Audi scores a 2025 Wertmeister title hat-trick
08 September 2025
At IAA Mobility in Munich, Schwacke and Auto Bild revealed the 2025 Wertmeister (residual value champions) winners. Autovista24 editor Tom Geggus examines the models with the greatest value retention in Germany.
For the 22nd time, vehicles with the highest value retention were honoured by industry experts. This year, a total of eleven value masters took home the coveted title.
Around 10,000 models were divided into categories ranging from small cars to commercial vans, and examined by Schwacke experts. The awards included three electric categories and eight open classes, in which all models were considered regardless of their powertrain.
A Wertmeister hat-trick
The Audi A6 e-tron won two trophies in the luxury and compact to luxury electric categories.
This was the first time an all-electric model claimed victory in the luxury segment, defeating its diesel and petrol competitors. The achievement sends a strong signal to the industry, underlining that used electric cars are making gains.
‘What a wonderful surprise for everyone who believes in the future of electromobility and has been waiting for signals from the market,’ said Thorsten Barg, managing director of Schwacke.
‘Audi’s success with the electric version of the A6 Avant in this open class against strong combustion engine competition shows that electromobility is now arriving on the used car market,’ he added.
Close behind in second and third were models with internal-combustion engines: the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
In addition to the double title for the e-tron, Audi also celebrated a win in the compact car category. The Audi A3 impressed with its high value retention, versatility and modern design.
Small car clash
For the past four years, the Dacia Sandero was the undisputed leader in the small car category. This year, it had to relinquish its title to the Mini Cooper Cabrio. The model stood out with an exceptionally high value retention.
However, Dacia claimed a win in the compact SUV category with its Duster. The model impressed with a strong overall package. Everyday practicality, robustness, and an excellent price-performance ratio added to its used-market appeal. Dacia’s focus on essentials appeals to many customers, and this is reflected in its residual value (RV).
With the Mini Aceman, BMW also impressed in the electric small car category. Available as a battery-electric vehicle (BEV), the Aceman achieves a WLTP range of up to 406km, making it an attractive choice in its segment.
Electric vehicles (EVs) enjoyed more success in the compact to luxury electric SUV category, with the Volvo EX90 crowned the winner.
The model incorporates sustainability measures such as the use of recycled materials and reflects the brand’s ongoing shift toward electromobility. With an emphasis on safety and environmental performance, the Swedish company is consolidating its place within the premium electric segment.
Wertmeister highlights RV importance
RVs play a central role in the automotive industry. For private buyers, it directly affects the future resale value, often a key criterion when choosing a new car.
In leasing and financing, the calculated RV directly impacts monthly payments. Even for manufacturers, stable value retention can significantly boost a model’s market success. A Wertmeister win signals a model’s exceptional value stability.
‘Many Wertmeister winners are expensive to buy. If you drive a Porsche, Mercedes, or Mini, you pay a lot upfront, but then benefit when reselling, said Robin Hornig, editor-in-chief for Automotive at the Bild Group.
‘In the RV rankings, model lines and brands that offered either particularly affordable vehicles or a high position in the premium and lifestyle segments prevailed again. Additionally, we see strong improvements in electric cars, both in terms of range and charging speed as well as everyday practicality,’ Barg summarised.
Given the rapid development across the automotive landscape, keeping an eye on RV trends pays off. This key metric remains a crucial factor for a model’s market success and will continue to prove pivotal to the industry.
