While most car companies struggle with competition in mass models, the results of the first quarter of 2025 highlight something extraordinary: Bentley and Lamborghini, the two premium brands within the Audi Group, are responsible for around 60% of the group's profit, despite representing only 1% of sales volume. This profit gap shows how important high margins and exclusivity are in the automotive industry.
Lamborghini delivered an impressive performance in the first quarter, delivering 2,967 cars, a record number for the period, and generating revenue of €895.2 million. This represents a growth of 29.6%, with the brand's operating profit reaching €248.1 million, an increase of 32.8%. The main driver of this growth was sales of the rebranded Audi RSQ8 - Lamborghini Urus.
At the same time, Bentley saw a slight decline. Deliveries fell by 4.7% to 2,388 cars, and profit fell by over 40% to €71 million. However, the company maintained its role in the group's profits thanks to the high prices of its models and a loyal customer base.
The results of these two brands clearly demonstrate an important economic lesson: for every Lamborghini sold, the brand generates a profit of €83,000. Luxury and powerful cars may not dominate sales volumes, but their margins make them extremely valuable. This is why Volkswagen Group continues to support the development of Lamborghini and Bentley, even though they represent a small portion of the total volume of cars sold.
As the automotive world moves towards mass electrification and an increasingly competitive environment for affordable models, premium brands are emerging as a pillar of stability. They are not just exhibits of the technological progress of German engineers, but are the main sources of revenue. Are the huge margins of Lamborghini and Bentley justified?
Martin Todorov is working on the topic