World First Half 2016: Mercedes closer to topple BMW for 1st time since 2005

A revamped SUV lineup is helping Mercedes-Benz regain the #1 luxury spot worldwide. 

Over the First Half of 2016, Mercedes-Benz cements its newly-reclaimed worldwide luxury lead with sales up a stunning 12.1% year-on-year to 1.006.619 units. By comparison, BMW gains 5.8% to 986.557 deliveries and Audi is up 5.6% to 953.200. If Mercedes manages to hold the lead until the end of 2016, it would be the first time since 2005 the Stuttgart-based manufacturer wins the worldwide luxury race, an objective it had set itself to reach by 2020. June data gives a different order with BMW in the lead at 189.097 (+9.7%) ahead of Mercedes at 188.444 (+11.1%) and Audi at 169.000 (+7.4%). Source: Manufacturers