BMW xDrive takes a clear lead in Germany as all-wheel drive demand grows
BMW xDrive gains ground in Germany as all-wheel drive becomes increasingly dominant
BMW xDrive takes a clear lead in Germany as all-wheel drive demand grows
More than 60% of BMWs registered in Germany in the first quarter of 2026 were equipped with xDrive, putting the brand ahead of Audi Quattro and Mercedes 4Matic.
2026-04-29T12:18:02+03:00
2026-04-29T12:18:02+03:00
2026-04-29T12:18:02+03:00
In the first quarter of 2026, more than 60% of all BMW vehicles registered in Germany were equipped with the xDrive all-wheel-drive system. That marks a clear increase from the previous period: a year earlier, all-wheel-drive models accounted for 54.9%.By comparison, Audi sold almost 10,000 fewer vehicles with Quattro over the same period, while its all-wheel-drive share stood at 49.5%. For Mercedes, the figure was lower still, at 44.7% for vehicles fitted with 4Matic.The obvious reason for BMW’s strength is the X-series SUV range, which is not offered in rear-wheel-drive form in Germany. Around 80% of those vehicles are equipped with xDrive. Yet the pattern is not limited to SUVs: 41.9% of BMW sedans and coupes are also sold with all-wheel drive.The rise of all-wheel drive at BMW began years ago. In 2009, only about 14.9% of the brand’s vehicles sold had the option. Since then, the share has continued to grow, helped by the company’s deliberate push toward all-wheel-drive versions and by premium model lines where such variants are increasingly central. The latest version of the legendary 7 Series, for example, is offered exclusively with xDrive.
BMW, xDrive, all-wheel drive, Germany, Audi Quattro, Mercedes 4Matic, BMW X Series, 7 Series
2026
Michael Powers
news
BMW xDrive gains ground in Germany as all-wheel drive becomes increasingly dominant
More than 60% of BMWs registered in Germany in the first quarter of 2026 were equipped with xDrive, putting the brand ahead of Audi Quattro and Mercedes 4Matic.
Michael Powers, Editor
In the first quarter of 2026, more than 60% of all BMW vehicles registered in Germany were equipped with the xDrive all-wheel-drive system. That marks a clear increase from the previous period: a year earlier, all-wheel-drive models accounted for 54.9%.
By comparison, Audi sold almost 10,000 fewer vehicles with Quattro over the same period, while its all-wheel-drive share stood at 49.5%. For Mercedes, the figure was lower still, at 44.7% for vehicles fitted with 4Matic.
The obvious reason for BMW’s strength is the X-series SUV range, which is not offered in rear-wheel-drive form in Germany. Around 80% of those vehicles are equipped with xDrive. Yet the pattern is not limited to SUVs: 41.9% of BMW sedans and coupes are also sold with all-wheel drive.
The rise of all-wheel drive at BMW began years ago. In 2009, only about 14.9% of the brand’s vehicles sold had the option. Since then, the share has continued to grow, helped by the company’s deliberate push toward all-wheel-drive versions and by premium model lines where such variants are increasingly central. The latest version of the legendary 7 Series, for example, is offered exclusively with xDrive.
