Kamal Ghorui
BMW Group India recorded its highest-ever first-quarter sales in 2026, delivering 4,567 cars, up 17 per cent year-on-year, driven by demand for electric vehicles (EVs), long wheelbase models and Sports Activity Vehicles (SAVs). EVs remained central to growth, with the company retaining over 70 per cent share in India’s luxury EV segment and reporting an 83 per cent rise in sales. BMW and MINI together sold 1,185 electric vehicles in Q1, accounting for 26 per cent of total volumes. The company said one in four cars it sells in India is now electric. More than 80 per cent of BMW Group India’s EV sales in Q1 2026 were driven by the iX1.Long wheelbase models contributed over half of total sales, with volumes rising 23 per cent to 2,256 units. SAVs grew 38 per cent year-on-year to 2,966 units, making up 65 per cent of overall sales. MINI recorded sales of 213 units in Q1, up 42 per cent year-on-year, while BMW Motorrad sold 1,216 motorcycles, led by models including the G 310 RR, S 1000 RR and GS range. The company expanded its EV ecosystem with initiatives such as destination charging, smart e-routing and charging concierge services. Customers now have access to more than 6,000 charging points across India. Its EV portfolio includes models such as the BMW i7, iX, i5, iX1 long wheelbase, MINI Countryman Electric, and electric two-wheelers CE 04 and CE 02.
BMW Group India plans to launch 27 new products in 2026 across BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad, including new-generation models, facelifts and limited editions. Recent launches include the BMW M2 CS, BMW X3 30, BMW M 1000 R and MINI Cooper S Victory Edition, with eight more planned in the second quarter.The company currently operates 97 touchpoints across 40 cities and plans to add 19 outlets in 18 cities this year. It is also rolling out its Retail.NEXT format to integrate digital and physical retail experiences. BMW India Financial Services supported sales, financing one in four BMW cars sold in Q1. It offers options such as lower monthly instalments, assured buy-back of up to 74 per cent, flexible end-of-term plans and upgrade schemes. The company is also expanding customer engagement through initiatives such as BMW M Drift Academy, BMW Golf Cup, MINI Go-Kart Days and BMW GS Experience, along with associations with events including India Art Fair and Kochi Muziris Biennale.Mr Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO, BMW Group India, said, “BMW Group India has entered 2026 in an extremely strong position. We have achieved our highest-ever Q1 sales, registering solid double-digit growth, despite macroeconomic and geopolitical headwinds. Our lead in India’s luxury electric mobility also continues thanks to the immense trust our valued customers have put in our electric offerings in terms of performance, EV ecosystem and technology. We are geared to a pulsating 2026 that will be marked by our most ambitious product offensive, with 4 already launched and 23 more to go. Sustaining this momentum into long-term success, our unwavering focus on customer experience, aftersales and brand connect will be taken to the next level. With each new car, we aim to deliver JOY to our customers who enable this success story for BMW Group India.”
