The Premium Compact SUV segment grew by 40% compared to the period Q1-Q3 in 2014, thanks mainly to the two models that entered the market roughly a year ago: Mercedes-Benz GLA and Audi Q3.
Highlights:
- Mercedes-Benz GLA remains the segment leader, widening the gap to the 2nd-placed Mini Countryman. It is clear that consumers like the (barely) jacked-up hatchback model, which bodes well for the even less rugged Infiniti QX30
- The other new entrant and distant leader of the Premium Compact SUV segment in Europe, Audi Q3, hasn’t faired nearly as well as the Mercedes-Benz in the market, though part of this may be because it’s been around in Europe since 2011
- BMW X1 continues to lose sales in anticipation of the arrival of the new model, which promises to do much better than the current, slightly awkward-looking model
