BMW Q2 growth stalls as BEV sales fall, China demand weakens

BMW AG’s vehicle sales showed little growth in the second quarter of 2025, as the German automaker, like its European peers, continues to lose ground to domestic competition in China, the world’s largest EV market. While deliveries rose 0.4% to 621,271 vehicles, shipments to China dropped 14%, reflecting intense local competition led by competitors like BYD. 

In contrast, BMW and Mini brands posted gains in Europe and the U.S., with the U.S. market showing a 1.4% increase in sales despite President Trump’s 25% auto tariffs on imported vehicles. Mini’s U.S. sales increased 29.1% in the quarter, while BMW passenger cars grew nearly 10%. However, battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales declined sharply, with BMW reporting a 21.1% decrease in BEV deliveries compared to the previous year. 

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BMW CEO Oliver Zipse has expressed hope that the Chinese market will stabilize in the latter half of the year. However, the current challenges mirror trends across German automakers, such as Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen, which also faced massive declines in China during Q2. 

Here’s why it matters:

BWM’s mixed sales results indicate the ongoing challenges of balancing global market pressures, tariffs, and the rising demand for electric vehicles. Dealers should prepare for potential supply fluctuations, shifting consumer preference, and tariffs-related pricing impacts by capitalizing on Mini’s strong U.S. momentum. 

Key takeaways:

• Global deliveries rose 0.4% in Q2 2025
  BMW shipped 621,271 vehicles worldwide, with gains in Europe and the U.S. offsetting a 14% decline in China.
• U.S. sales stable with modest growth
  BMW and Mini sales in the U.S. increased 1.4%, with Mini posting a 29.1% gain in Q2.
• Battery-electric vehicle sales declined 21.2%
  BMW sold 11,094 BEVs in Q2, down from 14,081 a year earlier, signaling challenges in EV adoption or supply.
• China market remains weak for BMW
  Intense competition from local EV manufacturers caused a 14% sales drop in the world’s largest auto market.
• Mini brand shows strong growth
  Mini global sales jumped 33%, driven by U.S. gains, underscoring its growing appeal in a competitive segment.