecture alone is worth the visit. You can explore both through the official BMW Welt and Museum site, which also includes info on tour times and special exhibits.
Audi — Ingolstadt & Neckarsulm
Audi’s museum in Ingolstadt is the highlight for most visitors. Expect a sleek, forward-thinking design filled with vintage cars, concept vehicles, and displays that celebrate Audi’s quattro and motorsport history.
Mercedes-Benz — Stuttgart
This museum is as much about storytelling as it is about machines. You'll walk through time, starting with the very first motorcar and ending with Formula 1 innovations. Expect interactive installations, rotating exhibits, and a surprisingly emotional journey.
Porsche — Stuttgart
Compact but powerful, the Porsche Museum puts you face-to-face with icons like the 917, the 911 GT1, and the 919 Hybrid. The collection is pure adrenaline — from early roadsters to Le Mans-winning prototypes. Visit the Porsche Museum visitor information page for current opening hours and ticket details.
Why the Autobahn Isn’t Just About Speed
There’s a global fascination with the Autobahn — the idea of a speed-limit-free highway sounds like a dream. But in reality, it’s much more nuanced, and arguably, more impressive.
Yes, some stretches are unrestricted, but the Autobahn isn’t a free-for-all. It’s a place of respect: strict lane discipline, flawless road maintenance, and an unspoken code among drivers. The vehicles — often German-engineered — are built to perform at high speeds comfortably and safely.
Driving the Autobahn the right way isn’t just thrilling, it’s deeply satisfying. Motorsport Lab structures its Autobahn experience so you’re not just flooring it randomly — you’re understanding the rhythm, the etiquette, and the beauty of controlled speed. It’s a rite of passage for any car lover.
Don’t Miss the Nürburgring
Then there’s the Nürburgring — the “Green Hell.” Originally built in the 1920s, the Nordschleife loop is over 13 miles of unforgiving elevation changes, blind corners, and history-soaked asphalt.
It’s not just a racetrack — it’s a legend. And yes, you can drive it.
Motorsport Lab’s Nürburgring extension offers guided access to this sacred tarmac. Whether you’re in the passenger seat or behind the wheel, the experience is unforgettable. It’s the kind of place where even just standing by the guardrail gives you chills.
Who This Trip Is Really For
This kind of journey isn’t just for motorsport die-hards. It’s for anyone who’s ever paused to admire the hum of a perfectly tuned engine or wondered what makes German engineering so revered.
It’s for:
Car collectors and design lovers
Tech-minded travelers and engineers
F1 and endurance racing fans
Anyone who’s ever dreamed of seeing Stuttgart, Munich, or the Nürburgring through the lens of performance culture
Planning Tips for a German Automotive Itinerary
Best Time to Visit: May through October offers ideal weather, with bonus events like Oktoberfest in late September.
Where to Stay: Munich and Stuttgart are ideal hubs with easy access to major brand sites and cultural activities.
Add-ons to Consider: Neuschwanstein Castle, walking tours, or culinary stops like the Hofbräuhaus Brewery.
Tour vs. DIY: Planning a full itinerary yourself is possible but complex. A curated tour simplifies logistics, guarantees access, and maximizes your time.
How Motorsport Lab Brings It All Together
With so much to see — and so many roads to drive — it helps to have someone structure the experience. Motorsport Lab’s Germany Supercar Tour brings together every element of this journey: the museum highlights, the real-world driving, the Nürburgring adrenaline, and the cultural depth that makes it memorable.
You’ll see Germany’s most iconic car brands up close, learn how they’re built, and drive on the roads they were designed for. And in between, you’ll eat well, explore deeply, and experience the kind of trip that leaves a lasting imprint.
Because in Germany, driving isn’t just transportation — it’s tradition. And this tour puts you right in the driver’s seat.