China imports May 2025: Lexus (+27.3%) island of growth in market off -5.5%

Lexus ES sales are up 31.2% YoY (next generation pictured)

Sales of new imported cars in China continue to slide down at -5.5% year-on-year to 47,938. The year-to-date tally is now off -12.4% to 230,664. Market leader Lexus (+27.3%) is the only year-on-year gainer in the Top 10, and not by a small margin. It totals more than double the sales of any other manufacturer. Mercedes (-9.1%) and BMW (-14%) complete the podium as they do YTD. Porsche (-18.9%) stays at #4 above Land Rover (-12.3%), Audi (-35%) and Toyota (-8.2%). Volkswagen (-46.9%) and Mini (-45.3%) both crash with Volvo (-19.8%) also falling way faster than the market.

Model-wise, the Lexus ES (+31.2%) is more dominant than ever at almost 11,500 sales. It distances like last month the Lexus RX (+24.1%) and Mercedes GLE (-22.1%). The Lexus NX (+36.9%) returns to the 4th place it holds YTD, ahead of the Range Rover (+8.3%) back up four spots to #5. The Porsche Cayenne (+7.8%) is down two to #6 above the BMW 4 Series (+12.6%). The rest of the Top 10 is in frank negative, with the Volvo XC90 (-21.6%) and Land Rover Defender (-16.2%) hit the hardest while the Toyota Alphard (-10.8%) also struggles and the Audi Q7 (-2.9%) resists. The Mercedes CLE (+91.6%) cracks the Top 20 at #19.

Previous month: China imports April 2025: Lexus (+12.7%), BMW (+4.4%) stand out

One year ago: China imports May 2024: Toyota (+51.3%), Mini (+49.2%) highlight sinking market

Full May 2025 Top 39 All brands and Top 173 All models below.