Significant Growth in Electric Orders
Munich. The BMW Group has reported a notable increase in orders for fully electric vehicles in Europe during the first quarter of 2026, driven primarily by robust customer interest in the new iX3 model. From January to March, new battery electric vehicle (BEV) orders surged by approximately 40% compared to the same period last year. The company also noted an uptick in orders across all drivetrain technologies in the region.
Customer Interest Surpasses Expectations
Jochen Goller, a member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Customer, Brands, and Sales, stated, “We are seeing exceptionally strong demand for the new BMW iX3. With over 50,000 new orders since ordering opened in Europe, customer interest is exceeding our high expectations. More than half of the BMW X3s ordered are already fully electric.” He also highlighted positive feedback regarding the recently unveiled second model of the Neue Klasse, the BMW i3.
First Quarter Delivery Figures
In total, the BMW Group delivered 565,748 vehicles from its brands—BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce—during the first quarter of 2026, reflecting a decrease of 3.5% year-on-year. Demand for internal combustion engine models remained stable, while Germany showed significant growth with 68,022 units delivered (+10.7%). Notably, sales in China outperformed the overall market decline.
Global Electric Vehicle Sales
The initial deliveries of the BMW iX3 to customers in Europe began in March. Even though this model’s ramp-up has just started, first-quarter sales of fully electric vehicles already surpassed last year’s figures. Worldwide, the BMW Group delivered 87,458 fully electric vehicles during this period, marking a decline of 20.1%. In the US market, a lack of BEV incentives affected overall sales; however, there was an increase in demand for internal combustion engine models.
Brand Performance Overview
The BMW brand alone accounted for 496,050 vehicle deliveries worldwide in the first quarter (-4.6%). Following last year’s record figures, BMW M GmbH sold 47,544 units (-5.9%). Meanwhile, MINI saw a year-on-year sales increase for the fifth consecutive quarter with 68,427 units delivered (+5.9%). The Rolls-Royce brand delivered 1,271 vehicles (-8.0%), and BMW Motorrad sold 42,735 motorcycles and scooters (-4.2%).
Sales Breakdown by Region
The sales performance across various regions is as follows:
- Europe: 236,422 units (+3.0%)
- Germany: 68,022 units (+10.7%)
- Americas: 109,639 units (-4.0%)
- USA: 90,492 units (-4.3%)
- China: 143,958 units (-10.0%)
- Fourth Pillar (Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, Middle East, Africa): 74,415 units (-8.3%)
In Summary
- BMW Group orders for BEVs rose by around 40% year-on-year.
- The iX3 model has received over 50,000 pre-orders since launch.
- Total vehicle deliveries reached 565,748 units in Q1 2026.
- The group experienced a decline of 20.1% in global BEV sales.
- Germany remains a strong market with a significant increase in sales.
