BMW India Leads Sales Race, Plans More Launches Despite Slowdown

Between Jan and March 2026 the German luxury carmaker has climbed to the No 1 position with sales of 4567 units which are its best quarterly sales.

By : Somnath Chatterjee | Updated at : 08 Apr 2026 07:13 PM (IST)

BMW India Leads Sales Race, Plans More Launches Despite Slowdown BMW India Leads Sales Race, Plans More Launches Despite Slowdown

BMW is also the leader in the luxury EV segment with 70 percent market share.

Source : Somnath Chatterjee

Show Quick Read

Key points generated by AI, verified by newsroom

Luxury car segment shrinks, except BMW's strong performance.
BMW leads luxury EV market with 70% share.
Economic uncertainty affects buyer sentiment, yet BMW expands.

Are luxury car owners holding back their purchases due to current situation? In India, with 70 percent of luxury car owners being self employed/businessmen etc the current uncertainty has meant that overall luxury segment without BMW has shrunk.

BMW Defies Market Slowdown

However, BMW particularly with its volume sellers like the iX1 and the X1/5 Series/ 3 Series has posted a growth in the first quarter of 2026. Between Jan and March 2026 the German luxury carmaker has climbed to the No 1 position with sales of 4567 units which are its best quarterly sales.

BMW is also the leader in the luxury EV segment with 70 percent market share. That is due to the X1 LWB which has been its best seller and also the best selling luxury EV in India. It has also strong demand for its SUVs plus LWB or long wheelbase models.

BMW India Leads Sales Race, Plans More Launches Despite Slowdown

Muted Sentiment, Aggressive Plans

However, CEO, Hardeep Singh Brar, pointed out that current uncertainties has meant buyer sentiment is low with stock market/economy plus other factors playing a role in many potential buyers holding back. That said, the luxury segment has witnessed more growth but for 2026 Q1, the rest of the luxury car industry has seen a decline.

BMW meanwhile is aggressive with its product expansion and will bring 23 new launches all throughout the year including six new cars. It will focus on EVs too. We expect new models like the i5 in LWB form to come this year as well amongst other models.

For BMW, despite the slowing segment growth, the sales outcome looks positive as the carmaker becomes more aggressive with new launches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has the luxury car market in India shrunk recently?

Yes, the overall luxury car segment, excluding BMW, has shrunk. This is attributed to current uncertainties affecting buyer sentiment.

How did BMW perform in the first quarter of 2026?

BMW achieved its best quarterly sales from January to March 2026, selling 4567 units and climbing to the No. 1 position in the luxury segment.

What is BMW's position in the luxury EV segment in India?

BMW leads the luxury EV segment with a 70 percent market share. Their X1 LWB is the best-selling luxury EV in India.

What is BMW's strategy for the rest of the year?

BMW plans to launch 23 new models throughout the year, including six new cars, with a strong focus on EVs and long wheelbase (LWB) options.

About the author Somnath Chatterjee

Somnath Chatterjee has been working as an automobile journalist for the better part of a decade and is still in love with four wheels. Prefers being behind the wheel of a new car rather than a keyboard. He contributes expert Auto articles and guides for ABP Live English.