BMW Powers Through Global Uncertainty With Explosive Q1

In a world rocked by political tremors, supply chain whiplash, and shifting economic tides, one automotive titan isn't just surviving — it's charging ahead with unwavering purpose. The BMW Group has kicked off 2025 with precision, performance, and a defiant roar that echoes across continents.

Global Sales Surge Despite China Drag

BMW's Q1 results paint a dramatic picture: nearly 6% sales growth outside of China, led by surging demand in Europe and the U.S. Sales in Europe leapt by over 6%, while the U.S. followed with a 4% boost. Across the Americas, growth topped 5%, and outside the big three markets, BMW saw an astonishing 15% increase.

China, however, remains a challenge — yet even here, BMW managed to stabilize, thanks in part to locally-built electric MINI models pushing the brand to an 18% lift in that region.

Electric Dreams Realized

BMW’s electric offensive is no longer a promise — it's a global phenomenon. Battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales exploded by more than 32%, with Europe leading the charge at a blistering 64% increase. The U.S. saw a 23% jump. Nearly one in five BMWs sold is now fully electric. When you add plug-in hybrids, over a quarter of all BMW Group sales are electrified.

MINI is riding the same wave — a third of all new MINIs are now electric. With the full New MINI Family unleashed, the brand saw 4% growth globally.

M Power Still Rules

Not all the action is electric. BMW’s legendary M division continues to dominate the tarmac. Q1 sales of high-performance M models — led by the BMW M3 and M5 variants — surged 5%, proving that the thirst for speed and precision engineering hasn’t gone anywhere.

Profitability: Upper Half of Guidance

In a world gripped by economic uncertainty, BMW delivered profitability in the upper half of guidance — a testament to its cost discipline, flexible strategy, and a lineup that buyers crave. “We have the right products at the right time,” the company said — and the numbers prove it.

CO₂ Targets Crushed

BMW isn't just playing the performance game — it’s ahead on sustainability, too. In Europe, the Group's fleet emissions dropped below 100g/km WLTP for the first time. That’s not just regulatory compliance; that’s leadership.

Enter the VDX: A Monster is Born

And then, there’s this: BMW has unleashed the most powerful development prototype in its history — the BMW Vision Driving Experience (VDX). Revealed with theatrical flair at Auto Shanghai, this testbed beast redefines what’s possible on four wheels:

• 18,000 Nm of torque
• 1.2 tonnes of downforce
• 3g lateral acceleration

These are not road car numbers. These are race car stats — and they’re headed for the NEUE KLASSE, BMW’s upcoming lineup built from the ground up for the next era of mobility.

At the core of this revolution is the “Heart of Joy” — a next-gen computing powerhouse that will control everything from dynamics to infotainment. “This is the next level of Sheer Driving Pleasure,” BMW proclaimed — and based on Shanghai’s jaw-dropped audience, few would argue.

NEUE KLASSE: Mass Impact Begins in Months

The revolution starts soon. The first NEUE KLASSE vehicle, the all-electric BMW iX3, begins production in Debrecen, Hungary later this year, with its global debut set for IAA Mobility Munich. A sporty sedan follows in Munich in 2026, as part of an unprecedented onslaught: 40 new or refreshed models by 2027, all infused with NEUE KLASSE tech.

Future-Proof, War-Ready, Innovation-Driven

With unmatched agility, BMW is navigating a turbulent geopolitical landscape with calm intensity. The message is clear: trade wars are a dead end, isolationism is a trap, and the future belongs to those who cooperate and innovate.

BMW isn’t just reacting — it’s shaping the future.

Conclusion: In the Driver’s Seat of Tomorrow

With an electric surge, M division might, a wild prototype that could out-grip gravity, and a bold refusal to compromise under pressure, BMW is proving what it means to stay ahead.

In the battle for the future of mobility, the Bavarians are not just in the race — they’re pulling ahead.

Brace yourself. The NEUE KLASSE is coming.