BMW Becomes India’s No.1 Luxury Carmaker In H1 2026: Vahan Data

BMW Group India has emerged as India’s largest luxury carmaker in the first half of 2026, overtaking long-time market leader Mercedes-Benz after registering 10,043 vehicles (including MINI) compared with Mercedes’ 9,472, according to Vahan registration data. BMW grew 15% year-on-year, compared to the overall luxury market growth of only 4%, while Mercedes’ registrations declined 3%, allowing BMW to capture a 38% share of the luxury car market.

However, based on retail sales, which reflect actual deliveries through dealerships, Mercedes-Benz retained the top position with 9,768 units, while BMW sold 8,571 units, with MINI selling 504 units.  

“Looking back at H1, there are four things which really worked for us: electric strategy that we embarked on a few years back, we have expanded into 40 cities and we're looking at 10 more markets, the long wheelbase strategy and our belief in brand and customer experience,” Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO, BMW Group India told Autocar Professional. 

After emerging as the fastest-growing luxury carmaker with 17% growth in the first half, BMW expects the momentum to continue in the second half of the year as it prepares one of its biggest product offensives in India. “We have launched 11 models in the first half of the year. The second half of the year is even more intensive. We are launching 14 more models. In the first half, they were predominantly ICE. In the second half, it's going to be electric as well, a couple of electric models, then a very good mix of sedans and SUVs. I think the second half is going to be even more rocking,” he said.

According to Vahan registration data, rival Mercedes-Benz India registered 9,472 units during H1, down 3%, reducing its share to 35%. Land Rover registered 3,039 units (down 5%) with an 11% market share, while Audi recorded 2,182 registrations, up 3%, accounting for 8% of the market. 

According to Brar, the company's EV strategy has been a key growth driver, with EV penetration increasing from 21% last year to 26%, making every fourth BMW sold in India an electric vehicle. The company currently has 100 touchpoints across 40 cities and plans to add 19 more outlets in 18 cities this year, he said. The company’s MINI brand added momentum as well, with sales rising 70% to 504 units in H1. 

The automaker sold 4,428 long-wheelbase vehicles in the first half of 2026, up 24% year-on-year, with the body style accounting for 52% of its total sales. Sports Activity Vehicles (SAVs), meanwhile, continued to dominate the portfolio, growing 35% to 5,926 units and contributing 65% of BMW Group India's overall volumes. “I think people love to be chauffeured during the weekdays and they want to drive themselves and BMW gives them the best of both worlds,” he said. 

The trend is evident across BMW's sedan portfolio. The company said its locally assembled 5 Series Long Wheelbase has emerged as its third-largest selling model, with more than 1,200 units sold during the first six months of the year. “5 series is the third largest selling model for us. So I think if I tell in terms of number, I think we sold more than 1,200 in the first half, which is, I would say, doing very well,” Brar said.