M3 Sedan

Make
BMW
Segment
Sedan

BMW's global sales had a rocky start to 2022, but the automaker still has reason to celebrate. Despite overall sales slumping in the first quarter, BMW's M division, maker of high-performance cars and SUVs, grew sales.

BMW moved 519,796 units in the first quarter of 2022. That total equates to a 7.3 percent decrease in sales compared to the same period in 2021. However, the results aren't a total downer for BMW as the 4 Series nearly doubled in sales to 27,704 cars. It's worth noting that those are core BMW numbers, so no Mini or Rolls-Royce sales are included in the mix.

The M division was a shining star for BMW in the first quarter, with sales growth of 3.1 percent for a total of 39,055 vehicles. The automaker includes "M-ish" models like the M440i, but the M3 and M4 continue to sell well. That success is notable, as the cheapest M car currently on sale is the $70,000 M3, twice as expensive as the most affordable standard BMW, the X1.

Though BMW's overall sales are down globally, the automaker saw solid first-quarter sales results in the United States. Here, BMW sales climbed 3.2 percent, driven by the success of the brand's X models. BMW moved a total of 73,714 units during the period, including Mini sales numbers.

Like all automakers, BMW has struggled with supply chain issues and the global microchip shortage. Part of the overall sales slump is because BMW just can't get the parts it needs to produce new vehicles. That meansfewer cars are on the lot when buyers show up to browse, and people ordering cars see much longer waits to receive their vehicle.

A drop in sales isn't great, but BMW's 2022 roadmap creates extra pressure to succeed. The company will release a new 7 Series this year, and its latest EVs are just hitting the streets, as the i4 sedan and iX crossover are brand-new for 2022. The M division reaches its 50th birthday in 2022 and will get a few new models to celebrate. A new M4 CSL is coming in May, and an M3 Touring will show up by year's end. Additionally, BMW is expected to reveal the XM SUV this summer with a V8 combined with electric motors to make 750 horsepower.