The Tesla Model Y and Model 3 are the best selling premium brand vehicles in the United States in 2021 so far, even when taking internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles into account.
Registration data shows the two electric vehicles (EVs) have outsold the likes of Mercedes Benz, BMW, and Lexus, perennial favourites in the luxury segment.
According to data from Experian (via Automotive News), a total of 134,504 Model Y cars have been registered in the US through the end of October 2021.
Not far behind is the Model 3 in second place with 112,314 registrations.
The closest ICE competitor is the Lexus RX SUV, which was able to accumlate 98,297 registrations during the same time period.
When it comes to brand registrations as a whole, Tesla is nipping at the heels of the BMW and Lexus, even though the US automaker offers just four cars in its lineup (and has had only two for most of 2021).
2021 LUXURY REGISTRATIONS IN U.S.
| Jan. 1-Oct. 31, year-over-year change | ||
| 1. BMW | 288,701 | 32% |
|---|---|---|
| 2. Lexus | 272,094 | 29% |
| 3. Tesla | 260,932 | 68% |
| 4. Mercedes-Benz | 230,273 | 9.10% |
| 5. Audi | 181,307 | 27% |
| 6. Acura | 140,858 | 31% |
| 7. Cadillac | 111,191 | 14% |
| 8. Volvo | 106,383 | 25% |
| 9. Lincoln | 78,967 | –5.3% |
| 10. Land Rover | 69,843 | 13% |
| Source: Experian | ||
When specifically looking at the EV segment, Tesla is in a league of their own.
Through the first 10 months of the year, the Model Y and Model 3 have a combined total of 246,818 registrations.
The Chevy Bolt EV, the next most popular EV, garnered just 23,041 registrations in the same time period.
The Bolt EV has been mired in a $2 billion recall of every single Bolt EV and Botl EUV ever made, and General Motors has not made a new one since August.
TOP 10 EV MODELS BY 2021 REGISTRATIONS
| Jan. 1-Oct. 31, year-over-year change | ||
| 1. Tesla Model Y | 134,504 | 182% |
|---|---|---|
| 2. Tesla Model 3 | 112,314 | 39% |
| 3. Chevrolet Bolt EV | 23,041 | 47% |
| 4. Ford Mustang Mach-E | 20,518 | N/A |
| 5. Volkswagen ID4 | 13,787 | N/A |
| 6. Tesla Model S | 12,272 | 9.40% |
| 7. Nissan Leaf | 11,933 | 100% |
| 8. Hyundai Kona | 8,620 | 265% |
| 9. Porsche Taycan | 7,818 | 156% |
| 10. Kia Niro | 6,749 | 210% |
| Source: Experian | ||
