© Mercedes-Benz USA, Infiniti North America, Inc., BMW of North America, Toyota Motor Sales
Luxury Car Sales Decline in 2016
Although the number of new-vehicle sales in 2016 continues to increase on the strength of trucks and SUVs, total car sales are dropping — with luxury cars taking the biggest hit. Total vehicle sales are up 3.3 percent for the first quarter of 2016 compared to 2015, but car sales are down just over 5 percent with luxury cars down 17.4 percent. Large luxury-car sales are down a precipitous 29.3 percent, and midsize luxury cars are off 14.7 percent from 2015 levels. Even small / entry-luxury cars are feeling the heat — down 17.5 percent compared to last year.
© Infiniti North America, Inc., BMW of North America, Mercedes-Benz USA, Toyota Motor Sales
Best-Selling Luxury Cars . . . So Far
Of the 10 most popular luxury cars in the first quarter, nine posted sales declines and only five of the top 20 models showed a sales increase. Luxury brands BMW and Mercedes-Benz were hit hardest, with BMW car sales (not including SUVs) down 32 percent in March and 26 percent for the first quarter of 2016. Mercedes-Benz car sales fell off 19 percent in March and 17 percent for the quarter. Lexus car sales fell 14 percent in March. Despite these first-quarter declines, let’s look at the top-selling models for the first three months of 2016, according to sales numbers compiled from individual auto manufacturers’ sales reports and goodcarbadcar.net.
© BMW of North America
20. BMW 2 Series
YTD Sales: 3,401
Vs. 2015: 58.4%
One of the few luxury models to post a sales increase in the first quarter of 2016, the 2 Series benefitted from the arrival of the convertible version during the 2015 model year, which was not available until the end of the first quarter last year. BMW’s small entry-luxury model for the U.S. market, the 2 Series joined the BMW lineup as a 2014 model, replacing the 1 Series. The 2 Series is a modern example of the type of sporty, agile, fun-to-drive car on which BMW built its reputation in the ‘60s.
© General Motors
19. Cadillac CTS
YTD Sales: 3,973
Vs. 2015: -14.3%
Cadillac’s midsize sports sedan, the third-generation CTS debuted as a 2014 model powered by either a turbocharged 2.0-liter or a 3.6-liter V6. For 2015 Cadillac added the CTS Vsport with a 420-horsepower twin-turbo 3.6-liter V6, and for 2016 GM’s luxury brand adds the CTS-V, powered by a 640-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine. The second-generation CTS was also offered as a coupe and a sport wagon, but they were discontinued after the 2014 model year.
© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
18. Lexus GS
YTD Sales: 3,989
Vs. 2015: -32.4%
The midsize GS luxury sedan has been redesigned for the 2016 model year, so a 30 percent drop in first-quarter sales is not good news for Lexus. The GS is offered in three versions: the GS 200t, powered by a 241-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter engine combined with an 8-speed automatic transmission; the GS 350, powered by a 311-horsepower 3.5-liter V6; and the GS 450h high-performance hybrid, combining a 3.5-liter V6 and a water-cooled permanent-magnet electric motor for a total system output of 338 horsepower.
© Mercedes-Benz USA
17. Mercedes-Benz S-Class
YTD Sales: 4,167
Vs. 2015: -18.2%
Sales of the Mercedes-Benz flagship S-Class sedan and coupe fell 18 percent in the first quarter of 2016, contributing to a 17 percent drop for Mercedes-Benz car models overall. Mercedes-Benz total vehicle sales only dropped 3 percent for the quarter due to strong sales of SUVs and vans. The 2017 S-Class Cabriolet is scheduled to go on sale in late spring 2016, which will add to S-Class sales.
2016 Acura ILX
16. Acura ILX
YTD Sales: 4,287
Vs. 2015: 22.3%
One of the few top-20 luxury models to post a sales increase for the first quarter of 2016, the Acura ILX receives significant styling, performance and technology upgrades for 2016. The 2016 ILX is powered by a new 2.4-liter direct-injection engine that produces 201 horsepower and 180 lb-ft or torque — a 51 horsepower increase from the outgoing 2.0-liter engine. The new engine is mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission with a torque converter and paddle-shift Sequential Sport Shift. Exterior styling is updated with a new grille, front fascia, rear LED combination lights and 17-inch 10-spoke aluminum alloy wheels.
© General Motors
15. Cadillac ATS
YTD Sales: 4,517
Vs. 2015: -22.4%
Cadillac’s compact luxury sedan debuted as a 2013 model, and the ATS coupe joined for the 2015 model year, but sales are down 22 percent this year. For 2016 the high-performance ATS-V Sedan and ATS-V Coupe are added, which will contribute additional sales. Engine choices for the ATS sedan and coupe include a 202-horsepower 2.5-liter, a 272-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter (standard for coupe), and a new 335-horsepower 3.6-liter V6. Both the ATS-V Sedan and Coupe are powered by a 464-horsepower twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V6 combined with either a 6-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Match, or the all-new Hydra-Matic 8L90 paddle-shift 8-speed automatic transmission.
© General Motors
14. Cadillac XTS
YTD Sales: 5,873
Vs. 2015: -5.4%
Despite a dip in first quarter luxury car sales, Cadillac’s full-size XTS stayed fairly strong with a 5.4 percent decline. Updates for 2016 include a new grille design, Surround Vision with a 360-degree overhead view, wireless phone charging and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Offered with front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive, the XTS is motivated by a 305-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine combined with a 6-speed automatic transmission with tap-shift control. The XTS Vsport is powered by a 410-horsepower twin turbocharged 3.6-liter V6 with standard all-wheel drive.
© Ford Motor Company
13. Lincoln MKZ
YTD Sales: 6,554
Vs. 2015: 0.7%
Lincoln MKZ sales continued to hold steady in the first quarter, even with a redesigned 2017 model scheduled to arrive in summer 2016. The current midsize MKZ debuted as a 2013 model, introducing the narrower, swept-back Lincoln winged grille that was eventually incorporated into the design of other Lincoln models. The MKZ is powered by a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine that produces 240 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, or an available 3.7-liter V6 that produces 300 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The MKZ Hybrid combines a 2.0-liter gas engine with a 70-kilowatt electric motor and receives EPA ratings of 41 mpg city / 39 mpg highway / 40 mpg combined.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
12. Audi A4
YTD Sales: 6,824
Vs. 2015: 10.0%
The best-selling model in Audi history, the A4 boasts a 10 percent sales increase for the first quarter of 2016, with the redesigned 2017 A4 already on sale in dealer showrooms. The new A4 is unmistakably an Audi although it features crisper styling, a new horizontal grille and sharply angled headlights. Power comes from a revised turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that now produces 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft or torque at just 1900 rpm, combined with a new 7-speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission with either front-wheel drive or quattro all-wheel drive.
© Mercedes-Benz USA
11. Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
YTD Sales: 6,884
Vs. 2015: -16.3%
Now in its third year on the U.S. market, CLA-Class sales have dropped just over 16 percent for the first quarter of 2016. The 2017 model scheduled to arrive in fall 2016 will receive a design facelift with new front and rear bumpers, new wheel designs, new seat covers and chrome-plated controls inside. Positioned as the entry-level option below the top-selling C-Class, the CLA-Class arrived on the U.S. market as a 2014 model offering a more affordable alternative for buyers. With front-wheel drive or available 4MATIC all-wheel drive, the CLA250 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that produces 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The high-performance AMG CLA45 4MATIC gets power from a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that produces 375 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque.
©Audi of America
10. Audi A3
YTD Sales: 7,504
Vs. 2015: -3.1%
The Audi A3 nearly maintained its sales pace for the first quarter, dropping just 3 percent after its redesign for 2015. The A3 originally arrived in the U.S. as a 2006 model in 4-door hatchback configuration only, but the 2015 model year saw the U.S. debut of the A3 Sedan and Cabriolet. The A3 Sedan and Cabriolet are powered by a 170-horsepower 1.8-liter engine with front-wheel drive, or a 220-horsepower 2.0-liter engine with quattro all-wheel drive. The A3 Sportback eTron gasoline-electric hybrid joins the lineup for 2016, featuring a 1.4-liter engine combined with a liquid-cooled permanent-magnet electric motor for a combined output of 204 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
© Mercedes-Benz USA
9. Mercedes-Benz E-Class
YTD Sales: 8,560
Vs. 2015: -23.8%
Sales of the midsize E-Class are down almost 24 percent for the first quarter of 2016, due in part to the pending arrival of the new 10th-generation E-Class Sedan in summer 2016. The 2016 Sedan is still available along with the E-Class Coupe and Convertible. The 2017 E-Class Sedan boasts a new exterior design, a new luxurious interior and world-premiere technologies. Inside, a high-resolution display combines a wide navigation screen and a traditional gauge cluster integrated into a single unit behind the steering wheel. The steering wheel features two touch-sensitive control pads that respond to swiping motions, allowing the driver to control the infotainment system with thumb motions without removing hands from the wheel. The E-Class will launch in the U.S. market with a new turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that produces 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, mated to a new 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment.
© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
8. Lexus IS
YTD Sales: 8,818
Vs. 2015: -21.6
Lexus offers two models in the entry-luxury category: the IS sport sedan and the ES luxury sedan, and both are top-10-sellers in the luxury segment. The third-generation, sport-oriented, rear-wheel-drive Lexus IS debuted as a 2015 model with more aggressive styling and the Lexus signature spindle grille. It is now offered in three trim levels defined by three different engine choices : the IS 200t, the IS 300 AWD and the IS 350 with available all-wheel drive. The previous IS 250 and IS 250 AWD are discontinued for 2016. The IS 200t is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that produces 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, combined with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The IS 300 AWD derives power from a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 255 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, and the IS 350 gets power from a 306-horsepower 3.5-liter V6.
2015 Acura TLX Exterior V6 SH-AWD
7. Acura TLX
YTD Sales: 9,087
Vs. 2015: -6.7%
Acura TLX sales continued at a respectable pace in the first quarter of 2016, recording a little less than a 7 percent drop — well under the 17 percent loss for the luxury category. The TLX debuted as a 2015 model, replacing the TL in the Acura lineup by combining sport-sedan performance with luxury refinement. Available in three different powertrain combinations, the standard engine is a 206-horsepower 2.4-liter unit combined with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission with a torque converter. The available 3.5-liter V6 produces 290 horsepower when combined with a 9-speed automatic transmission, and is also offered with Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD).
© BMW of North America
6. BMW 4 Series
YTD Sales: 9,225
Vs. 2015: -13.9%
One of four BMW models in the top 10 for first quarter 2016 luxury car sales, the 4 Series joined the BMW lineup for 2014 when the 4 Series Coupe and Convertible replaced the 2-door 3 Series models. Then for 2015 BMW added the 4 Series Gran Coupe (which is actually a 4-door) sporting a coupelike profile. The 4 Series is offered in Coupe, Gran Coupe and Convertible versions with two different engine choices and available xDrive all-wheel drive. The 428i versions are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 240 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque, and the 435i has a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder unit that produces 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque.
© BMW of North America
5. BMW 5 Series
YTD Sales: 9,710
Vs. 2015: -19.5%
BMW’s midsize sport sedan, the 5 Series has been successful in the highly competitive sport sedan market for dozens of years, but it took nearly a 20 percent hit in sales for the first quarter of 2016. The current sixth-generation design debuted for 2011 and a new model is due next year. The current lineup includes the 528i, 535i, 535d, 535i Gran Turismo, ActiveHybrid 5 and the 550i, with engines ranging from the 528i with a 240-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder to the 550i with a 445-horsepower twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8. All versions are rear-wheel drive, with xDrive all-wheel drive available for all trim levels except the ActiveHybrid 5.
© Infiniti North America, Inc.
4. Infiniti Q50
YTD Sales: 11,868
Vs. 2015: 12.9%
The only model in the luxury top 10 to post an actual sales increase for the first quarter of 2016, the Q50 sport sedan is Infiniti’s best-selling model. A replacement for the G sedan in the 2014 model year, the performance-oriented Q50 has rear-wheel drive standard as well as available all-wheel drive. For 2016 the Q50 2.0t joins the lineup, powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that produces 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, with available all-wheel drive. The Q50 Hybrid Premium is powered by a gasoline-electric hybrid system that combines a 3.5-liter V6 engine with a 50 kW electric motor for a total system output of 360 horsepower, rated at 34 mpg highway. Also new for 2016 is the Q50 Red Sport 400, powered by a twin turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that produces 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque.
© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
3. Lexus ES
YTD Sales: 13,018
Vs. 2015: -7.3%
The second Lexus model to break into the top 10 best-sellers for the first quarter of 2016, the ES was redesigned for 2015 to incorporate the spindle grille, and the front end gets further updates for 2016 with a bolder grille with satin chrome trim, standard LED headlights and fog lights sculpted in at the outer corners. The second-best-selling Lexus model behind the RX crossover, the ES is front-wheel drive and a hybrid version is also offered, but all-wheel drive is not an option. The ES 350 gets motivation from a 268-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine, and the ES 300h combines a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor for a total system output of 200 horsepower.
BMW 3 Series
2. BMW 3 Series
YTD Sales: 14,100
Vs. 2015: -30.3%
Long known as the benchmark sport sedan, the BMW 3 Series has always reigned at the top of the luxury sedan sales charts, but it takes an uncharacteristic 30 percent loss for the first quarter. For 2016 the 3 Series receives minor exterior styling updates including available LED headlights, revised suspension for improved handling and new interior trim. The 340i replaces the 335i as the top trim level, powered by a new turbocharged inline 6-cylinder that produces 320 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. The lineup includes 320i, 328i and 328d diesel trim levels, all with rear-wheel drive or available xDrive all-wheel drive. Later in 2016 the 330e iPerformance plug-in hybrid will be available.
© Mercedes-Benz USA
1. Mercedes-Benz C-Class
YTD Sales: 17,839
Vs. 2015: -14.9%
Although C-Class sales are down nearly 15 percent for the first quarter of 2016, the compact Mercedes-Benz sedan continues as the top-selling luxury model. The C-Class Sedan was redesigned for the 2015 model year, offered a with turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, Biturbo V6 and Biturbo V8 engines. The C-Class Coupe was dropped for 2015 but will return later this year as a 2017 model. The first-ever C-Class Cabriolet debuted at the Frankfurt Auto Show last fall and will also join the lineup as a 2017 model.
