Germany private sales May 2026: Tesla Model 3, Model Y and Dacia Sandero most popular

The Tesla Model 3 is the favourite of German private buyers in May.

Sales to private customers in Germany are up 8.3% year-on-year in May to 85,243 units for a 35.6% Private Sales Ratio (PSR) vs. 32.9% a year ago. The year-to-date tally is up 3.9% to 401,549 and 33.8% PSR vs. 33.7% over the same period in 2025. Volkswagen remains the most popular brand with private customers but has to contend with just 13.4% share vs. 19% in the overall market, due to a low 25.1% PSR. Mercedes (36.5% PSR) stays in 2nd place above Skoda (35.9%) and BMW (28.9%). Dacia is up one spot on last month to #5 with a splendid 77.6% PSR, not as much however as Tesla (87.3% PSR) up six ranks to #6. Leapmotor (88.3% PSR), KGM (77.9%) and Mazda (62.9%) also shine.

Model-wise, Tesla manages a historical 1-2, placing the Model 3 (90.9% PSR) in the lead above the Model Y (83.9%). The Dacia Sandero (85.1%) takes the third spot. The Model Y remains #1 year-to-date. Leader last month, the BMW X1 falls to #4 with 47.9% PSR. The VW T-Roc (28.3%) rounds out the Top 5 like in April. #1 in the overall market, the VW Golf only ranks #6 with private customers due to a paltry 24.3% PSR. It is followed closely by the VW ID.3 at 51.6% PSR.

Previous month: Germany private sales April 2026: BMW X1 takes the lead

One year ago: Germany private sales May 2025: Fiat Ducato #1, Skoda Elroq up to #3

Full May 2026 Top 61 All brands and Top 346 All models below.