Key Highlights
- BMW Group India plans to double MINI sales by the end of 2026.
- MINI sold 730 units in 2025, registering 3% year-on-year growth.
- The new MINI Countryman C will be locally assembled at BMW’s Chennai plant.
- BMW aims to increase locally produced models in India to 11.
- MINI will expand into 10 additional cities, focusing on Tier-2 markets.
- EVs currently contribute 26% of BMW Group India’s total sales.
- BMW’s Neue Klasse EV platform is scheduled to debut in India in 2027.
BMW Bets on Local Manufacturing and Tier-2 Markets to Accelerate MINI Growth in India
Mumbai, June 9, 2026: BMW Group India has unveiled an ambitious growth strategy for its MINI brand, focusing on local manufacturing, expansion into emerging cities, and an expanded product lineup to significantly increase sales in the country. The German luxury automaker is targeting a doubling of MINI sales volumes by the end of 2026, leveraging strong demand in India’s premium automobile market.
The centrepiece of this strategy is the upcoming launch of the locally assembled MINI Countryman C, an internal combustion engine (ICE) variant that will be produced at BMW Group’s Chennai manufacturing facility. The move marks a major shift for the brand, which has largely relied on imported models and a limited portfolio in recent years.
Local Assembly to Improve Affordability
BMW believes local production will make the MINI brand more accessible to a wider customer base by reducing import dependence and improving pricing competitiveness. According to the company, localisation levels for the new Countryman C will reach up to 50 percent, helping offset high import duties and global logistics costs.
The company expects local assembly to play a crucial role in attracting younger affluent buyers as well as customers looking to upgrade from premium compact SUVs. BMW executives indicated that pricing for the locally produced model would be significantly more attractive compared to fully imported alternatives.
Speaking about the strategy, Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO of BMW Group India, said the launch of the locally assembled MINI Countryman would be a key driver of future growth and help the company tap into new customer segments across India.
Product Portfolio Expansion
MINI’s product strategy has evolved considerably over the past year. Until recently, the brand operated in India with a relatively small lineup that included the MINI Cooper S Hatch and the MINI Countryman Electric.
The company has since expanded its offerings with models such as the MINI Convertible, MINI Countryman JCW ALL4, and MINI Countryman SE ALL4. BMW now plans to introduce a total of 10 MINI products during 2026.
The launch roadmap includes the locally assembled Countryman C alongside nine limited-edition and lifestyle-inspired variants influenced by MINI’s motorsport heritage and design culture.
Several special editions introduced earlier this year, including the MINI Cooper S GP Inspired Edition, MINI Convertible John Cooper Works Pack, and MINI Cooper S Victory Edition, have already sold out, highlighting growing consumer interest in the brand.
Expansion into Tier-2 India
Beyond product launches, BMW is significantly expanding MINI’s retail footprint. The brand currently operates through 12 sales touchpoints across nine Indian cities. During 2026, MINI plans to enter 10 additional markets, many of them located in Tier-2 cities.
The expansion will include cities such as Jaipur, Jodhpur, Lucknow, Ranchi, Guwahati, Surat, and Vijayawada, reflecting BMW’s growing confidence in luxury vehicle demand beyond metropolitan regions.
Rather than creating standalone MINI dealerships, the company will integrate MINI retail operations within existing BMW dealership infrastructure, allowing for faster and more cost-effective expansion.
BMW is also strengthening after-sales support by leveraging its existing nationwide service network. MINI customers will have access to BMW Group India’s 51 service touchpoints spread across 36 cities, ensuring easier maintenance and ownership experience.
Strong Sales Momentum
The strategy comes as MINI continues to witness healthy demand in India. The brand sold 730 units in 2025, representing a 3 percent year-on-year increase.
Growth accelerated further in early 2026, with MINI recording a 42 percent rise in first-quarter sales to 213 units compared to the same period last year.
BMW Group India as a whole delivered strong results, with BMW brand sales rising 15 percent to 17,271 units in 2025. Combined retail sales for BMW and MINI reached 18,001 units, reflecting 14 percent annual growth.
EV Strategy Remains a Priority
While BMW is introducing a new petrol-powered MINI Countryman, the company remains committed to electric mobility. Electric vehicles currently account for 26 percent of BMW Group India’s total sales, with EV volumes surging 83 percent year-on-year during the first quarter of 2026.
The BMW iX1 continues to be the company’s best-selling electric vehicle, crossing 4,000 cumulative units sold in India since launch.
BMW expects electric models to contribute between 20 and 30 percent of MINI sales even after the launch of the ICE-powered Countryman C.
Looking Ahead to Neue Klasse
BMW has also confirmed that its next-generation Neue Klasse electric vehicle architecture will arrive in India in 2027. The platform will feature advanced cylindrical battery technology offering approximately 20 percent higher energy density and 30 percent faster charging capabilities.
Future products based on the platform are expected to include models such as the BMW iX3 50 xDrive and BMW i3 50 xDrive, strengthening the company’s long-term EV ambitions in the Indian market.
With local manufacturing, deeper market penetration, and a balanced mix of conventional and electric vehicles, BMW is positioning MINI for its most aggressive growth phase in India to date.
