The German environmental organization Umwelthilfe (DUH) has released its latest Dienstwagen-Check 2025, and the results are sparking heated debate. At the center of attention is the Söder Dienstwagen, which the study identifies as one of the most climate-damaging vehicles among German political leaders. The findings reignite discussions about political responsibility in the fight against climate change.
Umwelthilfe Targets High CO₂ Emissions
Each year, Umwelthilfe reviews the company cars used by top German politicians to determine their climate impact. The 2025 report makes one thing clear: despite ongoing climate crises, many officials still rely on cars with high fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
The standout case is the Söder Dienstwagen, a BMW X7 M60i xDrive. According to DUH, this vehicle produces 292 grams of CO₂ per kilometer, making it the worst offender among all evaluated politicians. For Markus Söder, leader of the CSU and Bavaria’s Minister-President, this finding is damaging—especially since he frequently presents himself as a forward-looking leader with an eye on sustainability.
Söder Dienstwagen Under Fire
The debate surrounding the Söder Dienstwagen is not new, but the latest statistics intensify criticism. Environmental groups and political opponents argue that driving such a large luxury SUV sends the wrong signal to the public. While ordinary citizens are being encouraged to adopt smaller, more efficient cars or switch to electric vehicles, Söder’s choice appears out of step with climate goals.
The fact that the Söder Dienstwagen tops the list as the most climate-damaging vehicle strengthens Umwelthilfe’s call for accountability. “In times of escalating climate crises, politicians must lead by example,” the organization stated in its latest report.
Few Politicians Driving Fully Electric
Out of 238 politicians reviewed, only 87 use fully electric cars. One positive example is Winfried Kretschmann, the Green Party’s Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg, who drives a pure electric vehicle.
On the federal level, the picture is mixed. Some cabinet ministers have transitioned to battery-powered cars, while others rely on plug-in hybrids. However, DUH argues that most plug-in hybrids are used primarily in combustion mode, making their real-world emissions much higher than official figures suggest.
Political Responsibility and Symbolism
The Umwelthilfe Dienstwagen Politiker report is more than just a statistical ranking—it is a political statement. For many citizens, these results reflect whether leaders practice what they preach.
The Söder Dienstwagen has therefore become a symbol of contradiction. On the one hand, Söder often emphasizes climate policy goals; on the other hand, his personal vehicle choice contradicts that image. Critics argue that such decisions undermine public trust in political promises around environmental protection.
Signs of Progress, But No Breakthrough
There are some positive developments: the share of fully electric government cars at the federal level has risen from 50 to 57 percent. However, that growth is far from the major shift climate advocates are calling for. As long as the Söder Dienstwagen headlines the list as a negative example, the symbolic gap between political rhetoric and political practice will remain.
Criticism of Methodology
Not everyone agrees with Umwelthilfe’s strict assessments. Some point out that the calculations don’t always reflect real-life use, since armored vehicles or multiple-car fleets aren’t fully considered. Still, the main conclusion remains: too many top politicians are driving vehicles that harm the climate.
Söder Dienstwagen as a Negative Example
The Umwelthilfe Dienstwagen Politiker study highlights a deep gap between climate policy goals and the daily choices of Germany’s political elite. The Söder Dienstwagen has become the clearest symbol of that contradiction. Whether public criticism will lead to change remains uncertain—but pressure on politicians to lead by example is undeniably growing.
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