BYD Seal, Tesla Model 3 already outselling BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Malaysia

The compact exec duo that are the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class have been the staple first ‘I’ve made it’ rung for as long as we can remember, but are things changing? According to JPJ data, more BYD Seals and Tesla Model 3s have been registered in Malaysia compared to the German pair as of January-August 2024.

There are quite a few ways to look at the data – ICE and EV, Europe versus non-Europe, old guard against young charge. And that’s before we even consider the fierce rivalries between themselves.

As of the first eight months of 2024, 2,267 BYD Seals and 1,978 Tesla Model 3s have been registered, against 1,953 BMW 3 Series and 1,684 Mercedes-Benz C-Classes. This brings the score to 4,245 for BYD-Tesla and 3,637 for BMW-Mercedes – a delta of just over 600 units.

When exactly did the tables turn? Analysing the data cumulatively, instead of monthly, reveals that the Model 3 dominated the first quarter with 768 units from Jan-Mar. But because only 94 units were registered in April (due to wait-and-see for the Performance variant?), it fell behind the C-Class, which had accumulated 953 units year-to-date by that month, although the Mercedes’ monthly sales were much less from here on.

Because the BYD Seal was only launched in February, cumulatively it stayed at the back of the quartet up through April. The tipping point was May, when the Seal hit an impressive 581 units – the highest monthly number in the table – allowing it to jump from last place in this comparison to first place cumulatively at 1,421 units.

The Tesla was running second at 1,178 units, the BMW third at 1,142 units and the Mercedes fourth at 1,138 units, year-to-date May – yes, at this point Team EV overtook Team ICE, and the rebound has yet to happen.

The Seal continued to hang on to its crown despite the 3 Series outselling it in June (481 versus 343 units), which actually brought the BMW’s cumulative placing up to second (1,623 units versus the Seal’s 1,764 units).

In July, the Seal broke through the 2,000-unit cumulative mark; the 3 Series was not far behind with nearly 1,800 units because of its strong showing the month before.

With a few months left to go before we close the book on 2024, who do you think will come out on top?

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