BMW of North America reported a decline in first-quarter vehicle deliveries for 2026, as strong growth in sport utility vehicle sales was offset by weaker passenger car and electrified vehicle demand.
The company delivered 84,231 vehicles in the United States between January 5 and March 31, down 3.9% from 87,615 units in the same period a year earlier.
Sales of BMW’s light truck segment, which includes its X-series sport utility vehicles, rose 9.5% year-on-year to 48,173 units. The increase reflects continued demand for crossovers and SUVs among U.S. consumers, supported by updates across the brand’s lineup.
In contrast, passenger car sales declined 17.3% to 36,058 units. The segment includes models such as the 3 Series, 5 Series, and 7 Series, and mirrors a broader industry trend of declining sedan demand.
Electrified vehicle sales recorded a sharper decline. BMW sold 9,856 battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in the first quarter, down about 50% from 19,761 units a year earlier. Electrified models accounted for just under 12% of total U.S. sales during the period.
BMW did not provide a breakdown between battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids in the report.
The decline comes amid changing conditions in the U.S. electric vehicle market. According to Cox Automotive, new battery electric vehicle registrations fell 28% year-on-year to 212,600 units in the first quarter, following the expiration of federal EV incentives.
Despite the drop in volumes, EVs maintained a 5.8% share of total new vehicle sales, in line with the fourth quarter of 2025, though below the 7.5% peak recorded in the third quarter of last year.
MINI, BMW’s subsidiary, reported deliveries of 6,261 vehicles in the United States in the first quarter, down 10.2% from 6,976 units a year earlier. The brand is undergoing a product transition as it introduces new electric models, including updated versions of its Cooper and Aceman.
Industry analysts say the combined data reflects a transitional period for the U.S. automotive market, as consumer demand shifts toward SUVs while the pace of electric vehicle adoption adjusts following policy changes.