BMW has reached a significant milestone, selling 2 million battery-electric vehicles worldwide. When including plug-in hybrids, the number increases to 3.5 million. The company notes that one in two X3 orders in Europe is now for the electric version.
The iX3 is a key model driving this growth, with nearly 100,000 orders received so far. In the second quarter of 2026, BMW’s European EV sales rose 38% to 81,445 units, largely due to iX3 orders. This surge in sales can be attributed to the iX3‘s popularity, which has become a significant contributor to BMW’s overall EV sales in Europe.
Electric Vehicle Sales on the Rise
In the first half of 2026, battery-electric vehicles accounted for 28% of BMW’s European sales. The iX3 made up about a third of those sales, and roughly half of all X3 orders were for the electric version. This indicates a notable shift in consumer preference towards electric vehicles, with the iX3 being a major factor in this trend.
BMW has sold over 442,000 EVs globally in the past year, a slight increase from the previous year. While US EV sales have slowed, the overall trend is upward. The company’s ability to maintain a steady growth rate in EV sales is a sign to its commitment to electric mobility and its ability to adapt to changing market conditions.
New Models to Boost Sales
The company has two new EVs, the i3 and iX5, ready to launch. These models feature new styling, advanced battery technology, and high-tech cabins. The i3 is expected to be a significant boost to sales, with an estimated range of 440 miles on a charge. The i3‘s range and features are likely to appeal to a wide range of customers, further driving the growth of BMW’s EV sales.
Jochen Goller, BMW board member responsible for customer, brands, and sales, stated that the i3 is already seeing strong demand ahead of its market launch. This early interest in the i3 suggests that the model is likely to be a commercial success, which would further accelerate BMW’s EV sales growth.
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BMW has come a long way since introducing its first electric model, the i3, in 2013. At the time, EVs were not yet mainstream, but the company has since made significant strides in the market. The original i3 was a pioneering model that helped establish BMW as a major player in the EV market, and the company has continued to build on this foundation with its subsequent models.
A Look at BMW’s Progress
The company’s electric lineup has expanded, and sales have increased accordingly. With new models on the horizon, BMW is well-positioned to continue growing its EV sales. The iX3‘s success has demonstrated the potential for BMW’s EVs to resonate with customers, and the upcoming i3 and iX5 models are likely to build on this momentum.
In Europe, BMW’s EV sales have been particularly strong, with the iX3 leading the charge. As the company continues to invest in electric technology, it’s likely that sales will remain on an upward trajectory. The European market has been a key driver of BMW’s EV sales growth, and the company is well-positioned to maintain its leadership in this region.
For now, BMW can celebrate a significant milestone: 2 million electric vehicles sold. As the market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the company adapts and grows its electric offerings. With its strong lineup of EV models and commitment to innovation, BMW is poised to remain a major player in the electric vehicle market for years to come.
The iX3‘s success has also demonstrated the importance of offering a range of EV models to cater to different customer preferences. The iX3‘s combination of style, performance, and range has resonated with customers, and the upcoming i3 and iX5 models are likely to offer similar appeal. By continuing to expand its EV lineup, BMW can attract a wider range of customers and maintain its competitive edge in the market.
Furthermore, BMW’s investment in electric technology has enabled the company to improve the range and performance of its EV models. The i3‘s estimated range of 440 miles on a charge is a significant improvement over earlier models, and the company’s ongoing research and development efforts are likely to lead to further advancements in the future. As the technology continues to evolve, BMW is well-positioned to remain at the forefront of the EV market.
