The BMW Group has kicked off 2025 with a strong start in line with its strategic roadmap, propelled by soaring electric vehicle (EV) sales and disciplined cost management, despite a dip in overall profits and revenues.
In its Q1 report released today, the German luxury carmaker revealed it delivered 586,117 premium vehicles worldwide, a slight year-on-year decline of 1.4%. Notably, fully-electric vehicles (BEVs) posted a significant surge of 32.4%, making up 26.9% of total deliveries. The BMW iX1 emerged as the top-performing BEV, followed closely by the i4, which accounted for half of all 4 Series sales.
“Our technology-open approach and young, attractive lineup enable us to meet diverse global demands, ensuring robust results amid volatility,” said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “With NEUE KLASSE, we’re entering a new era of innovation, electrification, and design across our model range.”
Despite revenue and earnings pressures, especially in the Chinese market, the company maintained a 6.9% EBIT margin in the Automotive Segment — the upper end of its full-year forecast range (5–7%). Group revenues totaled €33.76 billion, down 7.8% from Q1 2024, while pre-tax earnings dropped 25.2% to €3.11 billion. Net profit came in at €2.17 billion, a 26.4% decrease.
The BMW brand delivered 520,121 vehicles globally, with growth in key regions like Europe (+6.2%) and the U.S. (+4.0%), but faced challenges in China. MINI posted a 4.1% increase in sales, and BMW M reported a 5% rise, driven by strong demand for models like the M3 and M5. Rolls-Royce, however, saw deliveries fall 9.4% year-on-year.
In the electric segment, total electrified deliveries (including BEVs and plug-in hybrids) jumped 28.5% to 157,487 units. Europe led the charge in BEV growth (+64.2%), aided by MINI’s new electric offerings. The company is nearing two key milestones: 1.5 million fully-electric BMWs sold since 2013 and three million electrified vehicles overall.
BMW Group’s Financial Services segment showed resilience, with a 12.7% rise in new leasing contracts, although pre-tax earnings slipped by 11% to €650 million. The Motorrad division reported a 3.9% decline in unit sales but maintained a strong EBIT margin of 9.4%.
Capital expenditure totaled €1.2 billion, focused largely on future EV models under the NEUE KLASSE banner, including successors to the X5 and X7. R&D investments stood at €1.98 billion, emphasizing electrification and digitalization.
The company reiterated its full-year guidance, anticipating slight growth in vehicle sales and a consistent 5–7% EBIT margin in its Automotive Segment. It projects strong contributions from BEVs and expects geopolitical and trade tensions, particularly tariffs, to moderate by mid-year.
“Despite a challenging macroeconomic environment, we remain committed to innovation, efficiency, and sustainable value creation,” said BMW CFO Walter Mertl. “AI and digitalization will further enhance our operational effectiveness.”
BMW continues its share buyback program, holding 7.27% of share capital as treasury stock, and aims to exceed €5 billion in free cash flow from its Automotive Segment by year-end.
With demand for premium electric mobility surging and strategic investments paying off, BMW appears well-positioned to steer through uncertainty while driving toward a high-tech, electric future.
