Tesla Model Y is again the champion of Europe in terms of sales in September 2025, marking a significant comeback of the American automaker. The all-electric midsize SUV sold 25,938 units last month, according to data provided by Dataforce (even though this is a decrease compared to the previous year by 8.6%). For the first time in 2025, the Model Y has taken the No. 1 position, further proving its popularity despite a turbulent year for Tesla on the continent.
This was actually unexpected for the industry watchers. The Model Y had experienced a severe up and down in recent months as it was ranked 60th in July, whereas in June it was positioned at second. It recovered in August to re-enter the 17th place, which predetermined its powerful recovery in September.
Competition from Traditional European Brands
Tesla’s comeback is in the time of intense competition from European car manufacturers. Renault Clio placed second in September with a sales volume of 20,146, which is a small 1.6% reduction from the previous year. The performance shown by the Clio is especially remarkable, as it transitions to the new sixth-generation model, which was revealed at the IAA Munich Auto Show and is scheduled for introduction in 2026.
The Dacia Sandero snatched the third position, having sold 19,200 units, which is a growth of 3.2% compared to the same period of the previous year. The Sandero has been a consumer favorite because of its low cost and utility, and it has still been doing well in cost-conscious markets in Europe.
Volkswagen Dominates the Top Six
The month of September was fantastic for Volkswagen as three of its models made it to the top six. VW T-Roc, Golf, and Tiguan were ranked fourth, fifth, and sixth, respectively. The T-Roc registered a superb 50% sales growth, the Golf recorded a 16% growth, and the Tiguan registered a 14% decline over last year.
The result of these performances saw an overall European sales growth of Volkswagen in September of 9.7% to 124,875 vehicles, which is more than 11,000 vehicles per year. This revival shows how VW has managed to combine compact SUVs with classic hatchbacks and attract a large consumer base despite the growing EV competition.
Surprise Winners and Losers in the Rankings
A number of other brands also showed impressive results. Nissan Qashqai moved to the top 15 with a 36% increase in sales of 15,137 units, as compared with 22nd position in the same year. Volvo XC60 also successfully re-entered the business sphere, taking 48th position and increasing sales by 26%.
In the meantime, China’s BYD has taken a drastic jump with its Seal U SUV, which jumped from 187th to 22nd position, increasing by 830% to nearly 11,500 units. This highlights BYD having an expanding presence in the European EV market.
Other winners were the BMW 1 Series, which gained by 154 percent, MG HS, which gained by 138%, and Audi A3, which gained by 33 percent, all of which became the beneficiaries of renewed interest in small and premium segments.
On the other hand, a number of the hot models experienced falls. Ford Kuga declined by 20% to 8,411 units, VW Polo declined by 16% to 12,790 units, and Mini Cooper declined by 14% to 8,891 units, indicating a decline in the demand for the traditional small car.
