Why BMW sells more electric cars than Audi and Mercedes combined

The Munich company's electrics and plug-ins have reached a 36 per cent share. The competition is not keeping pace

By: Francesco Barontini

Feb 11, 2025 at 4:57am ET

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When talking about premium cars, it is hard not to mention the brands that have dominated the market for years. Who are they? BMW, Audi and Mercedes, of course. Well, the challenge between the three Germans has always been as fair as it is close. At different times, one or the other has dominated.

With the ongoing ecological transition, the balance is shifting again. When it comes to electric cars, BMW is a cut above the competition. Suffice it to say that in 2024, the Munich-based company will have sold more battery-powered cars than Mercedes and Audi combined. This achievement brings with it other advantages.

The power of flexibility

Frank Weber, head of development at the Bavarian carmaker, told Automotive News Europe that, thanks to the figures it has achieved, BMW is unlikely to have to buy credits to offset excess CO2 in 2025. This is good news in terms of remaining competitive and keeping prices from rising. Including electrics and plug-in hybrids, sales of electrified cars have reached 36 per cent of the total. But how has BMW managed to get so far ahead of the competition? There are several reasons.

BMW i4 M50

First, flexibility. As successful as it is, BMW remains a brand with relatively limited numbers. Being able to rely on flexible platforms such as FAAR and CLAR has allowed it to operate with better economies of scale. There is also sharing between different models, such as the i4 and iX, for example, or iX1 and Mini Countryman, to name but a few.

A 'well-known' range

Another reason for BMW's success with electrics lies in its product range. When the Munich-based company first entered the zero-emissions arena, it did so with a car that was meant to be unusual in every way. The i3 was a breakthrough model in terms of powertrain, design and content. It struggled to make its mark, and although sales have increased and remain popular, it has not been the success it had hoped for.

BMW i3

BMW has changed course for its new electric range. It has taken conventionally powered cars and reinterpreted them with zero emissions: i4 and 4 Series Gran Coupe, iX3 and X3 are just a few examples.

In this way, the motorist who wants to experience the transition to a battery-powered car can do so without too many 'surprises' by choosing a car he or she may already be familiar with, having owned it in its petrol or turbo-diesel version. Mercedes and Audi are also making this transition, but a little late.

Waiting for the Neue-Class

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With this advantage, BMW has no intention of giving its rivals a chance to catch up. So this time, too, it is preparing to present the first model in its new family of electric cars, based on the Neue Klasse platform.

BMW New Class

It will start with a mid-size SUV, a kind of alternative to the X3, and continue with a model equivalent to the current 3 Series. The new platform will enable the Group to take a major step forward in terms of range, performance and efficiency, but will not be used for all the brand's battery-powered cars, again for reasons of resource optimisation.