BMW named top luxury car brand in the US, beating Mercedes-Benz, Lexus and Audi

BMW has overtaken Mercedes-Benz to become the top selling luxury car brand in the U.S. in 2014. The automaker sold 339,738 vehicles, which is around 9,000 more than its closest rival and former titleholder Mercedes-Benz. In 2013, Mercedes scooped the title, selling around 3,000 more than BMW.

BMW's car sales in the U.S. increased 9.8 percent during 2013, compared with the U.S. auto market's average of a 5.9 percent.

Daimler owned manufacturer Mercedes-Benz witnessed a 5.7 percent increase in sales, while Toyota owned Lexus came in at number three, selling 311,389 vehicles, a 13.7 percent increase.

Volkswagen-owned Audi claimed the fourth position, overtaking General Motor's Cadillac. Audi reported sales of 182,011, up 15.2 percent, while Cadillac sales fell by 6.5 percent to 170,750 units.

The top U.S. luxury automakers 2014