BMW India H1 2026 Sales Up 17% To New High – Gap With Mercedes Narrows

BMW India sold 9,075 cars in H1 2026, while Mercedes retained the luxury sales crown with 9,768 units

BMW Group India has reported its best-ever first-half sales performance in the country, registering 9,075 car deliveries (BMW + MINI) during the January-June 2026 period. This marks a 16.74% year-on-year growth compared to 7,774 units sold in H1 2025. BMW India had already set the pace in Q1 2026 with record sales of 4,568 cars, registering a healthy 16.7% YoY growth that carried into an equally strong Q2.

The company posted its strongest-ever second quarter, retailing 4,507 cars in Q2 2026, up 16.76% from 3,860 units in the same period last year. The group’s overall sales, including BMW Motorrad motorcycles, stood at 11,402 units in H1 2026, representing a 10.24% increase over 10,343 units sold during H1 2025.

BMW Cars Drive Growth, MINI Nearly Doubles

BMW branded cars continued to account for the bulk of the company’s volumes. The brand sold 8,571 cars in H1 2026, registering 14.63% growth over 7,477 units in H1 2025. MINI delivered an even stronger performance, with sales rising 69.70% to 504 units, compared to 297 units in the corresponding period last year. In Q2 2026 alone, BMW sold 4,216 cars, while MINI contributed 291 units, representing year-on-year growth of 13.55% and 97.96%, respectively.

EV Sales Continue To Accelerate

Electric vehicles remained one of BMW Group India’s strongest growth drivers. The company sold 2,359 electric vehicles during H1 2026, up 78.04% from 1,325 units in H1 2025. EVs now account for approximately 26% of BMW Group India’s total passenger vehicle sales, meaning roughly one out of every four BMW or MINI cars delivered in India is now fully electric.

During Q2 2026, EV sales stood at 1,174 units, recording 73.16% growth over 678 units sold in Q2 2025. Meanwhile, internal combustion engine (ICE) models continued to contribute the majority of volumes, with 6,716 ICE vehicles sold during H1 2026, representing a modest 4.14% increase over last year.

BMW Motorrad Records Decline

Unlike the passenger vehicle business, BMW Motorrad witnessed a softer first half. The motorcycle division sold 2,327 units during H1 2026, down 9.42% compared to 2,569 units in H1 2025. Q2 motorcycle sales also declined 7.11% to 1,111 units. BMW stated that premium motorcycles such as the S 1000 RR, F 900 GS, R 1300 GS and the newly launched F 450 GS continued to attract strong interest among enthusiasts.

Mercedes Still Leads Luxury Car Market

Despite BMW’s record-breaking performance, Mercedes-Benz India continues to retain leadership in the luxury passenger vehicle segment. Mercedes reported 9,768 car sales in H1 2026, compared to BMW India’s 8,571 BMW-branded cars, leaving a gap of 1,197 units. However, the difference between the two German luxury rivals has been narrowing steadily over the years.

In H1 2025, Mercedes led BMW by 1,536 units, while the gap stood at 2,528 units in H1 2024. Going further back, Mercedes enjoyed a lead of 3,052 units in H1 2023, 2,382 units in H1 2022 and 1,719 units in H1 2021.

The latest figures suggest BMW has continued to close the distance through consistent double-digit growth, helped by strong demand for SUVs, long-wheelbase models and its expanding electric vehicle portfolio. Mercedes, however, remains ahead thanks to sustained demand for its Top-End Luxury lineup, including Maybach, AMG models and the recently launched CLA BEV.

With both manufacturers posting record H1 performances and several new launches planned for the festive season, competition in India’s luxury car segment is expected to intensify further during the second half of 2026.