BMW is Australia’s best-selling German luxury car

BMW Australia has sold 15.4 per cent more vehicles in 2023 than in the preceding 12 months to amass a total calendar year sales tally of 26,184 units.

The number sees BMW rank as Australia’s most popular German luxury car brand with a 2.0 per cent overall share of the market – and ahead of nearest rivals Audi (19,039 units and a 1.6 per cent market share) and Mercedes-Benz (24,315 units and 2.0 per cent market share).

It is the first time in 11 years BMW has topped its German adversaries and comes as the brand announces an all-time sales record for its Mini sub-brand of 4289 units (up 42.9 per cent) and strong battery electric vehicle sales of 2990 units (up 131.0 per cent).

The significant growth of the BMW brand is attributed in part to the arrival of 11 new vehicle models throughout the calendar year, including the BMW X1 which secured first place in the brand’s sales charts with 4644 units sold.

Showing Australian buyer preferences for SUV models, second place was awarded to the BMW X3 with 4002 units sold, and third place to the BMW X5 with 3682 units sold. Overall, BMW Australia says its X (SUV) models account for 61.6 per cent of its total sales.

Additionally, the stalwart BMW 3 Series and smaller BMW 1 Series contributed significantly to the overall tally with 3147 and 1755 units sold respectively.

BMW Group Australia chief executive officer Wolfgang Buechel said the result is a credit to the brand’s 49 local dealerships, taking time to thank both BMW Australia staff and loyal BMW customers.

“Our exceptional sales figures for both BMW and Mini – and the substantial growth in the electric vehicle segment – underscores our commitment to innovation and sustainability,” he said.

“As we celebrate our achievements, it is essential to recognise the success factors that propel the BMW Group: brand, product, and people. Our iconic brand symbolises trust and excellence. Our cutting-edge products define driving pleasure.

“Most crucially, our dedicated people and our 49 dealer partners who interact with our valued customers. Together, we remain committed to driving the BMW Group further forward and enhancing our customer’s experience with our brand.

“2023 has undoubtedly been a standout year for BMW Group Australia, setting the stage for continued success and innovation in the automotive industry.”

The Mini Hatch, including the all-electric Cooper S, claimed top spot among the best-selling models in the range with 2011 units sold. The Mini Countryman placed second with 1567 units sold, while the Mini Cabrio and Clubman sold 390 and 321 units respectively.

Additionally, the sales of electrified models continued to grow with Mini electric model sales up 21.0 per cent to 551 vehicles.

BMW electric vehicles sales experienced what Mr Buechel said was a “phenomenal surge”, reaching 2990 vehicles sold, a gain of 131.0 per cent. Strong sellers across the BMW EV range include the iX1 (936 units), iX (822 units) and iX3 (772 units).

In 2023, the sale of BMW electrified models accounted for 11.4 per cent of its core range and 12.8 per cent of the Mini line-up.