BMW NZ electrified models result ‘stunning’

BMW Group New Zealand achieved notable growth in 2021 with a triple digit surge for electrified models, the group describing the electrified result as “stunning”.

A 146% increase in registrations of BMW’s plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models bolstered BMW’s electromobility drive, with notable results including 67% growth for 330e and a 44% uplift for the X5 xDrive45e.

About 68 of the newly introduced BMW X3 xDrive30e PHEV models also reached new owners in 2021. 

The outstanding growth in electrified models meant that every fifth BMW Group vehicle registered in 2021 was electrified, while every third Mini registered featured a form of electric propulsion. 

Mini achieved record sales results with 848 new vehicle registrations – a 28% increase on the same period last year with 16% of total Mini sales electrified, the latter confirming New Zealand as one of the strongest markets in the world for the uptake of electrified Minis, the group says.

The Mini Electric Hatch and Mini Countryman Plug-in Hybrid were key drivers behind that figure, with 138 and 120 vehicles registered respectively.

These numbers represented a remarkable 160 and 71% increase on the previous year’s result for both models, BMW Group NZ adds.

The brand’s fully electric and PHEV models are up 114%.

BMW’s fully electric line-up experienced an upsurge with the addition of the BMW iX and iX3 in December, BMW Group NZ says. 

Total BMW BEV registrations were up 65%.

April will see the launch of the BMW i4 in two variants – the i4 eDrive40 and the first emissions-free BMW M car – the i4 M50.

About 1827 new BMW vehicles were registered in New Zealand in 2021 – a 15% increase on 2020. 

BMW’s luxury X range continued its popularity in New Zealand, with these models representing more than 55% of the total sales volume, last year seeing the introduction of the new BMW X4 and BMW X3, with the latter’s line-up now including the X3 xDrive30e PHEV and the new fully electric BMW iX3.

New Zealand is again a leading market for BMW M, with every third car sold sporting an M badge.

The BMW 1 Series, BMW X5, Mini Hatch and Mini Countryman all made the top 10 list for sales of premium models. 

BMW Group supported its successful product line-up in 2021 with a range of new initiatives designed to elevate the customers’ experience.

These were led by a new online sales functionality, which commenced with the Mini Electric Hatch ordering facility in 2020 and continued more recently with the launch of the BMW Store.

“We’re delighted to finish 2021 with excellent growth across many market segments and to see such strong interest in our product across both the BMW and Mini brands, in particular our range of electrified models,” BMW Group New Zealand managing director Karol Abrasowicz-Madej says.

“We now look ahead to building on these exceptional results as we continue to strategically expand our line-up with fully electric models such as the BMW i4, and complement the influx of exciting new vehicles with our ongoing commitment to delivery of outstanding experiences for our customers.”