Hardeep Singh Brar
What were the key factors that drove CY25 growth, and which segments contributed the most to the company’s sales momentum?
BMW Group India’s strong growth in calendar year 2025 was driven by a combination of product strength, evolving customer demand and early bets on future technologies. We posted our highest-ever annual car sales, registering consistently high performance in a dynamic business environment. The company sold 18,001 cars, achieving high growth of +14 per cent year-on-year (YoY). BMW delivered 17,271 units and MINI 730 units. BMW Motorrad delivered 5,841 motorcycles.
One of the key factors was our well-timed product offensive, with new launches and updates across core segments that kept the portfolio fresh and highly relevant. This ensured consistent demand across the year rather than relying on isolated spikes.
The second major driver was our leadership in electric mobility. Our early and decisive push in the luxury EV space has paid off, with electric vehicles seeing exponential growth (200 per cent) and contributing meaningfully to overall volumes (21 per cent Share in Sales). EVs are not only growing fast but also bringing new customers into BMW ecosystem.
In terms of segments, Sports Activity Vehicles (SAVs) continued to be the largest contributor to sales momentum (+22 y-o-y growth), reflecting the strong preference for versatility, road presence and comfort. Alongside this, the Long Wheelbase luxury sedans also saw robust demand (+162 per cent growth), particularly among customers who prioritise rear-seat comfort and chauffeur-driven experiences.
We also saw strong traction in the entry luxury segment, which played a crucial role in expanding our customer base by attracting first-time luxury buyers. This segment is increasingly important as it expands the luxury market and taps in long-term brand loyalty.
Finally, our resolute focus on delivering premium customer experience through Retail.NEXT dealerships, tailored ownership programs, bespoke customer engagements helped convert demand into sustained growth.
How has the luxury car market evolved in Eastern India, particularly in West Bengal, and what trends are you observing among buyers in this region?
The luxury car market in Eastern India, particularly in West Bengal, has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. Traditionally a conservative market, it is now rapidly evolving into a high-potential luxury segment driven by rising affluence, entrepreneurial growth and increased global exposure. This shift has made the region far more aspirational and consumption-driven, positioning it as a strategic growth engine for luxury brands.
Among buyers in West Bengal, we are observing several key trends. There is a strong influx of first-time luxury car buyers who tend to be younger and digitally influenced. These customers increasingly prioritise bespoke experiences over mere ownership, valuing personalisation, brand engagement and lifestyle integration alongside the product itself. The customer base is getting younger with many customers buying their first luxury car starting from the age of 40 years. Business owners, doctors, and CXOs dominate this segment, reflecting a high-net-worth, entrepreneur-heavy demographic primarily concentrated in Kolkata.
From a product perspective, the BMW 5 Series Long Wheelbase, BMW iX1 Long Wheelbase and BMW X1 continue to dominate demand, combining versatility with strong status appeal. At the same time, there is a rising interest in electric vehicles (EVs), which account for 26 per cent share of sales in 2025. This indicates a forward-looking customer mindset that aligns with sustainability trends and presents an opportunity to expand premium electric mobility offerings.
Overall, the luxury car market in West Bengal is characterised by a blend of young and mature, affluent buyers and a growing digitally savvy younger cohort, both seeking premium products that offer not just ownership but immersive and personalised lifestyle experiences.
What were some of the key milestones for BMW Group India in 2025, especially in terms of product launches, customer experience or network expansion?
2025 was a milestone year for BMW Group India, marked by strong growth, product momentum and deeper customer engagement.
BMW Group India undertook an aggressive product offensive in 2025, launching 20 new products across the BMW, MINI, and BMW Motorrad brands. This diverse rollout ensured the most compelling luxury portfolio including significant new generation launches such as BMW iX1 Long Wheelbase, BMW X3, BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, MINI JCW Countryman All4 and MINI Convertible. The motorcycle segment was further bolstered by the arrival of the BMW R 1300 GS Adventure and the high-performance BMW S 1000 RR.
As a pioneer in sustainable mobility, BMW Group India continues to be the most preferred luxury EV brand in 2025 as well. BMW EVs are segment leaders both at the top-end – BMW i7 – and at the entry level – BMW iX1. The iX1 was the highest-selling EV not only for the company, but also for the premium EV segment in India. BMW Group India has created a coveted luxury electric ecosystem with a perfect combination of excellent products, charging convenience, assured buy-back and attractive cost of ownership.
In 2025, a host of initiatives were launched, keeping the customer requirements in focus, such as Destination Charging, Smart E-Routing, Charging Concierge, High Performance Electric Corridor among others. Moreover, BMW and MINI customers can access more than 6,000 charging points in partnership with leading service providers.
With launch of Retail.NEXT, BMW Group India aims to create a future-forward retail space that not only showcases its vehicles but also embodies the brand’s commitment to luxury, innovation and customer satisfaction. Today, the total number of touchpoints across the three brands is 100 in 40 cities. In 2026, the company will add 19 outlets in 18 cities.
Our brand engagements are immersive and build a strong emotional connection with our customers across culture, art, lifestyle, sports and driving experiences. Flagship platforms such as Joytown, BMW M Drift Academy, MINIScapes, MINI Go-Kart Days, GS Experience, BMW Golf Cup, BMW Art & Culture collaborations such as India Art Fair, Kochi Muziris Biennale, the BMW Excellence Club Soirée series, exclusive weekend drives, and curated community events deepen our relationship with new‑age buyers who seek belonging as much as brand stature.
Overall, 2025 underscored our ability to drive growth while elevating the luxury experience.
With increasing competition in the luxury mobility space, how is BMW Group India strengthening its position and differentiating its offerings for Indian customers?
At BMW Group India, our approach is not just about responding to competition, but about staying ahead by shaping the future of luxury mobility.
We are focused on technology leadership, with a strong push on electric mobility and future-ready innovations. At the same time, we continue to offer a balanced powertrain strategy, giving customers the flexibility to choose what best suits their needs.
A key differentiator is our experience-led luxury, delivering highly personalised, seamless journeys across every touchpoint, from purchase to ownership and beyond.
We are also expanding the luxury market by targeting first-time buyers, supported by flexible ownership solutions and a strong digital ecosystem.
Further, ‘BMW Smart Finance’ solutions, BMW India Financial Services makes ownership more accessible and hassle-free and has played a crucial role in enabling sales and driving customer loyalty for the group brands in India.
Finally, our Retail.NEXT concept and network expansion are redefining how customers engage with the brand, making the experience more immersive, modern and customer-centric.
Together, these pillars ensure that BMW Group India remains distinct, desirable, and future-ready in an increasingly competitive landscape.
What are BMW Group India’s key priorities and growth areas, and how do you see the luxury automobile market evolving in the coming year?
BMW Group India’s priorities are clearly aligned to both driving growth today and shaping the future of luxury mobility in India. Our aim is to grow at a faster pace than the segment and the market.
In 2026, we plan to ignite excitement with the launch of 27 new products, including all-new models, major facelifts, and exclusive special editions. We will also expand our reach by opening 19 new touchpoints across 18 cities, including Bhopal, Vapi, Pondicherry, Kolhapur, Nashik, and Jammu. Backed by strong fundamentals and unwavering confidence, BMW Group India is poised to outpace the market, deepen brand desirability and continue setting the pace for luxury automotive excellence in India.
In essence, BMW Group India remains committed to shaping the next era of premium mobility by harmonising legacy with innovation. Our goal is to offer customers unparalleled driving experiences and sustainable mobility solutions that reflect their rising aspirations. As the luxury market grows, BMW will continue to lead with passion, precision, and purpose, driving India toward a more sophisticated and electrified future in the premium automotive space.
(The writer is the president and CEO, BMW Group India. Views expressed are personal)
