BMW Overtakes Mercedes-Benz: A Look at the Top Luxury Sedans for Chauffeurs

BMW has overtaken Mercedes-Benz in the 2024 luxury sedan market, with the i7 and 7 Series leading the charge. This shift is reshaping the choices for limo drivers seeking sophistication, luxury, and performance for their clients. Learn how this change impacts the limo industry.

In a surprising shift, BMW has surpassed Mercedes-Benz as the top seller in the luxury sedan sector, a change that directly impacts limo drivers. For the first time in 2024, BMW’s combination of the 7 Series and i7 outperformed the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and EQS, marking a milestone in the ongoing competition between these two brands.

The BMW i7, a sleek and sophisticated electric sedan, has particularly gained attention in the market, with significant sales in the London area. Last month, it was even named Chauffeur Car of the Year at the 2025 Professional Driver Car of the Year Awards—an important recognition for drivers seeking luxury and reliability for their clients.

Here are the numbers:

BMW: 621 i7s and 272 PHEV 7 Series models – 893 units sold.
Mercedes-Benz: 479 S-Class and 403 EQS models – 882 units sold.

This trend highlights BMW’s increasing popularity among those in the luxury transport business. The i7 has proven to be a standout choice for chauffeurs, offering a modern, high-tech experience that appeals to clients who expect comfort and sophistication.

The Market’s Top Competitors

As the competition tightens, BMW and Mercedes-Benz remain the primary contenders, with few other brands making an impact in the luxury sedan market. Audi and Lexus only managed to sell 128 and 3 A8 and LS models, respectively. Porsche, known for its sports cars, registered 584 Panameras, though these aren’t typically used for chauffeur services.

Brands like Jaguar, Rolls-Royce, and Bentley are still around, but their sales are much smaller in comparison. Rolls-Royce sold only 50 Ghosts, while Bentley’s Flying Spur managed just 135 units.

Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz has shifted its focus by discontinuing the standard-wheelbase S-Class for all but the Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance editions. Now, the S-Class lineup only includes long-wheelbase models, with prices starting at £98,015 for the S350d AMG Line Premium.

For professional drivers, this market shift could shape future purchasing decisions, as BMW’s rise in sales positions it as a top contender for those seeking a reliable and prestigious vehicle for transporting clients.

Source: Professional Driver Magazine