Not So Fast, Audi: BMW Still on Top for Q1 Sales

It was a big deal in the automotive world when Audi overtook Mercedes-Benz in sales for Q1, hitting a new record for the brand and upsetting the long-standing pecking order of global luxury sales.

At the time, BMW had yet to release its sales. Today they did, and they remain on top for Q1. But not by much! Their numbers are on the upswing however, to the tune of 14 percent from 2009's levels, fueled by the new X1 crossover and sales of the (highly profitable) 7-Series lineup.

Here is how the final numbers work out: 248,500 for Mercedes-Benz at third place, 264,100 for Audi at second place and 265,809 for BMW at first. Just 1,709 vehicles separates first and second- a tentative lead for BMW, to be sure. Indeed, not much separates all three.

This puts BMW on a growth track in "nearly all automobile markets," according to BMW sales boss Ian Robertson. While Audi has impressive new products and is counting on the A1 to increase sales, BMW isn't going down without a fight. New MINI models like the Countryman are being introduced, as well counting on the 5-Series Gran Turismo for new sales.

This is going to be an interesting sales race to watch as the year unfolds. In the end though, the product is what matters to us - not how many cars an automaker can push out each year.