BMW AG's China sales fell 7.4 percent year on year to about 35,100 vehicles in April as rival Mercedes-Benz finally caught up.
In April, Mercedes sales jumped 32 percent to 35,625 vehicles, leaving the two automakers in a virtual tie for second place in China's hotly contested luxury market.
Audi, China's top-selling luxury brand, reported sales advanced 9.4 percent to 49,576 vehicles.
Audi said it enjoyed strong demand for the redesigned Q3 crossover -- with sales up 26 percent -- and for the A3 compact car, whose deliveries increased nearly 31 percent.
Over the first four months, Audi's China sales have risen 5.9 percent year on year to 189,611 vehicles, while BMW's deliveries increased 6 percent to 162,221.
For the year to date, Mercedes remains China's No. 3 luxury brand, with sales rising 35 percent to 142,266 cars and light trucks.
Mercedes has been on a tear since 2014 when it shook up its China management ranks and consolidated distribution channels for imports and locally produced vehicles.
Source:Automotive News China