BMW's 5 Series Tops European Sales Charts

In 2023, both Mercedes-Benz and BMW introduced their new E-Class and 5 Series models within the same timeframe. However, the market response has been notably different, with BMW's 5 Series significantly outperforming its competitor. Enthusiasts in Stuttgart may find the current trend less favorable, as the 5 Series leads the pack in sales.

Automotive News Europe highlighted Dataforce statistics indicating that BMW sold approximately 5,000 more units than Mercedes in the first four months of the year. This achievement comes even as both the 5 Series and E-Class experienced substantial sales growth compared to the same period last year—56 percent for BMW and 19 percent for Mercedes.

Sales Breakdown (January-April)

Here are the sales figures for the top models:

• BMW 5 Series: 20,402
• Mercedes-Benz E-Class: 15,811
• Audi A6/S6: 13,774
• Volvo S90/V90: 2,722
• Lexus ES: 1,397
• Audi S7/S7: 1,216
• Maserati Ghibli: 51

The Mercedes E-Class managed to slightly surpass the Audi A6/S6, which saw a 10 percent uptick in sales. Both models, however, significantly outperformed the Volvo S90/V90, Lexus ES, and Audi S7/S7. Additionally, BMW’s electric i5 outpaced its rivals by selling 8,843 units compared to Audi’s A6 E-Tron, which sold 7,460 units. Mercedes' electric EQE sedan reached sales of only 3,740 units.

Narrowing the Lineup

The automotive landscape is also seeing a reduction in available models. Jaguar has discontinued the XF as of mid-2024, as the brand shifts its focus towards high-end competitors like Bentley, Maybach, and Porsche. Similarly, Maserati has announced the cessation of the Ghibli’s production in 2024, limiting options for consumers. This reduction underscores the critical role that the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class play in their respective lineups as they vie for market dominance.