Sales: BMW Leapfrogs Mercedes-Benz After 6 Months

The second quarter of 2025 brought interesting developments in the battle between the two German giants, with BMW showing a rather more convincing performance than the cult brand from Stuttgart.

In the second quarter, BMW achieved sales of 550,693 vehicles, while Mercedes-Benz sold 453,700 vehicles, representing a 9% drop. The difference of almost 100,000 vehicles demonstrates the dominance of the Bavarians in the passenger vehicle program.

From January to June, BMW delivered 1,070,814 vehicles. The Munich-based manufacturer achieved growth in all regions outside of China, with particularly strong results in Europe and the Middle East. At the same time, Mercedes-Benz made around 900,000 customers happy.

BMW shows a clearer electrification strategy with 272,402 electrified units delivered in the first half of the year, representing a growth of 6.5%. The results of the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) are particularly impressive, with 98,339 vehicles delivered (a growth of 28.9%).

Mercedes-Benz has announced figures for all-electric models, so looking at those alone, the figure of 75,700 vehicles also sounds respectable. Mercedes-Benz maintains a strong position in the luxury segment, especially with Mercedes-AMG vehicles (+19%) and the G-Class (+56%). In China, it maintains the number one position in the luxury segment.

BMW M achieves record sales with over 100,000 vehicles in the first half of the year (+6.5%), which is the most successful half-year result in the history of the brand. Mercedes-AMG also recorded growth of 19%.

Mercedes-Benz is certainly doing the best job with the ever-demanding SUV model GLC, and a lot is expected from the new CLA in the rest of the year. At BMW, the 3 and 5 Series and the X3 are definitely in the lead.

• Also See: The 3 Millionth Electrified BMW Vehicle, A 330e Touring, Rolls Off The Production Line