BMW AG says group sales in China jumped nearly 52 percent year-over-year to 27,828 units last month, as the company added the locally produced X1 compact crossover to its lineup.

The German automaker is ramping up Chinese production of the X1 and the long-wheelbase 3-series compact sedan.

For the year to date, the company has sold 264,884 BMW-brand vehicles and Minis, up 35 percent year-on-year.

BMW, the No. 2 luxury brand in China, continues to chase market leader Audi AG. Last month, Audi sales rose 30 percent to 35,899 units, while Mercedes-Benz sales slipped 4 percent to 15,895 units.

In the battle for market share, all three German luxury brands have offered incentives, and all three have introduced new entry-level models. This year, Audi has maintained its top ranking while Mercedes-Benz has slipped.