I think one of the most important differences is that german penalties are lower[1]. Here, defendants don't face 30 years in prison. The max sentence is life sentence and even that often means 15+ years in practice, except for harsh cases or dangerous criminals.

Another point is that the costs for the defendant are lower. Watching high profile cases in the USA I have a feeling that one common point is that the prosecution does everything to bankrupt the defendant so that he has to agree to a plea bargain. In germany, the defendants costs get paid by the state if the defendant is unable to pay his lawyers. Not all lawyers would take such an engagement, but it's not uncommon that even high-profile lawyers defend people who couldn't afford them at market rate.

[1] one might argue that they're more reasonable.