Best Looking German Cars of 2009

Stunning Vehicles by Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche and Volkswagen

Jun 26, 2009 Christian Nathler

If there ever was a year where one country dominated the rest based on vehicle allure, this would be it. In 2009, the Germans truly swept the design competition.

The top five German car producers are clear - Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche and Volkswagen - largely because these same brands are pretty much ubiquitous amongst the top vehicle manufacturers worldwide.

For the better part of the past century, the Germans have developed an auto manufacturing recipe that the majority of other global brands envy. It's a perfect concoction of innovation, ambition, efficiency and technology, producing some of the best-engineered vehicles from family sedans to open wheel single-seaters.

But along with the exceptional technology and engineering that defines German vehicles, there is also a distinct style that is the earmark of each respective brand. Each car has a trademark, something unique that cannot be replicated (no matter how hard Hyundai tried to mold a Mercedes and Volkswagen to create the Genesis).

That BMW smile; those Porsche eyes - they've been catching our attention for the better part of the last century. If one were to remove the logo of almost any German vehicle of any era, it could still be identified under a particular manufacturer. The same cannot be said for the ever-evolving designs of Japanese and American manufacturers.

Style and character were once again at the forefront of this year's vehicle class by German manufacturers. Here are the top 2009 models by each manufacturer based on exterior design:

Audi: A4

The curved LED daytime running lights on this vehicle could make a Ford Flex look good. They are absolutely spectacular. This year's model has stayed true to its original design, but those lights are by far the most impressive new feature on any vehicle launched in 2009.

BMW: X6

This ambitious model is described as an SUV with the stance of a coupe, though it mirrors the mannerisms of a pit bull. It is by far one of the most aggressive looking vehicles on the road, and powerful like a BMW should be.

Mercedes: CLS550

This year's CLS class is an ultra-smooth improvement of last year's version that flows from front to back. Sticking with an implanted Mercedes star on the front grill makes it that much better.

Porsche: Panamera

This car deserves to be on the list simply based on the manufacturer's ambition. Porsche's high-performance vehicles are world-class, so this project was a major change from their niche and it worked well. Especially impressive is that Porsche pulled this off after they launched the regrettable Cayenne back in 2002.

Volkswagen: Golf GTI

Like every other year, the GTI is Volkswagen's most impressive model of 2009. It's compact, sporty and stylish. Especially in white. New this year is a striking red outlining around the front grill.

These manufacturers have managed to design stunning exteriors, accented by chic lights and seductive curves while sustaining the distinctive character their cars have carried for over 70 years. They've stayed true yet flirted with change, and the result is the launch of the most impressive vehicle class to date.

The copyright of the article Best Looking German Cars of 2009 in Sports/Custom/Classic Cars is owned by Christian Nathler. Permission to republish Best Looking German Cars of 2009 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.