Schwacke and AUTO BILD announce top models for 2025 Wertmeister

AUTO BILD and Schwacke name Wertmeister 2025 – the models with best value retention after 3 years and 60,000 km

The annual Wertmeister 2025 study by AUTO BILD and the valuation experts at Schwacke once again highlighted the key factor in car ownership — how well a vehicle retains its value. After three years, depreciation often outweighs the costs of fuel or insurance, making this ranking a useful guide for both private buyers and fleet operators.

Schwacke analyzed tens of thousands of model variants across eleven classes, estimating their projected residual values after 36 months and 60,000 kilometers. The methodology relies on real market data and excludes outliers in price and power to ensure realistic averages.

This year’s focus was on electric vehicles, which have made noticeable gains in range, charging speed, and everyday usability. Although EVs are still ranked in separate categories, Schwacke’s experts believe this distinction may soon disappear.

Among the standout winners is the Audi A6 Avant e-tron, leading both the “electric mid- to upper-class” and the overall “Oberklasse” categories with an impressive projected residual value of 57.1 %. In the compact segment, the Audi A3 Sportback earned 53.7 %, while the Mini Cooper once again dominated the small-car class with 59.1 %, thanks to its strong image and timeless design. The Mini Aceman topped the small electric category at 54.9 %, offering up to 406 km of WLTP range.

Other class leaders include the Mercedes-Benz CLE (55 %), the legendary G-Class (67.6 %), the Dacia Duster (60.6 %), the Citroën Berlingo (62.4 %), the Porsche 911 (63 %), and the Volvo EX90 (55.5 %). Together, these results show that strong residual values can come from both practical and premium models, provided the brand carries lasting credibility.

Schwacke remains one of the most trusted sources for automotive valuation. Founded nearly seventy years ago, the company has been part of the J.D. Power group since 2024, combining German precision with international analytical reach.