BMW Group sees electric vehicle sales soar as profits decline in Q1 2025

The BMW Group closed the first quarter of 2025 with results that, while reflecting a sharp drop in profits, remain within its projected guidance. The core of the company’s performance was once again its electric vehicle lineup: fully electric (BEV) sales jumped by 32.4%, now accounting for over a quarter of all vehicle deliveries.

Revenue for the quarter came in at €33.8 billion, down 7.8% year-over-year. Net profit fell more steeply to €2.17 billion, while pre-tax earnings (EBT) reached €3.1 billion — a 25.2% decrease. Still, the EBIT margin in the Automotive Segment remained solid at 6.9%, placing it near the upper end of the full-year forecast range.

BMW continues to face challenges in China, where sales declined further. The German automakers’ combined share of the Chinese EV market dropped to just 5%. Meanwhile, European Union anti-dumping tariffs on Chinese-manufactured BEVs have added pressure. BMW estimates the cost impact of these and similar trade measures could reach €1 billion in 2025.

Against this backdrop, the company is putting greater emphasis on its flagship EV initiative, the NEUE KLASSE. Production of the first model will begin later this year at the new plant in Debrecen, Hungary. Within two years, BMW aims to launch six models built on the new architecture, which features sixth-generation eDrive tech, minimalist design, and a panoramic interface.

Both MINI and Rolls-Royce are expanding their BEV offerings. MINI boosted its electric vehicle share to 35.3% of total sales. Rolls-Royce, despite an overall delivery decline, reported progress with its Spectre EV.

Even amid declining earnings and intensified tariff pressure, BMW Group is standing by its full-year forecast. The company anticipates some tariffs may be rolled back starting July 2025. Until then, BMW is relying on innovation, strategic investment, and operational flexibility to navigate a volatile global market.