Mercedes-Benz Barely Beats BMW For 2018 U.S. Luxury Sales Crown

Mercedes-Benz is, for yet another year, the top-selling luxury vehicle brand in the United States, edging out German rivals BMW and Audi.

Throughout 2018, Mercedes-Benz shifted 315,959 vehicles, putting it just ahead of BMW which sold 311,014 vehicles over the same period. Despite holding on to its lead in the luxury vehicle sales race, Mercedes-Benz sold 6.3 per cent fewer vehicles in 2018 than it did the previous year. In contrast, BMW’s sales figures represent a 1.7 per cent jump over the previous year.

Following the two Germans in third place was Lexus, who shifted 298,310 vehicles in 2018, a 2.2 per cent decrease on the previous year. Audi maintained fourth position, delivering 223,323 vehicles over the same time period.

Interestingly, Acura is now the fifth best-selling luxury car manufacturer in the States as it sold 158,934 vehicles during 2018, putting it slightly ahead of Cadillac and its 154,702 deliveries.

All up, the luxury vehicle segment in the United States accounted for 2,027,312 sales in 2018, or just 0.3 per cent less than in 2017.

In a statement to Automotive News, chief executive of Mercedes-Benz USA, Dietmar Exler, said local dealerships were the reason for the company’s high sales.

“Despite the delayed availability of some of our most popular models in 2018, we achieved a solid closing of the year thanks to the excellent work of our dealers.

“With the youngest and most comprehensive lineup in the luxury segment, we will continue to advance our position in the marketplace.”

Although most luxury car manufacturers reported lower sales in 2018 than in 2017, Porsche enjoyed a 3.2 per cent increase, shifting 57,202 units.