The BMW Group Report 2023 doc is out, all 339 pages of it. Whereas many of the cumbersome PDF is about monetary numbers that will be an absolute bore to share right here, one thing attention-grabbing did catch our consideration. Ultimate gross sales numbers for every mannequin line are detailed, exhibiting the Z4 outsold the XM final 12 months.

The sporty roadster racked up 10,957 gross sales in 2023 when demand dropped by 8.9% in comparison with the earlier 12 months. The XM was delivered to six,749 clients throughout its first 12 months available on the market, albeit it wasn’t out there in all areas from January 1. The market launch came about later within the spring, so 2024 goes to be the SUV’s first full 12 months.

I do know what you’re most likely considering. Why are we evaluating the Z4 with the XM contemplating the huge worth hole between the 2. Certainly, the flagship M mannequin is roughly 3 times dearer, so what’s the purpose? Effectively, there was loads of hype round XM, particularly since BMW proudly calls it the primary devoted M mannequin after the enduring M1. It’s additionally probably the most highly effective manufacturing automobile from Munich and takes the form of an SUV to feed a unending thirst clients have for high-riding automobiles.

Since we touched on recognition, the Z4 and XM are at reverse ends. The convertible market continues to shrink 12 months after 12 months, a lot in order that BMW is reportedly killing the Z4 and eight Collection Convertible after the current-gen fashions run their course. Outdoors of the BMW world, archrival Mercedes has fused the C-Class Coupe/Convertible and E-Class Coupe/Convertible into the CLE Coupe/Convertible. The corporate with the three-pointed star additionally phased out the SLC a couple of years in the past and the AMG GT Convertible extra just lately.

After all, nobody was actually anticipating the XM to be in style. With a beginning worth of $159,000 in the US, it’s not going to be an enormous vendor. It did handle to beat the Lamborghini Urus (6,749 items vs 6,087 items) however the latter is much dearer because it begins at nicely over $200,000. Not even the XM Label hits that threshold as pricing begins at $185,000.

Elsewhere, the three Collection / 4 Collection household have been predictably the best-selling BMWs in 2023, adopted by the X3/X4 and the X5/X6. We’re shocked to see the i3/i8 within the gross sales charts contemplating manufacturing of the quirky hatchback resulted in mid-2022 whereas the coupe/roadster was discontinued in mid-2020. Maybe some unsold i3s modified palms in 2023. One other potential rationalization is that BMW technically nonetheless sells an i3 as an electrical long-wheelbase 3 Collection Sedan in China.

Proportion-wise, the X1/X2 loved the biggest progress 12 months over 12 months as demand rose by 31.3%, fueled by the arrival of the new-generation X1 because the X2 is simply now hitting the market. The outdated X2 was quietly discontinued in 2022. The electrical-only iX was up by 30.3% in comparison with 2022, whereas demand for the 7 Collection/8 Collection elevated by 22.7% because of the newest flagship sedan and its electrical i7 sibling.

Supply: BMW