Lexus delivered the strongest profit potential for dealers in Carwow auctions in Q4 2025, according to new analysis of auction sale prices versus retail values.
Lexus led the rankings of marques offering the greatest potential dealer margins from vehicles sold through Carwow’s daily auctions in the final quarter of 2025.
It marked the sixth consecutive quarter the brand has featured in the top three.
The online marketplace compared actual auction selling prices with CAP Retail valuations to calculate potential dealer profit before fees and preparation costs.
Lexus models achieved an average potential margin of £3,490 in Q4, ahead of Land Rover at £3,364 and Audi at £3,255.
At model level, the Audi Q5 delivered the highest potential profit, with a margin of £3,955.
The Kia Sportage ranked second at £2,874, followed by the BMW X5 at £2,796. The Mercedes-Benz GLB (£2,545) and Mercedes-Benz GLA (£2,475) completed the top five.
Matt Cockerill, vice president performance and trading at Carwow, said: “Lexus has featured consistently in our list of ‘most profitable’ brands since the third quarter of 2024, placing in the top three each time and reaching the top spot twice in 2025, underscoring its enduring appeal on the used market.
“SUVs continue to dominate the top 10 models, which is consistent with the strong demand we’ve seen across the wider used market.
“BEVs have reappeared in the list for the first time since the second quarter, a trend we anticipate will continue throughout 2026 as consumer demand and dealer confidence for used EVs converge.
“With 20,000 vehicles available each month, our auctions demonstrate the diversity of stock available on the Carwow platform and the great deals available to our retail partners.”
Carwow said dealers have now purchased more than £3.9 billion worth of vehicles through the platform to date.
Most profitable brands in Q4 2025
Lexus – £3,490
Land Rover – £3,364
Audi – £3,255
Volvo – £2,795
Nissan – £2,679
Tesla – £2,644
Cupra – £2,626
Mercedes-Benz – £2,605
MG – £2,591
Toyota – £2,582
Most profitable models in Q4 2025
Audi Q5 – £3,955
Kia Sportage – £2,874
BMW X5 – £2,796
Mercedes-Benz GLB – £2,545
Mercedes-Benz GLA – £2,475
BMW 1 Series – £2,422
Tesla Model 3 – £2,412
MG ZS – £2,378
Volkswagen Golf – £2,209
Land Rover Defender 110 – £2,202