BMW remains number one premium manufacturer

The result makes BMW, which also outsells Toyota's Lexus, the world's top-selling premium brand.

Nonetheless the margin between BMW and Audi isn't all that high. BMW had a global increase of 14 percent over the same period in 2009 to sell 265,809 in the first quarter, compared with 264,100 for Audi. A difference of just 1709 cars.

BMW sales were pushed along thanks to the newly launched BMW X1 as well as a 54 percent increase in sales for the 7 Series sedan. In Australia BMW sold 1,479 cars in March compared to Audi's 1,163 while Mercedes-Benz remained the best selling premium manufacturer in Australia with 1,799 units sold.

This year will prove to be interesting for all three manufacturers as they launch a series of new models. BMW will soon launch the new 5 Series in Australia as well the updated 3 Series coupe and convertible.

Year to date (end of March), BMW has sold 4,316 cars in Australia compared to Audi at 3,710 and Mercedes-Benz at 4,739.