BMW is leading Germany’s three major luxury automakers in 2026 sales, outperforming Mercedes-Benz and Audi in both the United States and worldwide. However, while BMW and Mercedes-Benz are gaining ground in the U.S., all three brands are facing global sales declines, with Audi recording the steepest losses.
BMW Leads U.S. Luxury Car Sales
BMW has delivered the strongest sales performance among the three German luxury brands in the United States so far this year.
The automaker sold 287,154 vehicles in the U.S. year to date, including 100,210 in the third quarter. Those figures represent increases of 4.3% and 3.4%, respectively, compared with the same periods last year.
Mercedes-Benz also posted gains in the American market, although its sales volume remains below BMW’s. The brand recorded 238,300 U.S. sales for the year so far, including 75,300 during the third quarter.
Despite trailing BMW in total sales, Mercedes-Benz delivered stronger growth rates. Third-quarter sales increased by 6%, while year-to-date sales climbed 12%.
Audi Struggles to Keep Pace in the U.S.
Audi is facing a difficult year in the American market, with sales falling in both the third quarter and the year to date.
The automaker sold 39,751 vehicles in the U.S. during the third quarter, a 15% decline. Year-to-date sales dropped 16% to 107,667 vehicles.
Audi’s U.S. sales are roughly half of Mercedes-Benz’s year-to-date total, leaving the brand well behind its German luxury rivals.
BMW Remains the Global Sales Leader
BMW also leads Mercedes-Benz and Audi in worldwide sales, although its global performance is moving in the opposite direction from its U.S. results.
The automaker sold 479,291 vehicles globally during the third quarter and 1,483,960 for the year so far. Those totals represent declines of 6.8% and 6.4%, respectively, compared with last year.
Mercedes-Benz ranked second, recording 407,200 global sales in the third quarter and 1,244,400 year to date.
Its worldwide sales fell 8% during the quarter and 7% for the year so far, marking steeper declines than BMW’s.
Audi Faces the Steepest Global Decline
Audi continues to trail both rivals worldwide, with its sales downturn becoming more pronounced in the third quarter.
The automaker sold 314,905 vehicles globally during the quarter, a 19.7% decline. Year-to-date sales reached 1,042,150 vehicles, down 11.4% from the same period last year.
BMW remains the overall sales leader among the three German luxury automakers, while Mercedes-Benz holds second place. Audi is experiencing the largest sales declines in both the U.S. and global markets.
