BMW Group’s global sales for the third quarter of 2025 paint a familiar picture: growth in most markets, steady electrification gains and yet the ongoing complexity of a changing global landscape. After reporting big gains in the US last week, global numbers now confirm BMW’s broader momentum – with some nuances worth unpacking.
From July to September, BMW Group deliveries rose 8.8 percent year-on-year, helped in part by a softer comparison with the 2024 supply quarter. In the first nine months of the year, the BMW Group delivered just over 1.8 million BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce vehicles – a modest but meaningful increase of 2.4 percent.
Electric growth remains a pillar, although its pace has been lightly praised. Fully electric BMW group models rose 10 percent year-on-year, reaching 323,447 units. When plug-in hybrids are included, the total number of electrified vehicles reached 470,313—up a healthy 15 percent from the previous year.
“The strong sales performance in Europe and America as well as for the Mini brand is particularly encouraging,” said Jochen Goller, BMW AG board member for customers, brands, sales. “Demand for our broad range of electrified vehicles also remains strong.”
BMW brand: strength outside China
The BMW brand itself moved 514,620 units in the third quarter, up 5.7 percent year-on-year. Through the first nine months, global sales remain steady at 1,585,580 vehicles, essentially flat compared to 2024. Growth in Europe and America helped offset slower movement in China, where BMW’s “targeted sales increase” failed to materialize.
Plug-in hybrids continue to surprise many observers, posting a 30 percent increase worldwide. This demand suggests that many customers – particularly in regions with developing charging infrastructure – see PHEVs as the best bridge between ice cream and full EV ownership.
In the meantime, BMW M GmbH continues to be the powerhouse it always was. After its strongest half-year in history, M’s sales rose another 11 percent in the third quarter, with 52,220 units sold. Year over year, M deliveries are at 158,182 – over 8 percent compared to the previous year. The M3, M4 and M2 further entrench demand, but the addition of electrified M performance models clearly expands the customer base.
Mini: The Momentum brand
The Mini brand continues to surprise the industry. The third quarter saw an impressive 37.5 percent increase in shipments totaling 72,376 units. Year over year, Mini has moved over 206,000 vehicles worldwide – over 24 percent. With the new Mini Cooper and Countryman families increasing globally, Mini’s numbers reflect both the strength of the new generation and the brand’s redesign and emotional appeal.
That echoes the story we reported last week in the US market, where Mini’s year-over-year growth has outpaced almost all other BMW Group sub-brands. Mini’s expansion is particularly important as BMW prepares for a major transition period – essential in its new generation of electric and combustion platforms while maintaining strong demand for current models.
The big picture
BMW’s global trajectory remains positive: growth in most regions, expanding M performance demand and a Mini brand that is clearly hitting its stride. Electrification has run its course, even as its curve flattens compared to the explosive gains of the last two years.
Despite its scale, BMW’s strategy still depends on flexibility, balancing strong ice and hybrid demand with its long-term EV roadmap. This ability to pivot and meet customers where they are region by region may be BMW’s biggest advantage as the global auto market continues to recalibrate.
