BMW New Zealand has shot to the front of the field in a significant race – to lead the world in the sale of BMW M cars among the overall model mix, for 2023.
Robust growth throughout calendar year 2023 elevated New Zealand to the top, with sales of BMW M high performance cars – including the M3 – up 31.7 per cent alone.
BMW New Zealand says that combined sales of high performance and performance models, the latter including potent offerings such as the M340i xDrive, increased by 3.6 per cent for the calendar year.
The news comes amid global sales of BMW M cars reaching in excess of 200,000 for the first time, with total volume up by 14.3 per cent compared with 2022.
It also follows a year with launches of the first-ever BMW M3 Touring, the first electrified high-performance model – the XM – and the second generation M2 Coupé. Registrations of the M2 Coupé in New Zealand reached a notable 22, highlighting its popularity among enthusiasts and its unique position in the segment with its rear-wheel-drive configuration and availability of a six-speed manual transmission.
The best-selling BMW to wear an M badge in New Zealand was the all-electric, 400kW i4 M50, which more than doubled its sales in 2023 with 108 per cent growth. This model was also the highest selling BMW M model worldwide for the second year running.
The iX M60 performance and technology flagship complemented the local result by recording a 122 per cent uptick in registrations last year.
BMW New Zealand added to its fully electric performance portfolio in late 2023 with introduction of the i5 M60 xDrive, the flagship variant of the latest generation BMW 5 Series business sedan. Adam Shaver, BMW Group New Zealand Managing Director, noted the notable BMW M sales in 2023 while recognising the clear impact that BMW M’s fully electric models were having on local buyers.
“These outstanding numbers underline the appetite for BMW M cars in our country, but equally – with the i4 M50 figure – that New Zealanders clearly recognise the benefits of an all-electric powertrain in a performance car,” Mr. Shaver said.
“We look forward to building on this result in 2024 with a dynamic and diversified portfolio of BMW M cars. The i5 M60 xDrive will have its first full year on sale, and in the coming months we will introduce the first-ever X2 M35i xDrive, which will bring a new, high output offering to the luxury crossover segment.”
