BMW leads South Africa’s premium market

BMW South Africa records its highest ever growth in the premium segment, holding a 46% market-share, based on data from Naamsa.

Its closest two competitors are Mercedes-Benz and Audi, coming in between 18-19% in the segment. When combined with the 5.67% from Mini, the BMW Group holds 51.82% of the premium segment.

Overall, the BMW Group grew by 12% year-on-year, while Mini grew by 4%, with its battery electric vehicle (BEV) offering growing by more than 50%.

The company says the South African market was in its top five growth markets compared to the previous year, while South Africa was number one for the M brand in the world.

Speaking at its Start of the Year engagement at its head office in Midrand, BMW CEO Peter van Binsbergen said the auto industry contributed 5.2% of South Africa’s GDP, with BMW exporting R270 billion worth, which makes up 15.7% of South Africa’s export output in the sector.

“Our 2025 performance reflects consistency across the business, from record segment leadership and strong production at Plant Rosslyn to award-winning products, distinctive design initiatives and recognised people practices,” said van Binsbergen.

He added that the BMW Group offers 24 000 direct jobs within South Africa, and 71 500 indirect jobs.

BMW iX3 and EV Plant in Hungary

BMW upcoming models

Van Binsbergen also touched on the arrival of the iX3 Neue Klasse in the second half of the year, which it expects will increase BEV volumes in SA.

He adds that the Neue Klasse is “not a car, but a new a new mobility platform that focuses on design, electrification, and digitisation in the man machine interface”.

More than 40 vehicles will be coming to South Africa over the next two years, with some DNA of the Neue Klasse, like the X5 and 7 Series LCI.

Van Binsbergen reiterated that BMW will offer a new energy vehicle in every segment, including PHEVs and BEVs, including the Mini brand.