BMW’s U.S. sales increased 3.4% in the third quarter to 100,210 vehicles, lifting year-to-date deliveries 4.3% to 287,154 units. Beneath that modest overall growth, however, individual models posted sharply different results, with strong gains for the 3 Series and X5 contrasting with steep declines for the X4 and iX.

3 Series sales surge

The 3 Series was one of BMW’s strongest performers. Third-quarter sales reached 11,256 vehicles, up 46.4% from 7,689 during the same period a year earlier. The model’s year-to-date total rose 37.3% to 29,987 units.

Other BMW passenger cars had a more difficult year. Third-quarter 4 Series sales were roughly flat, but the model is down 24.4% through the first nine months. The 5 Series fell 20.6% during the quarter. BMW’s passenger-car sales as a whole increased 3.8% in the third quarter, although they remain down 0.4% year to date.

X5 leads BMW’s year-to-date sales

SUVs continued to provide much of BMW’s volume. X3 sales grew 7% in the third quarter to 22,457 vehicles and are up 20.2% for the year. The X5 performed even better, reaching 22,213 sales for the quarter after a 21.5% increase.

With 63,767 deliveries through September, the X5 is BMW’s best-selling model so far this year. The X3 follows with 60,128 units. During the third quarter alone, BMW sold more X5s than its 2 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, 8 Series, and Z4 models combined.

The X6 also gained 20.2%, while X2 sales climbed 29.1%. At the other end of BMW’s results, X4 deliveries plunged from 1,826 vehicles in the year-earlier quarter to just 72, representing a 96.1% decline.

The iX recorded the same percentage drop, falling from 3,136 sales to 121. BMW attributed a broader 24.9% decrease in electrified-vehicle sales to current market conditions and a planned model changeover. Deliveries of newer EVs, including the iX3 and i7, are now beginning. Plug-in hybrid sales moved in the opposite direction, rising 23.2% during the quarter.

Mini sales decline despite Convertible growth

Mini sales fell 10.2% in the third quarter to 6,531 vehicles and are down 7.4% for the year. Among the brand’s current volume models, the Countryman experienced the largest decline, dropping 28.1% to 2,390 units.

The Mini Cooper Convertible was a notable exception. Its quarterly sales increased 29.8%, while year-to-date deliveries are up 41%.

BMW and Mini together sold 106,741 vehicles in the third quarter, a 2.5% increase. The combined result masks wide differences across the lineup, from the 3 Series’ 46.4% quarterly gain and the X5’s leading volume to the 96.1% declines recorded by both the X4 and iX.