BMW simply scored a serious win over Mercedes-Benz. Within the third quarter of 2025, BMW gross sales jumped 8.8 p.c worldwide, whereas Mercedes deliveries plunged 12 p.c — one of many sharpest gaps between the 2 German luxurious giants in years.
Mercedes moved 441,500 automobiles between July and September, plus one other 83,800 vans, however even that couldn’t cease the slide. BMW, in the meantime, delivered 514,620 BMW-branded automobiles, up 5.7 p.c, and if you embrace MINI, Rolls-Royce, and BMW M, the BMW Group reached 588,300 items in whole.
It’s not simply the headline numbers that matter, although — it’s the place these gross sales got here from, and the way in a different way every model carried out throughout international markets.
BMW Beneficial properties Floor In The U.S. As Mercedes Loses Steam
The American market was a story of two very totally different outcomes. For Mercedes, the quarter was brutal. Gross sales dropped 17 p.c to 70,800 items, harm by tariffs and a slowdown in luxurious demand. BMW, in the meantime, surged forward — U.S. deliveries jumped 24.9 p.c to 104,163 items, marking one of many model’s finest quarters in recent times.
Sturdy demand for SUVs just like the X5 and X7, mixed with regular curiosity in efficiency fashions such because the M3 and M4, helped BMW pull off a uncommon double-digit achieve in a market that’s been difficult for many automakers.
China Nonetheless Powerful, However BMW Fares Higher
China continues to be an issue for each manufacturers, however Mercedes took a far larger hit. Its gross sales plunged 27 p.c to 125,100 items, whereas BMW restricted its drop to 11 p.c, with 147,121 items delivered. In reality, BMW-branded automobiles alone had been barely up by 0.4 p.c year-over-year — a small however telling victory in a slowing market.
Throughout Asia, the sample held. Mercedes was down 22 p.c, whereas BMW stayed practically flat, shifting 206,156 items. Each automakers face fierce competitors from native EV makers, however BMW’s broader lineup and model positioning appear to be cushioning the blow.
Europe And Germany Hold BMW’s Momentum Rolling
In Europe, each manufacturers posted small features, although BMW’s was considerably stronger. Mercedes deliveries rose 2 p.c to 160,800, whereas BMW’s climbed 9.3 p.c to 239,620.
At house in Germany, the distinction was much more noticeable. BMW offered 72,939 items, up 12.3 p.c, in comparison with Mercedes’ 51,600 items, a modest 3 p.c enchancment. The hole highlights how BMW’s newer lineup and brisker product combine — from compact fashions to plug-in hybrids — continues to resonate with patrons.
Electrical Divide: BMW Retains Climbing, Mercedes Stalls
The electrification race is one other space the place the hole is widening. Mercedes-Benz delivered 42,600 BEVs within the third quarter, practically similar to final yr’s determine. Flat development at a time when opponents are gaining floor suggests bother for Stuttgart.
BMW Group, in contrast, moved 151,282 electrified automobiles (together with BEV and PHEV fashions), an 8 p.c enhance over final yr. Of these, 102,864 had been pure electrical, simply 0.6 p.c decrease than Q3 2024, however nonetheless 10 p.c increased year-to-date.
The U.S. stays a weak spot for BMW’s EVs, with electrified gross sales dipping 2.8 p.c final quarter. That stated, with the Neue Klasse iX3 and i3 sedan proper across the nook, BMW seems higher positioned for long-term EV development.
Sub-Manufacturers Add To BMW’s Benefit
BMW’s energy additionally comes from its sub-brands, every of which carried out exceptionally nicely this quarter. MINI noticed a large 37.5 p.c enhance to 72,376 items, pushed by robust early demand for its new electrical fashions. BMW M climbed 11 p.c to 52,220 items, and Rolls-Royce rose 13.3 p.c to 1,304 items — proof that even on the ultra-luxury finish, BMW Group’s momentum continues.
This diversification offers BMW an edge. With a number of worthwhile divisions — from electrical MINIs to M efficiency automobiles — the corporate can climate regional challenges higher than Mercedes, which depends extra closely on its core lineup.
The Street Forward
Each automakers are gearing up for a vital 2026. Mercedes will roll out its new EQ-infused GLC and revamped compact fashions, whereas BMW prepares for the debut of its Neue Klasse i3 sedan and iX3 SUV — automobiles that would outline the following decade for the model.
For now, although, the numbers converse for themselves. BMW isn’t simply forward — it’s pulling away.
BMW offered 514,620 BMW-branded automobiles in Q3 2025, up 5.7% year-over-year. Together with MINI, Rolls-Royce, and BMW M, the BMW Group whole reached 588,300 items, up 8.8%.
Mercedes-Benz offered 441,500 automobiles in Q3 2025, down 12% in comparison with 2024, and 83,800 vans, additionally beneath prior-year ranges.
BMW outsold Mercedes globally by a large margin, with practically 147,000 extra automobiles delivered in Q3 2025.
BMW’s U.S. gross sales surged 24.9% to 104,163 items, whereas Mercedes dropped 17% to 70,800.
BMW Group offered 151,282 electrified automobiles (BEV + PHEV) in Q3 2025, an 8 p.c enhance year-over-year. Of these, 102,864 had been totally electrical, down simply 0.6 p.c from 2024 however up 10 p.c year-to-date.
