A multi-speed automatic transmission of a planetary design for a motor vehicle, the transmission comprises an input shaft and an output shaft; first, second, third and fourth planetary gear sets; and at least third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth rotatable shafts and first and second brakes and first, second and third clutches whose selective engagement defines different gear ratios between the input shaft and the output shaft such that at least eight forward gears and at least one reverse gear can be implemented. When shifting from one forward gear into one of a successive higher and a successive lower forward gear, only a single one of the first and second brakes and the first, second and third clutches is disengaged and only a single one of the first and second brakes and the first, second and third clutches is engaged.