A multi-stage automatic transmission comprises a drive input shaft (AN), a drive output shaft (AB), a double planetary transfer gearset (VS), a main gearset (HS) made as a coupled planetary gearset with at least three non-coupled input elements and one output element, and six shift elements (A to F), which, when engaged in pairs, enable at least eight forward gears to be engaged. An input element of the transfer gearset (VS) is connected with the drive input shaft (AN). An output element of the transfer gearset (VS) rotates at a speed lower than the input speed of the drive input shaft (AN). An element of the transfer gearset (VS) is fixed on a transmission housing (GG). The first input element of the main gearset (HS) can be connected via a second shift element (B) to the output element of the transfer gearset (VS), can be fixed by a third shift element (C), and can be connected with the drive input shaft (AN) by a sixth shift element (F). The second input element of the main gearset (HS) can be connected via a first shift element (A) to the output element of the transfer gearset (VS). The third input element of the main gearset (HS) can be fixed by a fourth shift element (D) and can be connected by a fifth shift element (E) to the drive input shaft (AN). The output element of the main gearset (HS) is connected to the drive output shaft (AB). The third and sixth shift elements (C, F) are arranged on the side of the main gearset (HS) opposite to the transfer gearset (VS). Alternatively, the third shift element (C) can also be arranged radially over the main gearset (HS).