A branched, infinitely variable hydromechanical transmission with multiple power-transmission paths for motor vehicles has an expanded first shift range to facilitate broadening of the overall gear-shift range to achieve higher power density and eliminates the need for a starting clutch. The transmission includes a first hydrostatic unit with an adjustable volume, a second hydrostatic unit, preferably with a constant volume, and one or more summation gear trains for adding together the power transmitted from the transmission input along hydraulic and mechanical power-transmission paths. The input shaft of the transmission is connected directly to the drive motor.