BMW has said it's passed an important 'tipping point' for ICE (internal combustion engine) car sales, and now makes most of its sales growth from EVs.

The comments came from BMW's Chief Financial Officer, Walter Mertl, during a media rountable, reported Reuters. Mertl said: "The tipping point for the combustion engine is already there", adding it was passed last year. 

Ever more stringent environmental laws will make sales of petrol and diesel cars harder in the years to come, he predicted, saying: "The current sales plateau for combustion engine cars will continue and then fall slightly."

Mertl also forecast BMW’s margins for ICEs and EVs won’t reach parity before at least 2026, due to higher production and new battery costs for EVs.

The comments come soon after latest figures show that the German carmaker achieved a 15% pure-electric sales share in 2023. It plans to more than double this to 33% by 2026 thanks to a fast roll-out of new EVs.

The new electric models, launched under the 'Neue Klasse' (new class) philosophy, will use a brand new car platform designed to allow BMW to overtake competitors. 

The first of the new EVs was previewed by the Neue Klasse Concept at last year's Munich Motor Show. A production version of the 3 Series-sized saloon is set to launch in 2025.

BMW showed future direction of its EV with the Neue Klasse Concept last year