In the early days, automatic gearboxes were often considered the nemesis of driving enjoyment, as they seemed to deprive drivers of the precise control and engagement offered by a well-executed manual shift. Historically, automatics found their natural habitat in plush, luxurious vehicles, where manually changing gears was seen more as a chore than a pleasurable experience. However, technological advancements over the past decade have elevated automatic transmissions to a level where the best among them come remarkably close to providing an all-encompassing driving experience.
While offering smoother and more refined performance than ever, modern automatic gearboxes have also become quicker, more responsive, and are now featured in some of the world’s most exceptional sports cars. The top automatic transmissions can execute gear changes faster than even the most proficient manual maneuver, seamlessly integrating into high-powered machines. Whether you prioritize fuel economy, comfort, convenience, or unadulterated exhilaration, today’s market presents a myriad of options, each leveraging various gearbox technologies tailored to specific driving preferences.
Below, we’ve curated a list of the 10 best new automatic cars currently available for purchase. Our selection spans everything from automatic city cars to SUVs and supercars.
- BMW 3 Series
- Porsche 911
- Mercedes S-Class
- Toyota Corolla
- Renault Clio E-Tech
- Jaguar F-Pace
- Fiat 500
- MINI 5-Door
- Bentley Continental GT
- Skoda Octavia DSG
1. BMW 3 Series
BMW seems to be embracing bold and controversial styling in recent models, but the latest 3 Series maintains its reputation for being both sensible and outstanding.
The recently facelifted model, while losing the option of a manual gearbox, now features an eight-speed automatic sourced from ZF. The gearbox is refined and exhibits exceptional anticipation, smoothly transitioning into the right gear when needed.
At the top of the range, the punchy six-cylinder engines complement the gearbox with their hushed and unstressed character. Even the four-cylinder 320d, while relatively quiet, delivers ample potency. The latest 3 Series seamlessly combines BMW’s trademark poise and accuracy with a compliant ride. Its new dual-screen iDrive 8 infotainment system is on par with the best in the market, a trait shared by the rest of the car.
2. Porsche 911
The last three generations of the Porsche 911 have redefined the standards for automatic sports cars. While early torque converter Tiptronic units were slightly out of sync with the 911’s dynamic responsiveness, the introduction of multiple iterations of the dual-clutch PDK gearbox has elevated Porsche to the forefront, producing arguably the best automatic gearbox on the market.
The speed at which the 992-generation car effortlessly shifts through gears is almost surreal. Pulling a paddle provides a seamless upshift or a perfectly blipped downshift, optimizing the turbocharged flat-six motor’s performance. Despite its larger size compared to previous versions, the latest 911 excels at connecting with the road and maintaining high speeds. It remains one of the most user-friendly sports cars, boasting a beautifully finished cabin and ample storage space for weekend getaways.
3. Mercedes S-Class
The Mercedes S-Class epitomizes the type of car for which the automatic gearbox was originally intended. Crafted to shield the driver from the taxing elements of driving, the latest S-Class is a blend of comfort and cutting-edge technology, notably featuring its hyper-advanced 9-speed automatic gearbox.
The torque converter unit seamlessly transitions between ratios, with Mercedes’ engineers fine-tuning its software calibration for impressive performance. Unless pushed hard, a rare occurrence in an S-Class, the gearbox ensures a noise-free engine experience. The S-Class excels in eliminating tire roar and road harshness, maintaining a beautiful interior enhanced by Mercedes’ latest MBUX infotainment touchscreen. While slightly falling short of its predecessors in some interior areas, the S-Class remains a spectacle.
4. Toyota Corolla
The 12th-generation Toyota Corolla, since its launch in 2019, has impressed with its sophisticated TNGA platform, unrivaled reliability, and fuel-efficient efficiency. The previous drawback, a CVT automatic gearbox causing a drone under acceleration and an unnatural throttle response, has been addressed in the 2023 update.
The revised Corolla delivers more direct throttle response, and the revs remain composed during normal driving, providing a relaxed and easy-going experience. It maintains agility and willingness in corners without compromising comfort. Toyota claims over 60mpg thanks to its 1.8-liter petrol hybrid powertrain. The facelift introduces a new 10.5-inch touchscreen setup, marking a substantial improvement in Toyota’s infotainment tech.
5. Renault Clio E-Tech
As the current Auto Express Supermini of the Year, the Renault Clio in E-Tech hybrid form is among our preferred automatic cars. Powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder petrol engine supplemented by two electric motors, it features an innovative clutchless automatic gearbox. Despite its complexity, the setup feels familiar for hybrid-powered hatch drivers.
The Clio seamlessly starts on electric power, with the engine activating at higher speeds. One electric motor smoothens gear changes and mitigates jerkiness from the clutchless design. Achieving up to 64mpg, the Clio combines efficiency with impressive driving dynamics. Its direct steering and composed ride on twisty roads, coupled with a well-designed cabin and decent connectivity, make it a standout supermini.
6. Jaguar F-Pace
The Jaguar F-Pace challenges the notion that large, versatile SUVs are unwieldy and detached from the driving experience. Competing with the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and Porsche Macan, the F-Pace boasts a well-engineered chassis, ensuring a balanced and agile performance in corners.
Equipped with an eight-speed automatic gearbox across the range, it complements six-cylinder petrol and diesel mild-hybrid engines. The drivetrain delivers a composed and effortless experience, aligning with the F-Pace’s fluid dynamics. A facelift addressed interior and tech concerns, elevating the design and infotainment system. With its smooth ride, unruffled demeanor at speed, and impressive handling, the F-Pace stands out as a benchmark for SUVs.
7. Fiat 500
The all-electric Fiat 500, while not featuring a traditional automatic gearbox, stands out with its single-speed EV drivetrain. The absence of gear changes contributes to an easy and enjoyable driving experience, securing its spot in the top 10.
Following the success of its combustion-powered predecessor, the electric 500 offers notable improvements in design and tech within a larger yet attractive body. With top models achieving 199 miles on a single charge, the Fiat 500 feels mature and remarkably maneuverable. The interior receives a significant revamp, enhancing build quality and introducing the Maserati MC20 supercar’s infotainment system. The electric 500 establishes itself as an excellent city car with charm and practicality.
8. MINI 5-door hatch
The MINI 5-door hatch, once a dainty and spartan model, has evolved into one of our favorite automatic cars in 2023. Under BMW ownership, the MINI has undergone a remarkable transformation, offering a range to suit diverse customers.
The five-door version with a dual-clutch automatic gearbox stands out as the most usable iteration of the supermini. The gearbox balances crisp shifts during quick driving with smooth transitions while cruising, an improvement over the previous torque converter unit. Despite a slightly unsettled ride over uneven roads, the MINI remains livable with its well-crafted and quirky cabin, providing extra rear legroom in the five-door variant.
9. Bentley Continental GT
In the sports car realm, the Bentley Continental GT strikes a balance between opulent cruising and sports car capability. Equipped with a quick-shifting dual-clutch gearbox, it manages to combine silky responses with rapid shifts, creating a superb driving experience.
Available with V8 or W12 petrol engines, the Continental GT offers impressive performance, and its four-wheel-drive system ensures effortless deployment of power on any road surface. The active roll control enhances stability at speed, and the Continental GT excels at covering long distances with its plush ride, unruffled demeanor, and luxurious wood-festooned interior.
10. Skoda Octavia DSG
The Skoda Octavia, equipped with the Volkswagen Group’s dual-clutch DSG gearbox, exemplifies versatility and practicality. The DSG transmission, found in various sports cars, SUVs, and commercial vehicles from the group, enhances Octavia’s city driving with slick shifts and solid refinement.
With a substantial 600-litre boot and impressive rear cabin space, the Octavia stands out as one of the most versatile hatchbacks. Built on a Golf-derived platform, it offers value beyond its Volkswagen sibling. While lacking excitement in driving dynamics, the DSG-equipped Octavia excels as a family-friendly hatchback, prioritizing reliability over thrills.
