The BMW 5-Series was the best-selling luxury sedan in America in 2024, leading over the flagship products of Mercedes-Benz and Audi; respectively, the E-Class and A6.
BMW 5-Series: Strong Numbers
BMW sold 25,315 units of the 5-Series in America in 2024, a 13% increase over 2023, driven largely by the addition of the electric i5 version, which made up over 1/3 of total sales of the nameplate. This is a good example of how models with various levels of electrification can help grow markets and offer more choices. More states are adopting bans on petrol/diesel vehicles, and this should help solidify more consumers.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Resilient
Mercedes-Benz sold 17,638 E-Class vehicles in 2024, a slight decline of 1% from 2023. This spells trouble for the luxury sedan market, but the E-Class has always been a staple in the luxury segment for its comfort and technology. Mercedes-Benz is counting on the E-Class Long Wheelbase (LWB) to increase sales of sedans and is anticipating that the sedan share will double to 50% before the end of the year!
Audi A6: Meager Gains
The A6's modest 8.6% year-on-year growth brought 6,448 units in the 2024 calendar year. The increase is good news, but the A6's volume is still not comparable to its German competitors. The sixth-generation A6 is expected to enter the market in March 2025 with a substantial design and technology refresh. This might help with the A6's positioning in relation to other models in the market.
Specification Comparison
| Model | 2024 U.S. Sales | Notable Features |
| BMW 5-Series | 25,315 | Includes electric i5 variant; 13% sales increase |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 17,638 | Anticipated E-Class LWB model to boost sales |
| Audi A6 | 6,448 | New generation launched in March 2025 |
Conclusion
Change is evident in the U.S. luxury sedan market, and the BMW 5-Series has demonstrated its superiority in the luxury arena with a well-balanced proposition of conventional luxury coupled with electrification for the future. BMW is concluding a strong 2024 with demand for the i5 EV driven by demand from buyers who are ready for electric luxury and are already accepting it. Mercedes-Benz continues with the tried and true E-Class, releasing a long wheelbase variant soon, while Audi plans to bring the A6 back in earnest with its latest generation. The competition among these German brands continues - it is BMW's day today!
Source(Image / Thumbnail):autosofdallas
